Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy around 12 to 14 years, the Spitz des Wisigoths often enjoys good longevity when it leads an active life, maintains a proper physical condition and benefits from regular health monitoring. Prevention, weight maintenance and eye monitoring help it age well.
Build
A robust breed?
It is an enduring dog, well equipped for outdoor life and daily activities. Its solid build makes it a reliable companion for active households, even if this robustness does not dispense with a serious selection of breeding stock and vigilance regarding the known sensitive points of the breed.
Watch points
What to watch for
The breed does not present a major accumulation of known disorders, but particular attention must be paid to eye health and the locomotor system. Regular monitoring makes it possible to detect any potential problems early and to keep the dog in good conditions of mobility and comfort.
Progressive retinal atrophy : Degenerative eye condition that can lead to a progressive decrease in vision and then blindness.
Patellar luxation : Abnormal displacement of the kneecap that can cause discomfort, intermittent lameness, or locomotor discomfort.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Spitz of the Visigoths generally tolerates the cold well thanks to its dense undercoat and its protective coat. It tolerates high heat more moderately and must then have shade, fresh water and activities adapted to the least hot hours.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The breed may show a certain tendency to gain weight if the diet is too rich or if activity becomes insufficient. Regular monitoring of the body shape, well-measured portions and daily outings help to prevent overweight and to protect the joints.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Monitor vision and consult promptly in case of ocular changes
- Maintain a stable weight to preserve the joints
- Check the condition of the ears, eyes and paw pads after outings
- Brush more often during shedding periods
Vaccination
Spitz des Wisigoths vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Spitz des Wisigoths? Like all cats, the Spitz des Wisigoths receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Spitz des Wisigoths is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Spitz des Wisigoths vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Spitz des Wisigoths?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Spitz des Wisigoths
An ophthalmological follow-up is relevant given the breed’s sensitivity to certain eye conditions. During veterinary visits, it is also useful to monitor locomotion, the kneecaps and the general condition in order to intervene quickly in case of any unusual sign.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
