Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 11 and 13 years, which is respectable for a dog of this size. A suitable diet, controlled weight, regular exercise without excess and rigorous veterinary follow-up help preserve its longevity.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The breed shows good overall robustness and tolerates an active outdoor life well when conditions remain reasonable. Its solid build does not eliminate the need for particular vigilance during growth and in adulthood to preserve the joints and body condition.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Even if no single fragility systematically dominates the breed, the size, growth and lifestyle require serious prevention. Regular observation of locomotion, digestion and recovery after exertion helps to quickly spot the first signs of discomfort.
Hip dysplasia: Joint vigilance is recommended in this large dog, with screening and weight management to limit the impact on locomotion.
Panosteitis: This growth disorder can affect young large-breed dogs and warrants monitoring if lameness appears.
Gastric torsion: The digestive risk in large dogs requires splitting meals and avoiding intense exertion around feeding.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its dense coat offers it adequate protection against cold and moderate bad weather. On the other hand, extreme conditions, notably intense heat or strenuous efforts in high temperatures, must be avoided. Permanent access to shade and water is essential in summer.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Maintaining a stable weight is essential in this large breed in order to limit the load on the joints and reduce the risk of metabolic or locomotor complications. It is advisable to adjust rations according to age, physical condition and actual activity, while avoiding excessive treats.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor growth and locomotion from the earliest age.
- Monitor the hips and consult in case of lameness or stiffness.
- Maintain a stable weight throughout life.
- Consult promptly in case of a swollen abdomen, agitation, or unproductive retching.
Vaccination
Alentejo Mastiff vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Alentejo Mastiff need? Like all dogs, Alentejo Mastiffs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Alentejo Mastiff vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Alentejo Mastiff booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Alentejo Mastiff need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Alentejo Mastiff
Particular attention must be paid to joint screening, especially of the hips. In a puppy intended to grow quickly, growth monitoring and the quality of the diet are important. In adulthood, a regular clinical examination also makes it possible to monitor osteoarticular and digestive health.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
