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.
Build
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.
Watch points
What to watch 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
Cold and heat tolerance
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
Tendency to gain weight
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.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it 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 vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Alentejo Mastiff? Like all dogs, the Alentejo Mastiff receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Alentejo Mastiff is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based 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 diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based 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 vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Alentejo Mastiff?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting 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 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.
