Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is around 10 to 12 years. A suitable diet, well-balanced daily activity, maintaining a stable weight and regular veterinary follow-up help preserve its quality of life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its selection as a hunting dog in alpine terrain has given it good resistance to exertion and to outdoor conditions. Its double coat protects it effectively, but its low and elongated morphology justifies avoiding excess weight as well as repetitive efforts that place excessive strain on the back.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
The breed does not present any emblematic hereditary disease reported by the main reference. Preventive attention must nevertheless be paid to the areas and functions most stressed by its morphology and its active lifestyle.
External otitis: Drooping ears can trap moisture and debris, which warrants appropriate inspection and cleaning.
Back and joint strain: The elongated body and short limbs make weight control and the prevention of repetitive strain particularly important.
Overweight: An overly rich ration during less active periods can increase strain on the back and joints.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its dense outer coat and thick undercoat offer it good protection against cold and bad weather. Its tolerance to heat is average: during hot periods, activities must be scheduled during cool hours, with permanent access to shade and water.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Adult weight should remain proportionate to its small, sturdy build, generally between 15 and 18 kg. Portions must be weighed, treats limited and the ration adjusted to the activity level, because excess weight increases strain on the back and joints.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Inspect the ears after outings and clean them with a suitable product.
- Brush the coat every week and more during shedding.
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the back and joints.
- Adjust the effort in case of high heat.
- Carry out a veterinary check-up at least once a year.
Vaccination
Alpine Dachsbracke vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Alpine Dachsbracke need? Like all dogs, Alpine Dachsbrackes should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Alpine Dachsbracke 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 Alpine Dachsbracke 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 Alpine Dachsbracke 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 Alpine Dachsbracke
An annual veterinary examination is recommended, with monitoring of weight, ears, teeth, skin and the musculoskeletal system. In a dog intended for breeding, an exchange with the veterinarian and the breeder about orthopedic follow-up and family history makes it possible to adapt the screenings.
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.
