Longevity
Life expectancy
With a balanced diet, a controlled weight, appropriate care and regular veterinary monitoring, it generally lives between 14 and 18 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Its build is rather solid and its dense coat protects it from bad weather. Its robustness does not, however, exempt it from careful prevention of the kidney, heart and skin conditions reported in the breed.
Watch points
What to watch for
Regular monitoring helps detect early the disorders to which the breed may be predisposed. Any change in thirst, urination, breathing, exercise tolerance, or skin condition should lead to consulting a veterinarian.
Polycystic kidney disease : Serious and irreversible genetic disease characterized by the development of cysts in the kidneys.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy : Heart condition causing a thickening of the walls of the heart and requiring veterinary monitoring.
Allergies and skin irritations : The skin may develop minor allergies or become irritated when the coat does not receive appropriate care.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its short but dense coat, composed of three layers, offers appreciable protection against bad weather. However, it must still have shelter and a temperate environment, especially during extreme heat or intense cold.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The ration must be adapted to age, morphology, health status and daily energy expenditure. Overfeeding can promote obesity; it is therefore important to measure portions, limit excesses and regularly monitor changes in weight.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Keep recommended vaccinations up to date.
- Have the heart and kidney function checked regularly.
- Examine the skin and coat to spot irritation or allergies.
- Clean the ears regularly with a suitable product.
Vaccination
American Wirehair vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a American Wirehair? Like all dogs, the American Wirehair receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for American Wirehair 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 American Wirehair 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 American Wirehair?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy American Wirehair
Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended, with particular attention paid to the kidneys, the heart and the skin. The vaccination schedule must be kept up to date against the main feline diseases, notably panleukopenia, cat flu and leukaemia depending on lifestyle, as well as rabies when it is indicated.
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.
