Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally around 12 to 14 years, which is a good longevity for a small sporty dog. This duration depends on the quality of the breeding, lifestyle hygiene, ideal weight, and the regularity of preventive follow-up.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Rustic, hardy and well built, this dog copes well with an active life when it is properly cared for. Its robustness does not rule out basic vigilance regarding growth, weight, dental condition and reproductive monitoring in males.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
The main vigilance reported concerns certain testicular abnormalities observed in some males, such as monorchidism or cryptorchidism. Apart from this point, the issue is mainly to maintain good physical condition and regular preventive monitoring rather than to watch for a frequent breed disease.
Cryptorchidism or monorchidism: Some males may present an abnormality in testicular descent, which deserves veterinary monitoring and may influence reproduction.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Originally from southern Spain, it is rather comfortable in mild to warm climates, while remaining less protected against the cold than a dog with an abundant undercoat. In winter or in damp weather, the duration of outings must be adjusted if temperatures drop sharply.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This active dog generally keeps a good figure if it expends enough energy, but a diet that is too rich or a lifestyle that is too sedentary can quickly throw its silhouette off balance. Monitoring body condition and adjusting quantities according to activity are essential.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Check testicular descent in young males.
- Maintain a healthy weight through exercise and an adjusted ration.
- Have a preventive veterinary check-up at least once a year.
Vaccination
Andalusian Ratter vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Andalusian Ratter need? Like all dogs, Andalusian Ratters should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Andalusian Ratter 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 Andalusian Ratter 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 Andalusian Ratter 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 Andalusian Ratter
An annual veterinary examination, monitoring of weight, dentition and locomotor condition, as well as a check of testicular descent in young males constitute a reasonable basis for follow-up for this breed.
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.
