Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 14 years, which is satisfactory for a scenthound of this size. This longevity depends greatly on the quality of care, daily activity, weight control, and the prevention of minor problems related to outdoor living.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Chien d'Artois is considered a rather robust breed, with a rustic build and good endurance. Its natural sturdiness does not exempt it from regular monitoring of the condition of the ears, paw pads, teeth and body condition, especially in a dog used for hunting.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Vigilance focuses mainly on routine care and prevention: checking the ears after outings, monitoring weight outside periods of intense activity, examining the paw pads and standard veterinary follow-up. Good lifestyle hygiene limits most of the issues encountered in this type of dog.
External otitis: Its long, drooping ears can retain moisture and debris, which justifies regular monitoring, especially after outings outdoors.
Overweight: The breed may tend to gain weight if activity decreases without adjusting rations, particularly outside the hunting season.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Chien d'Artois lives well outdoors, but its tolerance is not unlimited in the face of high heat as well as marked cold. It must have a proper shelter, fresh water at all times and an activity adapted to weather conditions, avoiding intense efforts during the hottest hours.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This breed can gain weight if its energy expenditure decreases while rations remain unchanged. It is therefore useful to adjust the diet according to the season, the level of exercise and age, then to regularly monitor the silhouette and weight to prevent overweight.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Check the ears after outings and clean them if needed.
- Examine the paw pads, coat and skin after walks in natural terrain.
- Maintain an annual veterinary follow-up and regular weight monitoring.
Vaccination
Artois Hound vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Artois Hound need? Like all dogs, Artois Hounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Artois Hound 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 Artois Hound 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 Artois Hound 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 Artois Hound
An annual veterinary examination, supplemented by monitoring of the teeth, ears and locomotor condition, constitutes an appropriate basis. In a very active subject or one used for hunting, a more attentive check of physical condition and minor field injuries is relevant.
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.
