Longevity
Life expectancy
Its lifespan is usually between 10 and 11 years. A suitable diet, maintaining a stable weight, regular activity and preventive monitoring help preserve its quality of life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its strong build and protective coat allow it to withstand the demanding conditions of mountainous regions. This hardiness does not exempt it from veterinary prevention, sufficient recovery after exertion, and regular inspection of the body.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
In the absence of any specifically reported hereditary disease, vigilance focuses mainly on the locomotor condition, the skin, the ears, the eyes, the paw pads, the dentition and weight changes.
Hip dysplasia: Like many dogs, the Berger de l'Atlas can have a joint malformation that promotes pain and osteoarthritis, especially in cases of overweight.
Eye conditions: An ophthalmological examination of breeding dogs and monitoring of tearing or vision remain useful.
Otitis and skin allergies: Itching, redness, or dirty ears must be checked, especially if the dog works in cover.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its dense coat effectively protects it from the cold as well as the heat encountered in its regions of origin. It must nevertheless have shade, fresh water and reduced activity during hot hours, while a dry shelter remains necessary in bad weather.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The tendency to gain weight is rather moderate, but its ration must match its actual activity. Regular weighing, counted treats and daily outings help maintain an athletic silhouette.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Carry out a veterinary check-up at least once a year.
- Regularly inspect the eyes, ears and paw pads.
- Brush weekly and daily during shedding periods.
- Keep vaccinations, antiparasitics and dental hygiene up to date.
Vaccination
Atlas Shepherd Dog vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Atlas Shepherd Dog need? Like all dogs, Atlas Shepherd Dogs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Atlas Shepherd Dog 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 Atlas Shepherd Dog 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 Atlas Shepherd Dog 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 Atlas Shepherd Dog
An annual veterinary examination, the checking of joints and gait, the inspection of the ears, eyes, skin and paw pads as well as dental follow-up are recommended. Breeding dogs must be chosen with documented health monitoring, even if no congenital condition specific to the breed is reported.
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.
