Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally around 10 to 12 years, which is consistent for a large to very large dog. Well-managed growth, controlled weight and regular veterinary follow-up help preserve its mobility and comfort over the years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The breed is hardy and capable of working for a long time, notably on track, but it is not free from fragilities. Its skin, its ears, its eyes and its joints deserve constant attention, in particular in heavy subjects or those insufficiently maintained.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Regular monitoring helps limit the impact of the most common problems in the breed. Hygiene of the skin folds, checking the drooping ears, weight management, and attention paid to the eyes and locomotion are essential throughout the dog's life.
Entropion: The eyelid margin rolls inward and irritates the cornea, which may require prompt veterinary care.
Ectropion: The lower eyelid is too lax, exposing the eye to irritation, conjunctivitis, and chronic discomfort.
Hip dysplasia: As in other large dogs, poor joint congruence can lead to lameness, pain, and osteoarthritis.
Skin fold dermatitis: Moisture and friction in skin folds promote redness, bad odors, and infections if hygiene is insufficient.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus: The risk exists in giant, deep-chested dogs and requires splitting meals and avoiding exertion just before and after eating.
Otitis: Its long, drooping ears retain moisture and can promote inflammation of the ear canal.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Thanks to its dense coat, the Chien de Saint Hubert generally tolerates cool weather and humidity better than high heat. In summer, outings should be preferred during mild hours, shade should be ensured, and intense exertion should be avoided in hot weather.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This breed shows a tendency to gain weight and must stay slim to spare its joints. An adjusted ration, regular weigh-ins and well-controlled treats are particularly important in this large dog that is readily greedy.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Inspect and clean the ears every week.
- Dry and monitor the skin folds to prevent irritation.
- Consult promptly in case of a red, watery, or painful eye.
- Maintain regular activity without joint overload during growth.
Vaccination
Bloodhound vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Bloodhound need? Like all dogs, Bloodhounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Bloodhound 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 Bloodhound 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 Bloodhound 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 Bloodhound
Ophthalmological follow-up, an orthopedic examination, and monitoring of the skin and ears are recommended. In breeding dogs as in young adults, hip evaluation and attention paid to the eyelids help to detect early the problems most relevant to the 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.
