Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy of around 12 to 14 years, this breed is in a good average for a medium-sized scenthound. Longevity depends mainly on the quality of the breeding, weight control, joint care, and the regularity of veterinary follow-up.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Bosnian Hound shows good overall hardiness and tolerates outdoor living well when it has suitable shelter. As with many working dogs, its sturdiness does not eliminate the need to monitor the joints, the eyes and recovery after exertion.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Even though it is generally robust, this dog deserves particular attention from a locomotor and ophthalmological standpoint. Regular observation of its gait, its vision and its physical condition helps to detect early problems that may hinder its activity.
Cataract: An opacification of the lens can progressively impair vision and warrants prompt veterinary follow-up if the eyes become cloudy.
Hip dysplasia: This joint condition can cause locomotor discomfort, pain, and osteoarthritis, especially if the dog gains weight or makes poorly adapted efforts.
Elbow dysplasia: It can cause lameness and discomfort in an otherwise active dog, hence the value of serious selection of breeding dogs.
Progressive retinal atrophy: This slowly progressing eye disease can reduce vision up to functional blindness, with early signs that are sometimes subtle.
Patellar luxation: Intermittent or permanent displacement of the kneecap can hinder weight-bearing and requires a veterinary assessment depending on severity.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Thanks to its double, harsh and abundant coat, the Bosnian Hound tolerates cold and bad weather well. It also copes fairly well with heat if the effort is adapted, but intense outings must remain limited during high temperatures and always be accompanied by access to water and shade.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This active breed more easily maintains a good body condition if its physical exertion remains regular. It is advisable to adjust rations according to age, activity level and season, while monitoring body condition to avoid weight gain that would strain the joints.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Check the ears after outings in nature to remove debris and parasites.
- Monitor gait and recovery after exertion to spot joint discomfort.
- Maintain a stable weight in order to limit the load on the hips and elbows.
- Have any change in vision or in the appearance of the eyes examined promptly.
Vaccination
Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound need? Like all dogs, Bosnian Coarse-haired Hounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Bosnian Coarse-haired 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 Bosnian Coarse-haired 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 Bosnian Coarse-haired 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 Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound
It is relevant to favor breeding dogs monitored for hips, elbows and certain eye conditions. On a daily basis, regular veterinary check-ups, combined with examination of the ears, eyes, pads and coat after outings, helps to keep the dog in good condition.
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.
