Longevity
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Cao de Castro Laboreiro is generally between 10 and 13 years. This longevity depends on the quality of the diet, maintaining good physical condition, weight control, and veterinary follow-up throughout life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Mountain and working breed, the Cao de Castro Laboreiro stands out for a solid build and good overall endurance. Its natural hardiness is a real asset, provided its exercise needs, its pace of life and its recovery are respected.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Even if no major predisposition is clearly highlighted for the breed, it remains important to monitor the dog's locomotor condition, skin, ears and overall condition, especially with age or in the case of sustained activity.
Hip dysplasia: Like many dogs, the Cao de Castro Laboreiro may have a joint malformation that promotes pain and osteoarthritis, especially in cases of overweight.
Eye conditions: An ophthalmological examination of breeding dogs and monitoring for tearing or vision issues remain useful.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus: Large dogs are more exposed: split meals and avoid intense exertion around feeding times.
Elbow dysplasia: This developmental joint condition can cause lameness and early osteoarthritis.
Otitis and skin allergies: Itching, redness, or dirty ears should be checked, especially if the dog works in dense cover.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Cao de Castro Laboreiro tolerates cold well thanks to its mountain origins and its hardiness. On the other hand, it tolerates high heat less well and must be able to benefit from shade, fresh water and an adapted level of exertion during the summer period.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This breed is not among those most prone to weight gain, but regular monitoring of body condition remains useful to preserve mobility and joint comfort. A measured diet and sufficient daily activity are the best levers for prevention.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Maintain a stable weight and monitor gait.
- Keep up with vaccinations, deworming and identification.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness, vomiting or lethargy.
Vaccination
Cão de Castro Laboreiro vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Cão de Castro Laboreiro need? Like all dogs, Cão de Castro Laboreiros should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Cão de Castro Laboreiro 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 Cão de Castro Laboreiro 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 Cão de Castro Laboreiro 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 Cão de Castro Laboreiro
An annual veterinary check-up, monitoring of locomotion, ear care and regular antiparasitic prevention are recommended. If there is any doubt about gait, fatigue or discomfort, a prompt clinical examination helps to rule out an orthopedic or general 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.
