Longevity
Life expectancy
A balanced diet, controlled growth, regular activity without excess in the young dog and preventive veterinary monitoring help preserve its quality of life until an advanced age for a dog of this size.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its selection in harsh environments has given it endurance, resistance to bad weather and great overall sturdiness. Its double coat protects it effectively, but its significant body mass can put strain on the joints and the cardiovascular system over the years.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Regular monitoring of locomotion, digestion, weight, eyes and cardiac condition is recommended. In the puppy, the growth rate must be controlled in order to limit stress on the skeleton.
Hip and elbow dysplasia: These joint abnormalities can cause pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis, with an increased risk in heavy, fast-growing dogs.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus: This life-threatening emergency affects large, deep-chested dogs more and requires immediate consultation in case of a swollen abdomen or unproductive retching.
Eye conditions: Ophthalmologic monitoring helps detect early certain hereditary or age-related abnormalities.
Heart conditions: A veterinary check-up is recommended in the presence of exercise intolerance, coughing, faintness, or a family history.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its dense undercoat allows it to withstand cold and bad weather well. In high heat, it must have shade, fresh water and a ventilated place, with outings postponed to the coolest hours. Regular brushing helps remove dead undercoat without ever shaving the coat.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The breed shows a marked tendency to gain weight if portions exceed actual energy expenditure. It is advisable to weigh the ration, limit treats, monitor body condition and adjust intake to age, neutering and activity level.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the weight, joints and mobility checked regularly.
- Keep up with vaccinations, antiparasitic treatments and veterinary check-ups.
- Brush once or twice a week and daily during shedding.
- Inspect the ears, eyes, teeth, paw pads and claws.
- Seek emergency veterinary care in case of a swollen abdomen with unproductive retching.
Vaccination
Central Asian Shepherd Dog vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Central Asian Shepherd Dog need? Like all dogs, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Central Asian 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 Central Asian 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 Central Asian 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Before breeding, it is advisable to have the hips and elbows evaluated, to carry out an ophthalmological examination and to request a cardiac assessment depending on the lineage history. Regular clinical examinations, with monitoring of weight and mobility, complete this prevention.
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.
