Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy generally between 11 and 14 years, the Cursinu can remain active for a long time when it benefits from a balanced diet, regular exercise and routine veterinary care. As with many working dogs, quality of life depends greatly on muscle maintenance, weight and lifestyle.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Rustic by nature, the Cursinu copes well with outdoor life and proves to be hardy. This sturdiness does not exempt it from serious care: measured feeding, weight control, checking the paw pads and monitoring after outings on difficult terrain remain essential to keep a truly solid dog over time.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Daily vigilance focuses mainly on weight, the condition of the paws and skin after outings, as well as the recovery of a very active dog. Regular monitoring also helps to detect early any locomotor discomfort or drop in form that could go unnoticed in a willing and hardy dog.
Hip dysplasia: Like many dogs, the Cursinu 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 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
The Cursinu generally tolerates both heat and cold very well, provided it has water, shade and an activity rhythm adapted to the conditions. Its rustic type makes it comfortable outdoors, but intense efforts must still be adjusted during periods of high heat.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Cursinu must not be allowed to gain weight. Measured portions, counted treats and a real level of daily activity are the best levers to maintain its athletic build and protect its endurance as well as its joints.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Check paw pads, skin and ears after outings in nature or hunting.
- Regularly monitor weight and body shape to keep a lean and agile dog.
- Maintain a real level of physical and mental activity throughout the year.
Vaccination
Cursinu vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Cursinu need? Like all dogs, Cursinus should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Cursinu 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 Cursinu 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 Cursinu 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 Cursinu
An annual veterinary examination, weight monitoring, dental check-ups and particular attention to the locomotor system are most often sufficient in this hardy breed. For a hunting or working dog, inspection of the ears, paw pads and skin after outings is also recommended.
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.
