Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate diet, controlled weight and regular veterinary follow-up, the Devon Rex can live from 12 to 15 years, sometimes longer. Its longevity depends greatly on the quality of the original breeding, prevention and its lifestyle in a secure indoor environment.
Build
A robust breed?
Its robustness is average. The Devon Rex is lively and energetic, but its skin and fine coat, as well as certain hereditary predispositions known in the breed, require regular monitoring.
Watch points
What to watch for
Vigilance must focus on cardiac and neuromuscular history, on the condition of the kneecaps, as well as on ear hygiene, which is often more exposed to irritations and infections. Careful monitoring of weight, mobility and behavior remains important throughout its life.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy : Heart condition observed in the breed, which can progress subtly at first and requires regular veterinary monitoring.
Patellar luxation : Knee instability that can cause lameness, discomfort when walking, or joint wear depending on the degree of involvement.
Hereditary myopathy : Rare neuromuscular disorder described in the Devon Rex, responsible for muscle weakness and variable motor difficulties.
Otitis and ear irritations : Its large, poorly protected ears require regular care to limit excess sebum, irritations, and infections.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Devon Rex tolerates cold poorly due to its short, fine coat. It appreciates temperate interiors, warm bedding and corners sheltered from drafts. In hot periods, it is also necessary to ensure it has fresh water, shade and good ventilation.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
This cat can be greedy and must maintain a slim and muscular silhouette. Measured portions, divided into small meals, combined with daily play, help to limit excess weight and preserve its mobility.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Clean the ears regularly with a suitable product recommended by the veterinarian.
- Monitor any unusual fatigue, limping, or decrease in muscle tone.
- Maintain a stable weight thanks to measured portions and daily play.
- Plan an annual veterinary check-up with particular attention to the heart and joints.
Vaccination
Devon Rex vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Devon Rex? Like all dogs, the Devon Rex receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Devon Rex is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based 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 diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based 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 Devon Rex vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Devon Rex?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Devon Rex
An annual veterinary examination with cardiac auscultation, weight check, joint assessment and ear check is recommended. Depending on the line and family history, targeted screening for cardiac or neuromuscular conditions may be relevant.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
