Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 14 years. A balanced diet, regular activity, annual veterinary check-ups and good oral hygiene promote a long and active life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its athletic build and its past as a working dog give it good endurance. This robustness does not exempt you from monitoring its joints, especially during growth, nor from avoiding intense exertion just before and after meals.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Monitoring should focus mainly on locomotion, the eyes, body condition and recovery after exertion. Any persistent lameness, stiffness, visual discomfort or unusual decrease in activity warrants a veterinary consultation.
Hip dysplasia: Poor congruence of the joint can lead to pain, lameness and osteoarthritis; screening breeding dogs reduces the risk.
Elbow dysplasia: This growth disorder can cause lameness of the forelimbs and warrants radiographic screening in the lines concerned.
Hereditary eye disorders: Some lines, notably wire-haired, may be affected by abnormalities of the iridocorneal angle; an ophthalmological examination is recommended.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its undercoat provides it with adequate protection against cold and bad weather. It generally tolerates temperate climates, but exercise must be reduced during the hot hours in summer, with permanent access to shade and water. Long-haired or dense-coated varieties require increased vigilance during periods of intense heat.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
As the breed is very active, its needs vary greatly depending on the work performed. The ration must be adjusted to body condition rather than appetite, extras limited and the dog weighed regularly. The ribs should remain easily palpable without being prominent.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Check the hips and elbows of breeding dogs.
- Maintain an athletic weight throughout life.
- Adjust jumping and intense efforts during growth.
- Have the eyes examined according to the breed club's recommendations.
- Inspect ears, paw pads and coat after active outings.
Vaccination
Dutch Shepherd vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Dutch Shepherd need? Like all dogs, Dutch Shepherds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd
Before breeding, it is recommended to request the results of hip and elbow screening as well as a recent ophthalmological examination. Depending on the variety and bloodlines, the veterinarian or the breed club may advise additional checks. Family history and genetic diversity must also be studied.
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.
