Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally in a good average for a dog of this size. A suitable diet, a stable weight, regular activity and consistent veterinary follow-up promote more comfortable aging.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Rustic and hardy, the Fila de Sao Miguel copes well with an active life when it benefits from simple but regular care. Its robustness does not exempt it from vigilance regarding growth, joints and overall physical condition.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
The main points of vigilance mainly concern the locomotor system and the digestive risk linked to large active dogs. Well-managed growth, avoiding intense efforts around meals and the choice of breeding dogs monitored from an orthopedic standpoint are important.
Gastric torsion: The digestive risk must be taken into account as with other active dogs of good size, notably by avoiding intense exertion just before and after meals.
Hip dysplasia: This orthopedic condition should continue to be monitored, even if it is not described as frequent, because it can hinder mobility and long-term comfort.
Elbow dysplasia: Monitoring is recommended in growing subjects and dogs that are heavily physically exerted in order to limit joint repercussions.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its short coat provides moderate protection, but it remains more sensitive to extreme weather conditions than a dog with an abundant undercoat. During periods of intense heat as well as marked cold, outings, exercise intensity and time spent outside must be adapted.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Maintaining an ideal weight is essential to limit strain on the hips and elbows. Portions must be adjusted to the dog's actual activity and treats given in moderation, regularly monitoring body shape and body mass.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have hips and elbows checked in dogs intended for work or breeding.
- Maintain regular activity without sudden overloads during growth.
- Consult promptly in case of a swollen abdomen, agitation or an unproductive attempt to vomit.
Vaccination
Fila de São Miguel vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Fila de São Miguel need? Like all dogs, Fila de São Miguels should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Fila de São Miguel 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 Fila de São Miguel 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 Fila de São Miguel 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 Fila de São Miguel
Orthopedic monitoring of the hips and elbows is relevant, especially before breeding or in dogs that are heavily physically stressed. The veterinarian can also help prevent digestive disorders and adapt the lifestyle hygiene according to age and activity.
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.
