Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual lifespan is between 12 and 14 years. A suitable diet, regular activity, maintaining a healthy weight and preventive veterinary monitoring help preserve its quality of life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its strong build, its origin as a working dog and its dense coat give it good overall resistance. This robustness does not, however, exempt it from the recommended vaccinations, antiparasitic treatments and veterinary check-ups.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
No specific hereditary condition is reported as characteristic of the breed in the main source. Nevertheless, it is advisable to regularly monitor the ears, eyes, skin, paw pads, teeth, joints and changes in weight.
Hip dysplasia: Like many dogs, the Frisian Water Dog 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 of 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
Its dense, curly coat allows it to withstand the cold well. Its tolerance to heat is more moderate: during hot periods, outings must be scheduled during cool hours, with shade and water available.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate. The ration must be adjusted to its age, its weight and its activity level, then reassessed if its silhouette changes. Treats must remain measured and included in the daily intake.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Examine the coat, ears, eyes and paw pads after outings in natural environments.
- Brush the teeth regularly to limit tartar.
- Increase brushing during the seasonal molt.
- Have the weight and mobility checked during veterinary visits.
Vaccination
Frisian Water Dog vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Frisian Water Dog need? Like all dogs, Frisian Water Dogs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Frisian Water 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 Frisian Water 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 Frisian Water 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 Frisian Water Dog
Before breeding, a complete veterinary examination of the breeding dogs is recommended, with attention paid to the locomotor system, the eyes and the general condition. Routine monitoring includes in particular checking the ears, teeth, weight and mobility.
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.
