Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate diet, regular activity and preventive veterinary monitoring, this dog generally lives between 12 and 14 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Its rugged build and stamina allow it to sustain significant activity. Simple maintenance does not exempt from regular checks of the ears, eyes, paw pads and overall condition after outings in natural terrain.
Watch points
What to watch for
The main point of vigilance concerns the drooping ears, which must remain clean and dry. After hunting or a long walk, it is also advisable to look for grass awns, ticks, small wounds and irritations.
Otitis : Drooping ears can trap moisture and debris, which promotes inflammation and infections if they are not checked regularly.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its coat, short but very dense, offers adequate protection during outdoor activity. However, it must have a dry shelter and be protected from extreme temperatures, with activity adapted during periods of high heat.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Very active, the German Brachet maintains its weight more easily when its ration truly matches its energy expenditure. Quantities must be reduced during periods of lower activity in order to avoid being overweight.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Inspect and dry the ears after outings and swims.
- Check for ticks, grass awns and small wounds when returning from natural terrain.
- Maintain parasite protection suited to the lifestyle.
- Have a veterinary check-up carried out at least annually.
Vaccination
German Hound vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a German Hound? Like all dogs, the German Hound receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for German Hound 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 German Hound 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 German Hound?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy German Hound
A regular veterinary examination should include body condition, ears, eyes, dentition and the locomotor system. In a hunting dog, a check after outings and antiparasitic protection adapted to the environment frequented are essential.
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.
