Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate diet, regular activity and preventive veterinary monitoring, this dog generally lives between 12 and 14 years.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a German Hound need? Like all dogs, German Hounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial German Hound 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 German Hound 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 German Hound 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 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
