Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 14 years, with variations linked to genetics, veterinary follow-up, activity and maintaining an appropriate weight.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The breed is reputed to be robust and does not present any particular health problem when it is properly monitored. Its athletic build must nevertheless be preserved through regular activity, an appropriate diet and monitoring of joint risks.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Monitoring must focus primarily on locomotion, digestion and the condition of the ears. A veterinary consultation is indicated in case of lameness, abdominal distension, pain, seizure or ear inflammation.
Hip dysplasia: A developmental abnormality of the joint that can lead to pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis.
Elbow dysplasia: A joint condition likely to cause lameness of the forelimbs and early osteoarthritis.
Gastric torsion: A life-threatening emergency involving dilation and rotation of the stomach, requiring immediate veterinary care.
Epilepsy: Seizures may occur and require a veterinary assessment as well as appropriate follow-up.
Otitis: An occasional inflammation of the ear promoted by drooping ears, to be prevented through regular check-ups.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its tolerance to cold as well as to heat is average. Activities must be adapted to temperatures, with access to shade and water in hot weather, as well as a dry, protective shelter when conditions are cold or damp.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Its tendency to gain weight is average. The ration must be adjusted to its actual activity, treats counted, and body condition checked regularly, particularly during periods when it hunts or expends itself less.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the hips and elbows of breeding dogs screened.
- Inspect and clean the ears with a suitable product.
- Monitor any abdominal distension after a meal.
- Examine the coat and paw pads after each outing in a natural environment.
Vaccination
Hamiltonstövare vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Hamiltonstövare need? Like all dogs, Hamiltonstövares should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Hamiltonstövare 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 Hamiltonstövare 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 Hamiltonstövare 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 Hamiltonstövare
Screening of the hips and elbows is recommended in breeding dogs. Veterinary follow-up should also include regular ear examinations and attention to digestive or neurological signs.
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.
