Longevity
Life expectancy
It generally lives between 10 and 12 years when its activity needs, its diet and its veterinary follow-up are properly ensured.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
It is a robust and hardy dog, selected to work for long periods on demanding terrain. This solid constitution does not rule out regular monitoring, especially in a very active subject.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Monitor the appetite, gait, breathing, skin and behavior of the Hygen Hound. Any lasting change warrants veterinary advice.
Hip dysplasia: Like many dogs, the Hygen Hound can have a joint malformation that promotes pain and osteoarthritis, especially in cases of overweight.
Eye conditions: An ophthalmological examination of breeding dogs and monitoring for tearing or vision issues remain useful.
Otitis and skin allergies: Itching, redness, or dirty ears must be checked, especially if the dog works in dense cover.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its dense coat and hardy build allow it to withstand cold and harsh climates well. It tolerates high heat less well, during which activity must be adapted.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
His tendency to gain weight is moderate. The ration must remain adapted to his age, his size and above all to his level of physical activity.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Inspect the inside of the ears after outings.
- Check the coat and paw pads when returning from outdoor activities.
- Trim the nails when they become too long.
- Brush the teeth regularly to limit tartar and bacteria.
Vaccination
Hygen Hound vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Hygen Hound need? Like all dogs, Hygen Hounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Hygen 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 Hygen 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 Hygen 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 Hygen Hound
Before breeding, request the relevant evaluations (hips, elbows, eyes, heart depending on the line) and a recent clinical examination. For a companion Hygen Hound, an annual check-up with monitoring of weight, teeth and locomotion remains 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.
