Longevity
Life expectancy
It generally lives between 12 and 14 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Of robust and lean build, the Italian Hound shows good overall sturdiness and an endurance suited to its activity as a hunting dog.
Watch points
What to watch for
Even if the breed does not show any clearly established major predisposition, regular veterinary follow-up remains necessary in order to monitor the musculoskeletal system, the drooping ears and any possible injuries related to outdoor activities.
Hip dysplasia : Like many dogs, the Italian Scenthound 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 tearing or vision remain useful.
Otitis and skin allergies : Itching, redness, or dirty ears must be checked, especially if the dog works in dense cover.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its tolerance to cold as well as to heat is average.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Examine the coat, ears, eyes and paw pads after each outing in a natural environment.
- Brush the short-haired variety once a week.
- Brush the rough-haired variety two to three times a week.
- Brush the teeth regularly to limit tartar and bacteria.
- Trim the claws when they do not wear down naturally.
Vaccination
Italian Hound vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Italian Hound? Like all dogs, the Italian Hound receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Italian 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 Italian 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 Italian Hound?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Italian Hound
Before breeding, a general veterinary examination and a check of the locomotor system are recommended. Routine monitoring includes in particular vaccinations, parasite prevention, ear examination and checking body condition.
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.
