Longevity
Life expectancy
It generally lives between 12 and 14 years.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its tolerance to cold as well as to heat is average.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Italian Hound need? Like all dogs, Italian Hounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Italian 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 Italian 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 Italian 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 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
