Longevity
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Kishu is generally around 11 to 13 years. Serious selection, stable weight, regular exercise and preventive veterinary follow-up help preserve its longevity.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Rustic and hardy, the Kishu copes well with an active life when its physical and mental needs are met. Its compact, solid build makes it a rather resilient dog, without dispensing with normal vigilance regarding the eyes and thyroid function.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
The breed is not known to be fragile, but some individuals may present a few points of vigilance that deserve to be known before acquisition and monitored throughout life.
Hypothyroidism: a few occasional cases have been observed; a daily treatment generally makes it possible to control the disease well when it is diagnosed.
Entropion: an inward turning of the eyelid can irritate the cornea and warrants ophthalmologic vigilance in case of ocular discomfort.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Thanks to its dense undercoat, the Kishu generally tolerates cold better than intense heat. In summer, it must have fresh water, shade and activities shifted to the least hot hours.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Kishu is not described as a big eater, but maintaining its muscle mass and mobility requires a ration adjusted to its actual activity. Regular monitoring of its body shape helps prevent weight gain and keep an agile dog.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor the eyes in case of tearing, discomfort or repeated rubbing.
- Consult if unusual fatigue, weight gain or a dull coat raise suspicion of a thyroid disorder.
- Maintain a stable weight with an appropriate ration and regular activity.
- Trim the nails regularly and check the condition of the skin during shedding.
Vaccination
Kishu vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Kishu need? Like all dogs, Kishus should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Kishu 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 Kishu 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 Kishu 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 Kishu
An annual clinical examination, ophthalmological monitoring in case of signs of irritation and an evaluation of thyroid function if suggestive symptoms appear are good bases for follow-up for this breed.
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.
