Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual lifespan is between 11 and 13 years, subject to a balanced diet, regular activity and appropriate veterinary follow-up.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Norwegian Hound is a robust dog, selected for endurance and hunting work. Its constitution is hardy, without excluding the need for preventive check-ups and regular maintenance.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Regular monitoring of the joints, hearing, eyes, ears and skin makes it possible to quickly identify the main disorders likely to affect the breed.
Hip dysplasia: A developmental abnormality of the joint that can cause pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis.
Elbow dysplasia: A joint disorder likely to cause locomotor discomfort and early osteoarthritis.
Deafness: A congenital or acquired hearing loss that warrants an evaluation if in doubt.
Progressive retinal atrophy: A degeneration of the retina that can lead to a progressive decrease in vision.
Demodectic mange: A skin condition linked to the proliferation of mites that can cause lesions and hair loss.
Otitis: An inflammation of the ear canal promoted by drooping ears and requiring prompt care.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its dense coat and Nordic build give it good tolerance to cold. Its tolerance to heat is average: during hot periods, activity must be adapted and intense efforts avoided during the hottest hours.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Its tendency to gain weight is average. The ration must match its level of activity, notably by being increased during the hunting season and then brought back to its usual level when this period ends.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the hips and elbows checked.
- Inspect the ears, eyes and skin after outings.
- Monitor hearing and consult if in doubt.
- Maintain a stable weight thanks to a ration adapted to the activity.
Vaccination
Norwegian Hound vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Norwegian Hound need? Like all dogs, Norwegian Hounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Norwegian 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 Norwegian 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 Norwegian 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 Norwegian Hound
Screening of the hips and elbows is recommended, particularly for breeding dogs. The veterinary examination must also take into account hearing, vision, ears and skin 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.
