Longevity
Life expectancy
With a balanced diet and well-maintained physical condition, this breed generally lives between 11 and 13 years, which is respectable for a large dog. Preventing excess weight and following a moderate exercise routine help preserve its joint comfort over time.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its double coat and solid build give it good overall resistance, particularly against cold and bad weather. It is a hardy dog, but its robustness does not exempt it from regular maintenance or from monitoring its joints, especially during growth and in adulthood.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Like many large dogs, the Portuguese Mountain Dog must be monitored for any sign of locomotor discomfort, excessive weight gain or exercise intolerance. A reasonable exercise routine, comfortable bedding and early veterinary follow-up in case of lameness are essential.
Hip dysplasia: As in many large dogs, this orthopedic condition can occur and warrants monitoring of locomotion, weight, and growth.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
This breed tolerates cold and bad weather well thanks to its double, dense coat. It tolerates high heat less well and must always have shade, fresh water and reduced exertion during hot periods.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Maintaining a stable weight is important in this large dog in order to limit pressure on the hips and other joints. A well-adjusted ration, counted treats and regular monitoring of body condition are recommended throughout life.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor any limping or stiffness and consult early if it persists.
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the joints.
- Moderate overly intense exertion, especially during growth.
Vaccination
Portuguese Mountain Dog vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Portuguese Mountain Dog need? Like all dogs, Portuguese Mountain Dogs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Portuguese Mountain Dog 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 Portuguese Mountain Dog 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 Portuguese Mountain Dog 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 Portuguese Mountain Dog
Veterinary monitoring focused on the musculoskeletal system, growth and body condition is particularly useful in this breed. In breeding as well as in individual follow-up, hip monitoring and mobility assessment help to detect early the problems that could disadvantage a large guard dog.
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.
