Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 11 and 13 years. Regular activity, maintaining a stable weight, preventive care and a quality diet help preserve its health over the years.
Build
A robust breed?
Selection for work in the Alentejo has favored a hardy, enduring and resilient dog. Its general constitution is solid and the breed does not present any specific fragility highlighted by the reference source. This robustness does not, however, dispense with vaccinations, antiparasitic treatments, dental check-ups and veterinary assessments adapted to age.
Watch points
What to watch for
No particular hereditary condition is highlighted in the reference source. Vigilance must therefore focus on the general monitoring of a sporty dog, the condition of the ears, eyes, skin and coat, as well as any lameness or unusual decrease in activity.
No major predisposition reported : The reference source describes the breed as robust and does not mention any particular health problem.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Thanks to its origins and its hardiness, the Portuguese Shepherd withstands temperature variations well, both cold and heat. It must nevertheless always have fresh water, shade and suitable shelter available, and its activity must be reduced during periods of intense heat.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its high activity level generally makes it easier to maintain good body condition, but its ration must remain proportionate to its age, its weight and its actual expenditure. Regular weighing and observation of its silhouette make it possible to quickly adjust quantities, especially after a decrease in activity or sterilization.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Schedule at least one annual veterinary check-up.
- Keep vaccines and antiparasitic treatments up to date.
- Regularly inspect the ears, eyes, paw pads and coat.
- Consult promptly in case of limping or an unusual decrease in activity.
Vaccination
Portuguese Sheepdog vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Portuguese Sheepdog? Like all dogs, the Portuguese Sheepdog receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Portuguese Sheepdog 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 Portuguese Sheepdog 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 Portuguese Sheepdog?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Portuguese Sheepdog
An annual veterinary examination is recommended, with monitoring of weight, teeth, ears, eyes, skin and joints. For a dog intended for breeding, it is prudent to inquire with the breed club and the veterinarian about the relevant screenings for the lines concerned.
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.
