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.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Selection at work in the Alentejo has favored a sober, hardy and resistant dog. Its general constitution is solid and the breed shows no known specific fragility. This robustness does not, however, dispense with vaccinations, antiparasitic treatments, dental check-ups and veterinary assessments adapted to age.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
No particular hereditary condition is highlighted for the breed. Vigilance must therefore focus on the general monitoring of a sporting 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 breed is described as robust and does not present any known particular health problem.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Portuguese Sheepdog need? Like all dogs, Portuguese Sheepdogs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Portuguese Sheepdog 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 Sheepdog 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 Sheepdog 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 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
