Longevity
Life expectancy
Its longevity is most often around 11 to 13 years, which corresponds to a decent life expectancy for a scenthound of this size. Maintaining a stable weight, regular activity and a consistent lifestyle hygiene directly helps to preserve its condition over time.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Rustic without being invulnerable, the Serbian Hound copes well with an active life when it is properly cared for. Its robustness depends mainly on the quality of its breeding, its body condition, the care of its ears and the prevention of parasites linked to outdoor activities.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Vigilance mainly focuses on regular checks after outings in the countryside or in the forest, notably around the ears, the paw pads, the skin and the possible presence of external parasites. As with many scent hounds, good overall hygiene and well-balanced activity remain essential.
Hip dysplasia: Like many dogs, the Serbian Hound may have a joint malformation that promotes pain and osteoarthritis, especially in cases of overweight.
Eye conditions: An ophthalmological examination of breeding dogs and monitoring tearing or vision remain useful.
Otitis and skin allergies: Itching, redness or dirty ears must be checked, especially if the dog works in dense cover.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Serbian Hound shows an intermediate tolerance to cold as well as heat. Its short coat protects it reasonably, but it must not be exposed for long periods to extreme temperatures without shelter, fresh water and adjustment of effort.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This active dog is less prone to being overweight than a very sedentary dog, but a decrease in activity or poorly adjusted rations can quickly throw its silhouette off balance. Simple monitoring of body condition and a diet adapted to its actual level of exercise are generally enough to keep it in shape.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Maintain a stable weight and monitor gait.
- Keep up with vaccinations, deworming and identification.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness, vomiting or lethargy.
Vaccination
Serbian Hound vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Serbian Hound need? Like all dogs, Serbian Hounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Serbian 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 Serbian 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 Serbian 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 Serbian Hound
Annual veterinary follow-up, rigorous parasite prevention and regular monitoring of the ears, teeth and paw pads are particularly recommended. For a hunting dog or a dog that spends a lot of time outdoors, an examination after exertion and after outings in a natural environment is part of good habits.
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.
