Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 10 and 12 years. A balanced diet, suitable activity and regular preventive care help maintain its quality of life.
Build
A robust breed?
With a robust constitution, this dog copes well with an active life when its exercise needs are met. Its general health is considered solid, with no particular pathological predisposition reported in the reference sheet.
Watch points
What to watch for
No disease specific to the breed is reported in the reference sheet. Vigilance mainly concerns injuries, debris and parasites likely to be encountered during outings in the great outdoors.
Hip dysplasia : Like many dogs, the Slovak 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 of tearing or vision remain useful.
Otitis and skin allergies : Itching, redness or dirty ears must be checked, especially if the dog works in cover.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its tolerance to cold as well as to heat is average. It is advisable to adapt the intensity and timing of activities to weather conditions, by providing it with appropriate shelter and fresh water.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate. The ration must be adapted to its age, its weight and its activity level, with regular monitoring of its body condition.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Inspect the skin, ears and paws after each outing in a natural environment.
- Brush the coat once or twice a week.
- Maintain parasite prevention suited to its exposure.
- Brush the teeth regularly and check the length of the claws.
Vaccination
Slovakian Hound vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Slovakian Hound? Like all dogs, the Slovakian Hound receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Slovakian Hound 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 Slovakian Hound 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 Slovakian Hound?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Slovakian Hound
In the absence of any particular predisposition reported, monitoring is based on routine veterinary examinations, vaccinations, parasite prevention and regular checks of the ears, teeth, claws, skin and paw pads.
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.
