Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 15 years, which is a good longevity for a scenthound of this size. This lifespan depends in particular on the quality of the diet, maintaining a stable weight, daily exercise, and the prevention of injuries related to outdoor activities.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its robust build and its adaptation to outdoor activities make it an enduring dog. However, it remains important to monitor the condition of the ears, paw pads, claws and teeth, especially in an active subject that often moves around in natural terrain.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
In the absence of a clearly identified major hereditary condition, vigilance focuses mainly on routine care and on minor traumas or irritations linked to hunting and outings in nature. Regular attention to the ears, interdigital spaces, weight and recovery after exertion helps keep the dog in good health.
Hip dysplasia: Like many dogs, the Småland 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 Småland Hound tolerates cold well thanks to its double, dense coat. It tolerates a temperate climate fairly well, but must be protected from strong heat and extreme situations, especially during prolonged exertion in summer.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The breed is not known for a strong tendency to become overweight, but an intake that is too rich compared to activity can cause weight to increase. It is preferable to adjust rations according to the season, the intensity of outings and age, while maintaining an athletic silhouette and a well-defined waist.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Check and clean the ears regularly.
- Inspect the paw pads and the interdigital spaces after outings.
- Maintain regular dental and nail care.
- Adjust activity and hydration during hot periods.
Vaccination
Småland Hound vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Småland Hound need? Like all dogs, Småland Hounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Småland 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 Småland 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 Småland 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 Småland Hound
A standard veterinary follow-up with an annual examination, oral and dental monitoring, weight control and ear checks is often sufficient for this hardy dog. For a hunting or very active subject, examination of the paw pads, claws and locomotor system is useful after periods of intense work.
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.
