Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy of around 12 to 14 years, the Spanish Greyhound is in a good average for a large athletic dog. Suitable activity, stable weight and regular veterinary follow-up help to preserve its longevity.
Build
A robust breed?
This breed is considered fairly robust, with good overall resistance when it is properly cared for. However, it remains less comfortable when faced with pronounced climatic conditions, notably cold, intense heat and persistent humidity.
Watch points
What to watch for
Even if the breed is not known for accumulating health problems, a few points deserve regular monitoring. The locomotor system, thyroid function and digestive comfort are the most important areas to follow throughout life.
Hip dysplasia : A malformation of the hip joint can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, especially with age or poorly adapted exertion.
Elbow dysplasia : This orthopedic condition can lead to lameness and discomfort, with variable impact depending on severity and the dog's activity level.
Osteosarcoma : This serious bone cancer, observed in some large dogs, requires prompt veterinary care at the slightest sign of persistent pain or lameness.
Hypothyroidism : Insufficient production of thyroid hormones can result in fatigue, weight gain, reduced fitness, or deterioration in coat quality.
Gastric torsion : This digestive emergency requires immediate consultation in case of a swollen abdomen, agitation, unproductive retching, or sudden lethargy.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Spanish Greyhound tolerates climatic extremes moderately. Its not very thick coat protects it poorly against prolonged cold, while high heat and humidity can also tire it, especially after exertion. Intense outings should therefore be adapted according to the season.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Maintaining a lean silhouette is essential in this great athlete. Excess weight puts strain on its joints, reduces its performance and can increase certain health risks. Measured meals and regular activity help maintain an appropriate body condition.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Monitor any limping or stiffness after exertion.
- Consult promptly in case of a swollen belly or sudden digestive discomfort.
- Protect the dog from extremes of cold, heat and humidity.
- Maintain regular veterinary follow-up focused on the locomotor system.
Vaccination
Spanish Greyhound vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Spanish Greyhound? Like all dogs, the Spanish Greyhound receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Spanish Greyhound 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 Spanish Greyhound 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 Spanish Greyhound?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Spanish Greyhound
Veterinary monitoring focused on the musculoskeletal system is particularly relevant, with attention paid to the hips and elbows depending on age, history and activity level. Any lameness, reduced endurance or unusual digestive discomfort should prompt a prompt consultation.
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.
