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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Spanish Greyhound need? Like all dogs, Spanish Greyhounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Spanish Greyhound 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 Spanish Greyhound 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 Spanish Greyhound 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 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
