Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 10 and 12 years. A suitable diet, regular activity, maintaining a stable weight and preventive veterinary follow-up help preserve its quality of life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its strong and sturdy build gives it good overall resistance. This sturdiness does not exempt it from veterinary follow-up, notably for the joints, the eyes and the long drooping ears.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
The main points of vigilance concern the hips, the eyelids and the ears. Appropriate screening and regular check-ups make it possible to detect abnormalities and inflammations early.
Hip dysplasia: An abnormal development of the coxofemoral joint that can cause pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis.
Ectropion: An eversion of the eyelid that exposes the conjunctiva and promotes irritation or inflammation.
Entropion: A rolling of the eyelid inward that may irritate the cornea.
Otitis: Long, drooping ears can promote inflammation of the ear canal and require regular monitoring.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its tolerance to cold as well as to heat is average. Its short coat offers limited protection in cold weather, while activities must be adapted during high heat, with breaks and permanent access to shade and water.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate. The ration must be adjusted to its level of activity, increased judiciously during hunting periods and then brought back to its usual level when the effort decreases.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the hips checked according to veterinary recommendations.
- Examine and regularly clean the long drooping ears.
- Monitor the eyes and eyelids.
- Inspect the coat, paw pads, and skin after each outing in a natural environment.
- Brush the teeth frequently and check the length of the nails.
Vaccination
Spanish Hound vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Spanish Hound need? Like all dogs, Spanish Hounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Spanish 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 Spanish 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 Spanish 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 Spanish Hound
A hip examination is recommended. Veterinary follow-up should also include checking the eyelids and ear canals, particularly exposed due to the very long drooping ears.
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.
