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.
Build
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.
Watch points
What to watch 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
Cold and heat tolerance
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
Tendency to gain weight
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.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it 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 vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Spanish Hound? Like all dogs, the Spanish Hound receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Spanish 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 Spanish 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 Spanish Hound?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting 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 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.
