Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years, subject to an appropriate diet, regular activity and preventive veterinary monitoring.
Build
A robust breed?
This breed is generally robust and resilient. Its endurance and double coat allow it to work in harsh Nordic conditions, without dispensing with regular veterinary follow-up.
Watch points
What to watch for
The main points of vigilance concern the joints and the eyes. Choosing a breeder that carries out the recommended screenings helps to limit hereditary risks.
Hip dysplasia : Orthopedic condition to screen for in breeding dogs and to monitor during growth.
Elbow dysplasia : Joint abnormality that can cause pain and lameness, warranting screening of breeding dogs.
Progressive retinal atrophy : Progressive eye condition mentioned among the breed’s minor concerns.
Allergies : Occasional concern that may require a veterinary evaluation in case of skin or digestive signs.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its double, thick coat gives it excellent tolerance to cold and bad weather. It tolerates heat less well; exertion must then be shifted to cooler hours and permanent access to shade and water must be ensured.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate. The ration must be adjusted to its age, its size and above all its activity level, with regular monitoring of body condition.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the hips and elbows of breeding dogs screened.
- Plan regular ophthalmological follow-up.
- Check the coat, ears, eyes and paw pads after outings in nature.
- Brush the teeth regularly and monitor the length of the claws.
Vaccination
Swedish Elkhound vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Swedish Elkhound? Like all dogs, the Swedish Elkhound receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Swedish Elkhound 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 Swedish Elkhound 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 Swedish Elkhound?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Swedish Elkhound
Breeding dogs should be evaluated for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Ophthalmological monitoring is also relevant due to the risk of progressive retinal atrophy.
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.
