Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy around 12 to 14 years, the Spitz des Wisigoths often enjoys good longevity when it leads an active life, maintains a proper physical condition and benefits from regular health monitoring. Prevention, weight maintenance and eye monitoring help it age well.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
It is an enduring dog, well equipped for outdoor life and daily activities. Its solid build makes it a reliable companion for active households, even if this robustness does not dispense with a serious selection of breeding stock and vigilance regarding the known sensitive points of the breed.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
The breed does not present a major accumulation of known disorders, but particular attention must be paid to eye health and the locomotor system. Regular monitoring makes it possible to detect any potential problems early and to keep the dog in good conditions of mobility and comfort.
Progressive retinal atrophy: Degenerative eye condition that can lead to a progressive decrease in vision and then blindness.
Patellar luxation: Abnormal displacement of the kneecap that can cause discomfort, intermittent lameness, or locomotor discomfort.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Spitz of the Visigoths generally tolerates the cold well thanks to its dense undercoat and its protective coat. It tolerates high heat more moderately and must then have shade, fresh water and activities adapted to the least hot hours.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The breed may show a certain tendency to gain weight if the diet is too rich or if activity becomes insufficient. Regular monitoring of the body shape, well-measured portions and daily outings help to prevent overweight and to protect the joints.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor vision and consult promptly in case of any eye changes
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the joints
- Check the condition of the ears, eyes, and paw pads after outings
- Brush more often during shedding periods
Vaccination
Swedish Vallhund vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Swedish Vallhund need? Like all dogs, Swedish Vallhunds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund
An ophthalmological follow-up is relevant given the breed’s sensitivity to certain eye conditions. During veterinary visits, it is also useful to monitor locomotion, the kneecaps and the general condition in order to intervene quickly in case of any unusual sign.
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.
