Longevity
Life expectancy
It lives on average from 12 to 14 years, a remarkable longevity for a dog of this size.
Build
A robust breed?
Very robust, it withstands cold, snow and outdoor living without difficulty.
Watch points
What to watch for
It is necessary to monitor the joints during growth, the risk of stomach torsion common in large dogs and the maintenance of the undercoat during shedding.
Hip dysplasia : A risk shared by most large dogs.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus : A life-threatening emergency in large deep-chested dogs.
Skin problems under the undercoat : A poorly maintained undercoat can promote irritation.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
It tolerates the cold perfectly. Heat is more difficult for it: it needs shade and fresh water in summer.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
A stable weight must be maintained to protect its joints, by adapting the ration to its often moderate activity.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Split meals and avoid exertion immediately afterward.
- Seek urgent veterinary care if the abdomen swells and the dog tries to vomit without being able to.
- Brush thoroughly during shedding periods.
Vaccination
Tornjak vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Tornjak? Like all dogs, the Tornjak receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Tornjak 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 Tornjak 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 Tornjak?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Tornjak
Breeding dogs should be X-rayed for hip and elbow dysplasia.
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.





