Tornjak
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Health

Tornjak health

A rustic breed selected by mountain living conditions, the Tornjak is reputed to be in good health. Like other large dogs, it may be affected by hip dysplasia.

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.

VaccinePrimary seriesFirst boosterThenWho for?
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core

Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza

8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months1 yearevery yearAll pets
LeptospirosisCore

Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water)

8 weeks · 12 weeks1 yearevery yearAll pets
RabiesLifestyle-based

Rabies

12 weeks1 yearevery yearMandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows
Kennel coughLifestyle-based

Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza

8 weeks1 yearevery yearDogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based

Tick-borne babesiosis

5 months · 6 months1 yearevery yearHunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based

Tick-borne borreliosis

12 weeks · 3 months1 yearevery yearHiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based

Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies

6 months1 year and 6 monthsevery yearDogs 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.

Calculate 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.

Best prevention starts with a good breeder

Choose a breeder who screens their breeding animals for hereditary diseases. We help you find one.

Find a breeder