Longevity
Life expectancy
With a balanced diet, regular activity and preventive veterinary monitoring, it generally lives between 10 and 12 years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
It is a solid and hardy dog, selected to work on varied terrain. Its low and elongated morphology nevertheless calls for protecting its back and joints by avoiding overweight, repeated jumps and excessive effort during growth.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Particular attention must be paid to drooping ears, body condition and locomotion. Any pain, lameness, difficulty jumping or persistent head shaking warrants veterinary advice.
External otitis: The large, drooping ears promote moisture and the buildup of debris, which requires appropriate inspection and cleaning.
Back and joint strain: The low, elongated morphology can be put under greater strain in cases of overweight, repeated jumping, or unsuitable exertion.
Overweight: Excess weight increases the load on the back and short limbs and must be prevented through measured portions and regular activity.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its tight coat provides it with adequate protection in temperate climates, but its tolerance to cold as well as heat remains average. In summer, exertion should be scheduled during the cooler hours with water and shade. In cold or damp weather, it should be dried carefully after outings, especially around the ears.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Its silhouette must remain lean and muscular so as not to overload its back and short limbs. The ration must be adapted to its actual activity, treats deducted from the daily intake and the weight checked regularly.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Inspect and dry the ears after each outing in a humid or vegetated environment.
- Regularly monitor weight and body condition.
- Limit repeated jumping and stairs, especially during growth.
- Check the paw pads, eyes and coat after hunting activities.
Vaccination
Westphalian Dachsbracke vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Westphalian Dachsbracke need? Like all dogs, Westphalian Dachsbrackes should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Westphalian Dachsbracke 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 Westphalian Dachsbracke 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 Westphalian Dachsbracke 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 Westphalian Dachsbracke
Before adoption, it is useful to find out about the health and longevity of the parents. A regular veterinary examination must include the ears, dentition, body condition, back and joints. In a hunting dog, checking the paw pads, eyes and coat after each outing usefully completes this monitoring.
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.
