Longevity
Life expectancy
The Yugoslav Shepherd (Šarplaninac) often lives 11 to 14 years when it stays slim, active without excess and monitored for its joints. Dogs that are too heavy or isolated in a kennel age less well.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Yugoslav Shepherd is described as a hardy, robust and resilient dog, with overall good health.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Its large size justifies particular attention being paid to the health of its joints.
Hip dysplasia: As with all large dogs, this joint disorder is a risk that should not be disregarded.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its double coat protects it well from the mountain cold. It tolerates high heat less well: shade, water and outings during the cooler hours are essential in summer.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The breed shows a strong tendency to gain weight, which requires regularly monitoring its body condition.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the breeding dogs' hips and elbows evaluated.
- Socialize early with visitors, dogs, and everyday situations.
- Provide shade and water as soon as it gets hot.
Vaccination
Yugoslavian Shepherd vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Yugoslavian Shepherd need? Like all dogs, Yugoslavian Shepherds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Yugoslavian Shepherd 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 Yugoslavian Shepherd 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 Yugoslavian Shepherd 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 Yugoslavian Shepherd
Ask for hip and elbow evaluations, a clinical examination and, depending on the line, an eye check. A mountain molosser must remain functional: gait, breathing and a stable temperament matter as much as the X-rays.
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.
