Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Its overall robustness is assessed at an average level. Its double, dense coat provides it with good protection against water and bad weather.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular attention must be paid to the joint and cardiac predispositions reported for this breed.
Hip dysplasia : Joint predisposition reported in the breed and requiring monitoring.
Mitral insufficiency : Heart condition that is among the predispositions mentioned for the breed.
Pulmonary stenosis : Heart malformation reported among the breed’s points of vigilance.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Thanks to its double coat, it withstands bad weather fairly well. The available evaluation nevertheless indicates a cold tolerance of 2 out of 5 and a heat tolerance of 4 out of 5.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight is rated 2 out of 5 in the reference sheet.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Maintain a stable weight and monitor gait.
- Keep vaccinations, deworming and identification up to date.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness, vomiting or lethargy.
Vaccination
American Water Spaniel vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a American Water Spaniel? Like all cats, the American Water Spaniel receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for American Water Spaniel is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult American Water Spaniel vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your American Water Spaniel?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy American Water Spaniel
Before breeding, request the relevant evaluations (hips, elbows, eyes, heart depending on the line) and a recent clinical examination. For a companion American Water Dog, an annual check-up with monitoring of weight, teeth and locomotion remains essential.
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.
