Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 10 and 14 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Its athletic and rustic build gives it good overall robustness. Regular activity, a suitable diet and routine veterinary follow-up help to preserve its condition.
Watch points
What to watch for
No particular predisposition is reported in the reference source. Regular veterinary monitoring nevertheless remains recommended throughout the dog's life.
Hip dysplasia : Like many dogs, the Spanish Water Dog can have a joint malformation that promotes pain and osteoarthritis, especially in cases of overweight.
Eye conditions : An ophthalmological examination of breeding dogs and monitoring of tearing or vision remain useful.
Otitis and skin allergies : Itching, redness or dirty ears must be checked, especially if the dog works in cover.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its woolly coat protects it well from cold, humidity and harsh conditions. Its tolerance to heat is average, which requires adapting exertion and outings when temperatures are high.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight is average. The ration must be adjusted to its age, its size and its activity level, while maintaining long and frequent outings.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Examine the coat, ears, eyes and paw pads after each outing in a natural environment
- Brush the teeth regularly to limit tartar and bacterial growth
- Have the nails trimmed when they do not wear down naturally
- Adjust activity and outings during periods of high heat
Vaccination
Spanish Water Dog vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Spanish Water Dog? Like all cats, the Spanish Water Dog receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Spanish Water Dog 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 Spanish Water Dog 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 Spanish Water Dog?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Spanish Water Dog
Regular preventive veterinary monitoring is recommended, with checks of body condition, skin, ears, eyes, teeth, paw pads and nails.
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.
