Longevity
Life expectancy
With good living conditions, an appropriate diet, a stable weight and regular veterinary follow-up, the English Springer generally lives between 12 and 14 years. Its life expectancy is respectable for a medium-sized dog that is also so active.
Build
A robust breed?
Overall sturdy, the English Springer tolerates life outdoors and frequent outings quite well. Its robustness does not rule out particular vigilance regarding certain hereditary conditions or those favored by its morphology, notably at the level of the drooping ears and the joints.
Watch points
What to watch for
Prevention is based on choosing a reputable breeder, regular care of the ears and coat, monitoring the eyes and maintaining good physical condition. Early attention to signs of lameness, otitis or skin irritation helps preserve its comfort over the long term.
Hip dysplasia : A joint malformation that can lead to pain, locomotor discomfort and osteoarthritis in the more or less long term.
Eye conditions : The breed may notably present generalized retinal atrophy, which warrants regular ophthalmological monitoring.
Otitis : Drooping, fringed ears more easily retain moisture and debris, which promotes inflammation of the ear canal.
Deafness : A decrease in hearing may exist in some individuals and deserves to be investigated in case of behavioral doubt or poor response to stimuli.
Skin problems : Skin disorders such as a generalized keratoseborrheic condition are described in the breed and require appropriate veterinary follow-up.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The English Springer tolerates cold as well as moderate heat fairly well, without being extreme in one direction or the other. Its coat protects it rather well from bad weather, but intense exertion in high heat must remain limited and access to shade as well as water must be permanent.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The breed is not among the most prone to overweight, but a drop in activity or treats that are too frequent can quickly unbalance the ration. A dog that is so athletic benefits from keeping a lean silhouette, with an energy intake adjusted according to the actual exercise.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Maintain a stable weight and monitor gait.
- Keep up with vaccinations, dewormers and identification.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness, vomiting or lethargy.
Vaccination
English Springer Spaniel vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a English Springer Spaniel? Like all cats, the English Springer Spaniel receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for English Springer 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 English Springer 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 English Springer Spaniel?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy English Springer Spaniel
Attentive veterinary follow-up should include hip evaluation, ophthalmological monitoring, regular ear checks and particular attention to hearing as well as to the condition of the skin. These points are particularly useful when choosing a puppy and throughout the dog's life.
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.
