Longevity
Life expectancy
With good selection, an appropriate diet and regular activity, the Welsh Springer Spaniel often lives between 12 and 14 years. Its longevity depends in particular on maintaining a stable weight, preventing joint disorders and early monitoring of the eyes and the thyroid.
Build
A robust breed?
This breed is often described as hardy and resilient, capable of working outdoors in varied conditions. Its robustness does not exempt it from targeted vigilance regarding certain hereditary conditions and ear care, especially in an active dog living a lot outdoors.
Watch points
What to watch for
Before adoption, it is preferable to turn to a breeder who follows the screenings useful for the breed. Throughout the dog's life, attention is mainly focused on locomotion, the eyes, the thyroid and the ears, with a prompt consultation in case of lameness, visual discomfort, unusual weight gain or repeated ear infections.
Hip dysplasia : Joint condition to screen for in breeding dogs, worsened by excess weight.
Eye conditions : Regular ophthalmological examination is recommended in the breed.
Epilepsy : Seizures are described in certain lines and justify veterinary follow-up.
Otitis : Drooping ears and working in cover promote inflammation if they are not monitored.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Welsh Springer Spaniel copes rather well with cool and humid climates thanks to its field dog build and its protective coat. It also tolerates a warmer temperate climate, provided that intense exertion is avoided during the hottest hours and that it is always left with water and shade.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
This breed can gain weight if its exercise level decreases while the ration remains too rich. Regular monitoring of its body shape, measured portions and frequent activities are useful to preserve its joints and its overall condition.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Inspect and clean the ears regularly.
- Monitor the gait and consult in case of limping.
- Have the eyes checked in case of visual discomfort or red eye.
- Monitor the weight throughout the year.
Vaccination
Welsh Springer Spaniel vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Welsh Springer Spaniel? Like all cats, the Welsh Springer Spaniel receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Welsh 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 Welsh 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Welsh Springer Spaniel
The most relevant screenings concern the hips, elbows, eyes and thyroid. For a puppy from a breeding kennel, it is useful to ask for the results of the breeding dogs' examinations and to discuss them with the attending veterinarian in order to adapt the follow-up.
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.
