Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
Thanks to its double coat, it withstands bad weather fairly well. Its tolerance to cold is nevertheless low, while its tolerance to heat is high.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Its tendency to gain weight is low.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a American Water Spaniel need? Like all dogs, American Water Spaniels should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial American Water Spaniel 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 American Water Spaniel 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 American Water Spaniel 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 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
