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 dogs, the American Water Spaniel receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for American Water Spaniel is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based 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 diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based 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 vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
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.
