Longevity
Life expectancy
With good care, a suitable diet and regular activity, this breed commonly reaches 12 to 15 years. Its longevity depends mainly on the quality of preventive follow-up, maintaining a stable weight and good oral and dental hygiene.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Continental Toy Spaniel is generally more robust than its delicacy might suggest. Its small size nevertheless requires handling it with care and preventing trauma, especially in young dogs and in very active households.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Simple but consistent preventive care often makes it possible to keep this dog in good shape for many long years. You must be attentive to lameness, bad breath, ear discomfort, watery eyes and any unusual drop in energy.
Patellar dislocation: Patellar instability can occur in some small dogs and present as intermittent lameness or a skipping gait.
Ear sensitivity: The ears, especially in the Phalène variety, should be checked and cleaned regularly to limit irritation and ear infections.
Dental problems: The small size promotes tartar buildup and oral discomfort if oral hygiene is neglected.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its small size and its coat without a very thick undercoat make it less comfortable in cold weather and in extreme situations. It tolerates mild temperatures fairly well, but high heat as well as damp cold require caution, suitable outings and permanent access to a temperate place.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The breed is not the most prone to weight gain, but a few lapses show quickly on such a small size. Measured portions, counted treats and regular daily activity help preserve a light silhouette and good joints.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Check the ears weekly and clean them if needed.
- Monitor the teeth and establish regular oral hygiene.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness or repeated skipping steps.
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the joints.
Vaccination
Continental Toy Spaniel vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Continental Toy Spaniel need? Like all dogs, Continental Toy Spaniels should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Continental Toy 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 Continental Toy 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 Continental Toy 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 Continental Toy Spaniel
An annual veterinary examination, supplemented by monitoring of the patella, dentition, eyes and ears, is a relevant basis for this breed. In a breeding dog or an individual showing clinical signs, orthopedic and ophthalmological checks may be useful.
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.
