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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a English Springer Spaniel need? Like all dogs, English Springer Spaniels should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial English Springer 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 English Springer 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 English Springer 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 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
