Longevity
Life expectancy
With good living conditions, a suitable diet and regular veterinary follow-up, the Field-Spaniel generally lives between 12 and 14 years. Its decent longevity is observed especially in well-cared-for dogs, maintaining a stable weight and regular physical activity.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Field Spaniel shows average to good robustness: it is able to sustain effort and to work in the field, but its rarity and certain breed sensitivities require serious selection and particular vigilance regarding the hips, the eyes and thyroid function.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Prevention is based on a demanding breeding selection, weight control, regular activity and attention paid to the first locomotor or ocular signs. An active but well monitored dog generally maintains a good quality of life.
Hip dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint that can lead to pain, lameness, and earlier joint wear.
Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle: This elbow condition can cause forelimb pain and sometimes requires surgical management.
Eye conditions: Some lines may show disorders such as entropion or retinal atrophy, hence the value of ophthalmologic follow-up.
Hypothyroidism: Insufficient thyroid function can promote fatigue, weight gain, and coat changes.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Field Spaniel tolerates temperate and humid climates rather well, with good ease in cool weather thanks to its protective coat. It copes with heat a little better than some very heavily coated dogs, but it must still avoid sustained exertion during the hottest hours and always have water and shade available.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This active dog is not particularly known for a strong tendency to become overweight, but reduced exercise or poorly adjusted portions can quickly affect its condition. Maintaining an athletic build is important to preserve its joints and endurance.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Regularly check the condition of the ears after outings.
- Maintain a stable weight to preserve the joints.
- Have the eyes and locomotion monitored during veterinary visits.
- Favor a breeding program that carries out health screenings.
Vaccination
Field Spaniel vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Field Spaniel need? Like all dogs, Field Spaniels should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Field 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 Field 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 Field 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 Field Spaniel
It is relevant to favor breeding dogs screened for hip dysplasia and monitored ophthalmologically, with attention also paid to thyroid function. Regular clinical examination also helps to detect early any possible joint discomfort.
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.
