Longevity
Life expectancy
With good living conditions, regular activity and serious veterinary follow-up, the French Spaniel generally lives between 12 and 14 years. This longevity is honorable for a pointing dog of this size. Maintaining a stable weight, the quality of the diet and the prevention of joint disorders directly help to preserve its lifespan and its comfort as it ages.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Overall a sturdy breed, the French Spaniel copes well with an active life and outdoor work. Its robustness does not exempt it from serious selection or from monitoring breeding dogs, notably in terms of locomotion. Simple but regular care is most often enough to maintain a good level of fitness.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Vigilance must mainly focus on the classic locomotor conditions of sporting dogs, on the condition of the drooping ears and on the skin after outings in brushy terrain. Regular observation makes it possible to spot early the first signs of discomfort and to act before a disorder sets in.
Hip dysplasia: An abnormality in hip development may appear in certain lines and warrants serious selection of breeding dogs as well as monitoring of locomotion.
Otitis: Its drooping ears more easily retain moisture and debris, which can promote inflammation if cleaning and drying are not regular.
Eczema and skin irritations: Dermatological problems may occur, notably after outdoor outings, hence the interest in inspecting the skin and coat after the walk or the hunt.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The French Spaniel adapts well to seasonal variations, without being extreme in either cold or heat. Its coat protects it well during outings in cool or damp weather, but intense efforts in summer should remain moderate during the hottest hours. Like any active dog, it must always have water, shade, and recovery time available.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This breed is not known for gaining weight easily, but an imbalance between ration and activity can quickly show when the dog hunts little or goes through a more sedentary period. Quantities must be adjusted according to actual expenditure, the silhouette monitored, and unnecessary treats limited. A stable weight also helps preserve the joints over the long term.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Inspect the ears after outings and dry them if needed.
- Check the skin, feathering, and paw pads after brushy terrain.
- Consult promptly in case of limping, stiffness, or a drop in energy.
- Maintain a stable weight to limit strain on the joints.
Vaccination
French Spaniel vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a French Spaniel need? Like all dogs, French Spaniels should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial French 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 French 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 French 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 French Spaniel
Before breeding or purchasing, it is relevant to check the orthopedic monitoring of the bloodlines, in particular for hip dysplasia. Regular veterinary check-ups, inspection of the ears and skin, as well as attention to locomotion after exertion are good everyday screening reflexes.
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.
