Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 10 and 14 years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its athletic and rustic build gives it good overall robustness. Regular activity, a suitable diet and routine veterinary follow-up help to preserve its condition.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
No particular predisposition is reported for the breed. Regular veterinary monitoring nevertheless remains recommended throughout the dog's life.
Hip dysplasia: Like many dogs, the Spanish Water Dog can have a joint malformation that promotes pain and osteoarthritis, especially in cases of overweight.
Eye conditions: An ophthalmological examination of breeding dogs and monitoring of tearing or vision remain useful.
Otitis and skin allergies: Itching, redness or dirty ears must be checked, especially if the dog works in cover.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its woolly coat protects it well from cold, humidity and harsh conditions. Its tolerance to heat is average, which requires adapting exertion and outings when temperatures are high.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Its tendency to gain weight is average. The ration must be adjusted to its age, its size and its activity level, while maintaining long and frequent outings.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Examine the coat, ears, eyes and paw pads after each outing in a natural environment
- Brush the teeth regularly to limit tartar and bacterial growth
- Have the nails trimmed when they do not wear down naturally
- Adjust activity and outings during periods of high heat
Vaccination
Spanish Water Dog vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Spanish Water Dog need? Like all dogs, Spanish Water Dogs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Spanish Water Dog 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 Spanish Water Dog 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 Spanish Water Dog 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 Spanish Water Dog
Regular preventive veterinary monitoring is recommended, with checks of body condition, skin, ears, eyes, teeth, paw pads and nails.
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.
