Longevity
Life expectancy
With good selection, an appropriate diet and regular activity, the Welsh Springer Spaniel often lives between 12 and 14 years. Its longevity depends in particular on maintaining a stable weight, preventing joint disorders and early monitoring of the eyes and the thyroid.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
This breed is often described as hardy and resistant, able to work outdoors in varied conditions. Its robustness does not eliminate the need for targeted vigilance regarding certain hereditary conditions and ear care, especially in an active dog living mostly outdoors.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Before adoption, it is preferable to turn to a breeder who follows the screenings useful for the breed. Throughout the dog's life, attention is mainly focused on locomotion, the eyes, the thyroid and the ears, with a prompt consultation in case of lameness, visual discomfort, unusual weight gain or repeated ear infections.
Hip dysplasia: Joint condition to screen for in breeding dogs, worsened by excess weight.
Eye conditions: Regular ophthalmological examination is recommended in the breed.
Epilepsy: Seizures are described in certain lines and justify veterinary follow-up.
Otitis: Drooping ears and working in cover promote inflammation if they are not monitored.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Welsh Springer Spaniel copes rather well with cool and humid climates thanks to its field dog build and its protective coat. It also tolerates a warmer temperate climate, provided that intense exertion is avoided during the hottest hours and that it is always left with water and shade.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This breed can gain weight if its exercise level decreases while the ration remains too rich. Regular monitoring of its body shape, measured portions and frequent activities are useful to preserve its joints and its overall condition.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Inspect and clean the ears regularly.
- Monitor the gait and consult in case of limping.
- Have the eyes checked in case of visual discomfort or red eye.
- Monitor the weight throughout the year.
Vaccination
Welsh Springer Spaniel vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Welsh Springer Spaniel need? Like all dogs, Welsh Springer Spaniels should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Welsh 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 Welsh 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 Welsh 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel
The most relevant screenings concern the hips, elbows, eyes and thyroid. For a puppy from a breeding kennel, it is useful to ask for the results of the breeding dogs' examinations and to discuss them with the attending veterinarian in order to adapt the follow-up.
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.
