Springer Spaniel Lifespan & Health: Essential Guide

The Welsh Springer Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel are two closely related breeds cherished for their charming looks, loyal temperament, and energetic nature. Though often grouped together, each has unique traits and health considerations owners should understand. This guide explores their average lifespans and hereditary health issues to help owners ensure a long, healthy life for their four-legged companions.

Understanding Springer Spaniel Longevity

Both breeds are known for relatively good longevity compared to other dogs of similar size. The English Springer Spaniel typically lives between 12 to 15 years, with studies averaging around 13.5 years. The Welsh Springer Spaniel generally enjoys a slightly narrower lifespan range from 12 to 15 years, often with a marginally higher average on the upper end.

Lifespan depends on genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and environment. Responsible breeders perform health screening to minimise hereditary risks, promoting healthier and longer-lived puppies.

Common Hereditary Health Issues

As pedigree dogs, both English and Welsh Springers share predispositions to certain genetic health conditions but also have breed-specific concerns.

Ear Problems

Like many breeds with long pendulous ears, Springers are prone to ear infections, excessive wax build-up, ear mites, and otitis externa. Regular ear cleaning and grooming help prevent these painful conditions.

Eye Conditions

Entropion, where eyelashes grow inward irritating the cornea, can affect both types and may require surgical correction. Welsh Springers also are more prone to closed angle glaucoma, a serious hereditary condition that rapidly increases eye pressure and can cause blindness if untreated. Owners should be vigilant for symptoms like red or cloudy eyes and eye discomfort.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia occurs in both breeds, particularly in Welsh Springers, which rank high among breeds prone to this condition. It usually presents around two years old and causes joint pain and mobility issues. English Springers are additionally at risk for elbow dysplasia. Health screening hip and elbow scores are crucial to prevent breeding affected dogs.

English Springer Spaniel Specific Health Issues

English Springers may suffer from autoimmune allergies causing sensitivities to food or environmental factors. They are also at risk for progressive retinal atrophy and retinal dysplasia, degenerative eye diseases leading to blindness. Another inherited condition is phosphofructokinase deficiency (PFK), impairing energy metabolism, predominantly found in working or field lines.

Additionally, English Springers frequently gain weight easily, so careful diet control and regular exercise are important to avoid obesity-related problems.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Specific Health Issues

The Welsh Springer Spaniel shows a hereditary tendency to normal canine glaucoma in older dogs and the more severe closed angle glaucoma due to an autosomal dominant mutation. This condition causes sudden eye pressure increases leading to pain and possible blindness within 24 hours without intervention. Owners should know the signs and seek emergency veterinary care promptly.

Ensuring a Long, Healthy Life for Your Springer Spaniel

To maximise health and lifespan, owners should partner with reputable breeders who conduct thorough health testing. Routine veterinary checkups, including hip and elbow scoring and eye examinations, are essential for early detection.

Regular exercise, mental stimulation, a balanced omega-3 rich diet, and weight management play key roles in overall wellbeing. Grooming and ear care prevent common infections.

Awareness of breed-specific health risks equips owners to respond quickly to symptoms, improving outcomes.

By combining responsible breeding choices and attentive care, owners can look forward to many happy years with their lovable Springer Spaniel companions.