How many years do spaniels live and what does it depend on?

Many people give birth to pets - cats, dogs, parrots, etc. However, it should not be forgotten that the lives of our younger brothers are much shorter than human ones. for kids. This article tells about Spaniels, the features and varieties of the breed, their average lifespan, and also gives tips on the optimal care and maintenance of such dogs.

The Spaniel family includes more than a dozen breeds, the most famous of which are:

• English Cocker;
• English Springer;
• american cocker;
• Russian Spaniel;
• clumber;
• field;
• German Spaniel (Wahtelhund);
• sussex;
• King Charles;
• Cavalier King Charles.

The last two breeds are assigned to the group of decorative dogs, the rest belong to groups of cops and retrievers. Each breed has its own distinctive features. But the following characteristic features are common to all spaniels: long hair, often wavy, large drooping ears, harmonious physique. The highest representative of this canine family is considered to be Irish waterman - at the withers they reach 60 cm. The smallest is King Charles, the height of this breed is about 23-28 cm.

Spaniels are very beautiful and friendly creatures. The character is more often playful, non-aggressive.. He loves and needs active rest, because Spaniel is a hunting dog (excluding some decorative representatives). An ideal place to stay for her would be a country house, especially for Russians, fields and Irish dogs.

The story of this family deserves special mention. The surviving written evidence suggests that the spaniel was known as far back as the 16th century. If we talk about the homeland, it is considered to be that of Spain, but there is still no absolute accuracy in this matter. The UK has held a palm in popularity over the breed for a long time, and now these cute dogs are known and loved in many countries around the world - both indoor and hunting subspecies. They are used as cops and hounds on the hunt, as companions for children, pets, etc.

Almost all members of the family excellently swim, have a keen sense of smell, are very intelligent and easily learn new things. They are loyal friends of man, energetic and playful. Many of them have the rudiments of empathy, subtly feeling the mood of the owner.

Among spaniels, the Russian spaniel is considered to be the record holder for longevity: the average life span of representatives of this breed is 14-15 years, there are cases when Russian spaniels lived to 20 years - a very old dog. The second line is occupied by American Cocker Spaniels: they live an average of 13-15 years, a record - 17 years. English cockers at home can live 15 years, but their average life expectancy is only 10-12 years.

What factors can influence how long your pet will be with you? Here are the most important ones.

• The absence / presence of genetic disorders and susceptibility to various diseases - for this you need the pedigree of your spaniel and information about the health of his ancestors.
• Own health of a dog. To control the condition of the spaniel, at least 2 times a year, take the dog to the vet for an examination, it is especially important to do this when he reaches the age of 7. The older the dog, the greater the risk of obesity or problems with the kidneys or liver.
• Proper maintenance and care of the pet. It is necessary to provide the dog with a comfortable place, to walk several times a day and preferably for 1-2 hours, spaniels are natural hunters, outdoor activities are vital for them.
• Balanced diet. The dog should not overeat, however, the lack of food will also negatively affect it. Since puppyhood, make sure that the dog gets all the necessary minerals and vitamins with food. The best option would be to use ready-made dog food (both dry and wet) of premium class.
• Force Majeure. Spaniels love to rush headlong, and sometimes it leaves them sideways. Various injuries, from superficial to internal, can affect the health and longevity of a dog. Of course, it is impossible to foresee such cases, but the main thing in such a situation is to act quickly and clearly. Immediately call the vet or take the dog to him. After all, to diagnose, for example, internal bleeding, you probably can not.

If you love your pet and wish him to be with you for a long time, try to follow a few simple recommendations.

• Pay attention to him, play with him, walk more often. Let him run around the yard, if possible, go on a weekend with him on the nature.
• Follow the diet of your pet. Dog food should be useful and rich in biologically active substances necessary spaniel. Check with your veterinarian and calculate the batch rate for each meal to prevent malnutrition or obesity.
• Equip a bed for the spaniel - so that it is protected from drafts.
• Check your dog's health regularly. Complex vaccinations play a very important role in the health of a spaniel. Do not forget every year at the next examination at the vet to vaccinate your pet. Unfortunately, there are currently constant mutations in the direction of amplification of pathogens of various diseases, and vaccinations are practically the only way to protect your dog.

Of course, even compliance with these conditions does not guarantee a long life. But this is not a reason to dismiss advice.

To learn how to properly care for an English Cocker Spaniel, see the following video.