How many years have spaniels been living and what does it depend on?

Many people have pets - cats, dogs, parrots, etc. However, we should not forget that the lives of our smaller brothers are much shorter than human, it is worth knowing in advance how long it will last so that it does not become a shock, especially for children. This article talks about spaniels, features and varieties of the breed, their average life expectancy, and 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
• clamber;
• field;
• German Spaniel (Wachthelhund);
• Sussex
• King Charles;
• Cavalier King Charles.

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

Spaniels are very beautiful and friendly creatures. The character is often playful, non-aggressive. He loves and needs active recreation, because the 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 history 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, then Spain is considered to be such, but there is still no absolute accuracy in this matter. Great Britain held the palm of the breed's popularity for a long time, and now these cute dogs are known and loved in many countries of the world - both indoor and hunting subspecies. They are used as pointers and hounds on the hunt, as companions for children, pets, etc.

Almost all members of the family excellent swim, have a sharp sense of smell, very smart and easy to learn new things. These are man’s loyal friends, 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 lifespan of representatives of this breed is 14-15 years, there are cases when Russian spaniels lived to be 20 years old - a deep canine old age. The second line is occupied by American cocker spaniels: they live on average 13-15 years, the record is 17 years. English cockers at home can live 15 years, but their average life expectancy is only 10-12 years.

What factors can affect how long your pet stays with you? The most important ones are listed here.

• Lack / presence of genetic disorders and predisposition to various diseases - for this you need the pedigree of your spaniel and information about the health of his ancestors.
• The dog’s own health. To monitor the condition of the spaniel at least 2 times a year, take the dog to the veterinarian for an examination, it is especially important to do this after he reaches the age of 7. The older the dog, the greater the risk of obesity or kidney or liver problems.
• Proper maintenance and care of the pet. It is necessary to provide the dog with a comfortable place, walk several times a day and preferably for 1-2 hours, spaniels are born hunters, outdoor recreation is vital for them.
• Balanced diet. The dog should not overeat, however, a lack of food will also negatively affect her. From a puppy's age, make sure that the dog receives all the necessary minerals and vitamins with food. The best option is to use ready-made dog food (both dry and wet) premium.
• Force Majeure. Spaniels like to rush headlong, and sometimes it comes to their side. Various injuries, from superficial to internal, can affect a dog’s health and longevity. Of course, it is unrealistic to foresee such cases, but the main thing in such a situation is to act quickly and clearly. Call your veterinarian immediately or take your dog to him. After all, you, most likely, will not be able to diagnose, for example, internal bleeding.

If you love your pet and want it 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, leave for the weekend with him in the countryside.
• Watch your pet’s diet. Dog food should be healthy and rich in biologically active substances needed by the spaniel. Talk to your veterinarian and calculate a serving rate for each meal to prevent malnutrition or obesity.
• Equip a sleeping place for a spaniel - so that it is protected from drafts.
• Check your dog regularly. Complex vaccinations play a very important role in the health of a spaniel. Do not forget to vaccinate your pet every year at the next examination with a veterinarian. Unfortunately, currently there are constant mutations in the direction of strengthening the causative agents of various diseases, and vaccinations are almost 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.

For how to properly care for the English Cocker Spaniel, see the next video.