Field Spaniel

35-50 lbs
17-18"
England

Sensitive in nature, this canine is a medium-sized dog with a steady temper and a lot of energy. Originally bred as a gundog and later for competition in the 19th century,  the breed is derived from land Spaniels, which split off as Field Spaniels from the Cocker, English Water, and Sussex Spaniels. However, these clever dogs underwent early trials during breeding to produce exaggerated features, which led to their near extinction in the 20th century.  These enchanting pups do not require special grooming, but they do need weekly coat brushing to remove dead and loose hair.  They tend to develop bad breath, but this can also be avoided with weekly teeth brushing with mouth cleaning products specifically designed for dogs. 

purpose Purpose
Gun Dog, Hunting, Companion
history Date of Origin
1800s
ancestry Ancestry
Land Spaniel

Field Spaniel Health

Sketch of Field Spaniel
Average Size
Male Field Spaniel size stats
Height: 17-18 inches Weight: 35-50 lbs
Female Field Spaniel size stats
Height: 17-18 inches Weight: 35-50 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
  • Cancer
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hip Dysplasia
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • Blood
  • Knee

Field Spaniel Breed History

This good-natured dog is a rare breed.  The rarity is mostly due to the canine's history.  A gentle pup, they come from the Spaniel family, which is separated into two groups as the land and water dogs.  In the 1800s, all land Spaniels were referred to as Field Spaniels, but the smaller English Cocker Spaniel was distinguished as a separate breed in 1892.  Breeders of the slightly larger Field Spaniel then wished to develop the black Field Spaniel and outcrossed the lines with Welsh Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Sussex Spaniels. Unfortunately, the breeding program created many issues, including a line of dogs whose bodies were too long, legs too short, and bones too heavy. The exaggerated features in these dogs took away their usefulness and they were not able to compete in the field or in the show ring. By the end of World War II, the dog fell out of favor and was on the brink of extinction, but thankfully, selective breeding practices helped restore them to their former condition. The restoration of the breed is attributed to outcrossing the Field Spaniel to the Cocker Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel.  The resulting lines that came out of the breeding program were smaller than English Springer Spaniels but taller than their predecessors.  All modern-day dogs of the breed can trace their lineage to four dogs who lived during the 1950’s: Ronayne Regal, Gormac Teal, Colombina of Teffont and Elmbury Morwena of Rhiwlas.  Thanks to these dogs and their breeders, this charming four-legged eager beaver continues to live, compete, and hunt today. 

Field Spaniel Breed Appearance

The Field Spaniel is a well-balanced medium size hunter and companion dog built for high activity in both water and heavy cover. Slightly longer than they are tall, their legs can clear thick brush and terrain. Their expression appears gentle and grave with almond-shaped eyes of dark brown to hazel.  This breed’s ears are long and wide, set below the eye level, and moderately feathered.  The muzzle is long and lean with a large nose and close-fitting lips.  Their bite can be either scissor or level. They have a long, muscular body and a long rib cage.  The tail sits just below the level of the back and is angled slightly downward.  The forelegs of the breed are well-boned and straight while the hindquarters are broad and muscular.  The feet are webbed and rounded with thick pads and well-arched toes.  They have a single coat of moderate length, which can be either flat or slightly wavy.  The coat is silky, glossy, thick, and water-repellent.

Appearance of Field Spaniel
Eye Color Possibilities
hazel Field Spaniel eyes
Hazel
brown Field Spaniel eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Field Spaniel nose
Black
brown Field Spaniel nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Field Spaniel coat
Black
brown Field Spaniel coat
Brown
blue Field Spaniel coat
Blue
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Field Spaniel wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Field Spaniel Breed Maintenance

Unlike many of their Spaniel cousins, this tender-hearted pup’s coat is much easier to maintain and does not require any special grooming considerations.  Weekly brushing will help remove any loose or dead hair as well as keep the adorning feather features looking well.  Like most dogs, the Field Spaniel only requires bathing and shampooing when needed and the procedure should be avoided if unnecessary. It is a good practice to brush your dog’s teeth and mouth with cleaning tools approved by your veterinarian at least once a week.  Teeth cleaning will significantly help reduce the potential for bad breath and mouth disease. Because Field Spaniels are active, they may wear their nails down on their own. Check them twice a month to verify the length and ensure there are no tears.

Brushes for Field Spaniel
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Field Spaniel requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Field Spaniel Temperament

Well known for their docile, friendly nature, they are a sweet companion for a single person or a family.  They are eager to please, loyal, and loving.  A very sensitive breed who does not tolerate being left alone for long, their friendliness and affection for people make them a great family dog that is incredibly good with children and amicable with other dogs. However, Field Spaniels are not fond of rough or loud play.  They can be slightly reserved with strangers but quickly warm up to new people and are never shy, fearful, or aggressive. They are an intelligent breed that is easy to train and moderately suited for novice dog owners.  However, their exercise requirements demand time and commitment.  If cooped up too long, they will find a way to escape and run, and boredom may lead to barking and chewing.

Field Spaniel Activity Requirements

Your Field Spaniel also requires a lot of exercise and needs room to run.  A fenced in yard is ideal, so urban living without much space is not recommended.  If your energetic companion becomes bored, they might chew or bark excessively. Avoid the development of these habits by taking your dog on runs or to agility classes, or by making frequent visits to the dog park. Depending on your dog’s activity level, your companion should eat 1.5 to 2 cups of dry food twice daily.  This ready-to-go dog does not have any breed specific allergies or food sensitivities, but it is always good practice to watch for changes in dietary habits and diet-related health conditions.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Field Spaniel Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.6 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Field Spaniel Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Field Spaniel at six months
Male Field Spaniel size stats at six months
Height: 14.0 inches Weight: 18.5 lbs
Female Field Spaniel size stats at six months
Height: 14.0 inches Weight: 18.5 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Field Spaniel at 12 months
Male Field Spaniel size stats at 12 months
Height: 17.5 inches Weight: 40.0 lbs
Female Field Spaniel size stats at 12 months
Height: 17.5 inches Weight: 40.0 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Field Spaniel at 18 months
Male Field Spaniel size stats at 18 months
Height: 17.5 inches Weight: 42.5 lbs
Female Field Spaniel size stats at 18 months
Height: 17.5 inches Weight: 42.5 lbs

Top Field Spaniel Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Field Spaniel breeders of 2024.
Top Field Spaniel breeder Southern Springers
Southern Springers
Fortson, Georgia
Top Field Spaniel breeder Killara Field Spaniels
Killara Field Spaniels
Rockford, Michigan
Top Field Spaniel breeder Nautica Field Spaniels
Nautica Field Spaniels
Indianapolis, Indiana
Top Field Spaniel breeder Northaven Field Spaniels
Northaven Field Spaniels
Colebrook, Connecticut
Top Field Spaniel breeder Kaleidoscope Field Spaniels
Kaleidoscope Field Spaniels
Rochester, New York
Top Field Spaniel breeder WINDWARD FIELD SPANIELS
WINDWARD FIELD SPANIELS
Bowling Green, Ohio
Top Field Spaniel breeder Gooseberry Field Spaniels
Gooseberry Field Spaniels
Johns Island, South Carolina

Field Spaniel Owner Experiences

12 Months
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The Field Spaniel can be a good family dog while it has a job to do. They are suitable for dog agility and hunting. Without some sort of purpose, the dog can often try to amuse itself and cause mischief. However, they are patient with children and like to stay close to their family.[12] When socialised, they are good with other dogs.[3] They are generally docile and independent, and are not as excitable as Cocker Spaniels.[11] Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs lists the breed as being above average in working intelligence.[11]
6 years, 9 months ago
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