Field Spaniels are medium-sized dogs with undeniably close resemblance to Cocker, Springer, and Sussex Spaniels. The Field Spaniel features a glossy, long, wavy coat that comes in colors of black, red, or a combination of two. They also feature brown eyes, long, feathery ears, and docked tails.
Field Spaniels are sweet, loving dogs that are the best fit for active families. As long as you can provide him with the time and attention he needs, you won’t have problems handling him. They love people, and they thrive for companionship so they won’t be fit for anyone who is not home most of the time.
If you want to have a chance to participate in dog sports, the Field Spaniel is the dog to get. Training might be a challenge, but nothing beats consistency. If you can cope well with their high energy, they’ll surely fill your life with joy and excitement.
Field Spaniel Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Sporting |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Height | 18 inches (male); 17 inches (female) |
| Weight | 35-50 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-13 years |
Field Spaniel Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
Field Spaniel History
Field Spaniels were developed in England during the late half of the 19th century. They were the first dogs bred to be of a solid-black color, which is quite unusual.
Usually, hunters prefer dogs with brighter colors, so they’re easier to see. But it turns out that the Field Spaniel was bred with the thought of also showing him in show rings, while at the same time, still be able to have excellent hunting skills.
Around this time, more spaniel dog breeds were created. And by 1901, breeders decided to divide them by weight: dogs weighing more than 25 pounds were labeled Field Spaniels, and dogs weighing less than 25 pounds were called Cocker Spaniels.
Field Spaniels immediately rose to popularity, especially in show rings. And because of this, breeders became more obsessed with breeding them, making them very long and low in shape. They were described as “grotesque caricature of a Spaniel,” and nobody loved them.
Soon, the Field Spaniels’ popularity decreased and they almost went extinct for a half-century. Fortunately, Mortimer Smith made an effort to restore the breed to how it was initially.
By 1894, the American Kennel Club registered its first Field Spaniel. A tragic event occurred in 1909, where a whole kennel of Field Spaniels was destroyed in a fire, causing the breed to disappear in America.
It was only in 1967 when the importation of the breed started again. Four dogs became the breed’s ultimate foundation of all the Field Spaniels we see today.
Field Spaniel Temperament
Field Spaniels are sweet, fun-loving, and sensitive dogs. They are usually level-headed and mild-mannered dogs but with stronger sporting instincts as compared to other spaniel breeds. They love all types of sports, regardless of running, biking, hiking, or fieldwork.
These dogs are happiest with their humans, so it’s only right to include them in any family activities. They love people, and they’ll surely shower you with love and affection.
Though they are reserved when they meet strangers, these dogs are never shy, fearful, or aggressive. They are also great dogs to have for households with children and other pets.
Field Spaniels may have an independent streak, but if you keep training light-handed, they’ll respond well. They are sensitive to harsh or rough training. So, instead, shower them with positive reinforcements, whether it’s through dog treats or praises.
Field Spaniel Care Requirements
- Nutrition: Field Spaniels enjoy eating a lot. As responsible dog owners, it’s up to you to watch the number of calories your dog eats in a day. If you won’t, you’ll risk them getting overweight, where they might be susceptible to some health diseases. Field Spaniels can live on any type of diet. But meals should be high-quality and contain a balance of all the essential nutrients. Proteins are vital for muscle growth, fats for hair growth, and carbohydrates for energy. If you’re preparing a home-cooked meal, you should focus on getting high-quality ingredients for your dog to eat. You can ask your vet for a guide about what food sources contain the nutrients your dog needs. The same should apply with dog food, where you should only choose premium-quality dog food.
- Grooming: Field Spaniels are known for their beautiful long coat. This coat sheds regularly and would also require regular maintenance. You would need to brush it at least once a week, so it remains shiny and healthy. This will also help prevent any mats and tangles from forming. During the shedding season, you might need to brush more frequently to keep the shedding to a minimum. Trimming might also be required around the head and feet, but the body coat should not be clipped. It’s highly recommended to have a professional groomer do the trimming of your dog’s coat. Baths can be given occasionally, depending on your dog’s needs. But ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent ear infection. Nails should also be trimmed once every two weeks to ensure that it doesn’t become too long.
- Exercise: Field Spaniels are active sporting dogs that require regular exercise for both mind and body. No high-impact activities are needed; instead, they’ll be happy with daily brisk walks on a leash or play sessions in a securely fenced yard. They also love participating in canine activities, and regular training is a great exercise to stimulate their minds and bodies.
- Health: Although Field Spaniels generally have long lifespans, they are still susceptible to several health diseases. As dog owners, it’s essential to be aware of what these are, so we know how to prevent our dogs from acquiring them—or simply knowing what to do when your dog does acquire them. For Field Spaniels, ear infections are common to the breed, so it’s necessary to clean the ears regularly. Bone diseases like hip dysplasia are common to which is why regular exercise is needed. These dogs are also prone to allergies, so stay away from food or products that are dangerous. It’s always best to meet at least one of your dog’s parents to be aware of any genetically-transmitted diseases. Screen tests are also available, and we also recommend you have them take one. Other diseases are hereditary like:
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- Cancer
- Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
- Cataracts
- Ectropion
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
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- Lifespan: The life expectancy of Field Spaniels is 12-13 years.
Famous Field Spaniels
- Colombina, Elmbury Morwena, Gormac Teal, and Ronayne Regal: The foundation of all Field Spaniels existing today.
- Colehill Rufus: The first Field Spaniel registered by the AKC.
Fun Facts About Field Spaniels
- Field Spaniels originated in England around the 1800s.
- Their coat comes in various colors – black, liver, or roan, with or without tan markings.
- The only difference they had with Cocker Spaniels before is their weight.
- The breed was almost extinct for a half-century.
- All the Field Spaniels existing today originated from four dogs.
- They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1894.
Check Out Other Sporting Dog Breeds:
American Water Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel, Brittany, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Golden Retriever, Gordon Setter, Irish Red and White Setter, Irish Setter, Irish Water Spaniel, Kooikerhondje, Labrador Retriever, Lagotti Romagnoli, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Pointer, Spinoni Italiani, Sussex Spaniel, Vizsla, Weimaraner, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Wirehaired Vizslas