Field Spaniel Dog Breed Guide
📍 Origin: England
The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting breed originally developed in England for flushing and retrieving game in dense cover. It is known for its gentle, docile nature and striking silky coat, and remains one of the rarer spaniel breeds today.
| Breed | Field Spaniel |
| Size | Medium (35–50 lbs) |
| Height | 17–18 inches |
| Lifespan | 11–13 years |
| Temperament | Gentle, Adaptable, Independent |
| Energy Level | Moderate●●●○○ |
| Good With Kids | ✅ Yes |
| Grooming | Moderate |
| Training | Good |
| Shedding | Light |
| Best For | Experienced Owners |
🐕 Field Spaniel Overview
The Field Spaniel is a well-balanced, sturdy sporting dog that combines an elegant appearance with a willing, hardworking attitude in the field. Bred for endurance and versatility, it adapts well to both hunting roles and life as a devoted family companion. Its calm temperament and affectionate personality make it a rewarding breed for active owners who can provide consistent mental and physical stimulation.
📜 History & Origin
The Field Spaniel was developed in England during the mid-1800s as a distinct hunting spaniel designed for retrieving game in difficult terrain and water. Early breeders crossed Cocker Spaniels and Sussex Spaniels to produce a longer, lower dog suited to dense undergrowth, though excessive exaggeration in the breed's conformation nearly led to its extinction by the early 20th century. Dedicated breeders in England revived the Field Spaniel through careful outcrossing, and the AKC officially recognized the breed in 1894, though it remains one of the rarest spaniel breeds in the world.
👀 Size & Appearance
🐶 Male
- Weight: 35–50 lbs (16–23 kg)
- Height: 17–18 inches (43–46 cm)
🐕 Female
- Weight: 35–45 lbs
- Height: 16–17 inches
Coat type: Moderately long, flat or slightly wavy, silky, water-repellent with feathering on chest, legs, and belly
🧠 Temperament & Behaviour
With Children
Field Spaniels are generally excellent with children. Their patient, gentle nature makes them reliable family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children.
With Other Dogs & Pets
Generally sociable with other dogs and pets when properly socialised from puppyhood. Early introductions are recommended.
🏃 Exercise Needs
Field Spaniels have moderate exercise requirements — around 60 minutes of daily activity is sufficient. Two daily walks plus some playtime keeps most individuals happy and healthy.
⚠️ Apartment living: Not ideal. A house with a garden is strongly preferred.
🍗 Food & Diet Guide
🐶 Puppy (8 weeks – 12 months)
- Feed a large/medium breed puppy formula
- 3–4 small meals per day up to 6 months
- Reduce to 2–3 meals from 6 months onward
- Look for AAFCO "complete and balanced for growth" statement
- Avoid overfeeding — controlled growth prevents joint issues
🐕 Adult (Field Spaniel)
- Daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food split into two meals of quality dry kibble
- Split into 2 meals per day
- Choose AAFCO-compliant food for adult maintenance
- Monitor weight monthly — adjust portions as needed
- ⚠️ High obesity risk — measure portions carefully
Always consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan specific to your dog's age, weight, and health status.
🏅 Training Guide
Basic Commands
Start sit, stay, come, and leave it from day one. Positive reinforcement with treats works best. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes.
Toilet Training
Take puppy outside every 2 hours and immediately after meals, play, and sleep. Reward immediately after they go outside.
Leash Training
Start with a flat collar and short sessions. Reward loose-leash walking. A front-clip harness helps dogs that pull.
Socialisation
Expose to different people, sounds, and environments between 8–16 weeks. This is the critical window for confident adult behaviour.
✂️ Grooming
Brushing
Brush 2–3 times per week to manage shedding and coat condition.
Bathing
Bath every 4–6 weeks or when dirty. Over-bathing strips natural coat oils.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they are too long.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
🩺 Health Problems
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Preventive Health Tips
- Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for dogs over 7)
- Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date
- Maintain a healthy weight — obesity worsens most conditions
- Ask your breeder for OFA/PennHIP health clearances on parents
⏱ Lifespan
The average Field Spaniel lifespan is 11–13 years. Smaller breeds often live longer than larger breeds. Individual lifespan depends heavily on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for age and size
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
- Regular exercise matched to age and health status
- Annual vet visits for early detection of health issues
- Dental care — dental disease affects overall health significantly
💷 Puppy Price
United States
Pedigree AKC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Europe
Pedigree FCI-registered puppy from health-tested parents
United Kingdom
Pedigree KC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Estimated Monthly Cost (UK)
Prices vary by breeder, location, and pedigree quality. Always buy from a health-tested, reputable breeder — never from puppy farms.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Active families with a yard
- Experienced dog owners
- Hunters and field sport enthusiasts
- Excellent with children
❌ Cons
- Apartment dwellers
- First-time dog owners seeking low-maintenance breeds
- Owners who cannot commit to daily exercise
- Prone to obesity — portion control essential
🆚 Field Spaniel vs Other Breeds
✅ Field Spaniel wins at
The Field Spaniel is calmer and less hyperactive indoors, suiting families who want a mellower sporting companion.
✅ Cocker Spaniel wins at
The Cocker Spaniel is far easier to find from reputable breeders and is better suited to first-time spaniel owners.
✅ Field Spaniel wins at
The Field Spaniel is gentler and less boisterous, making it a better fit for calmer household environments.
✅ English Springer Spaniel wins at
The English Springer Spaniel is more widely available, easier to train, and better suited to high-intensity fieldwork.
🏠 Who Should Own a Field Spaniel?
✅ Great Choice If You Are:
- Active families with a yard
- Experienced dog owners
- Hunters and field sport enthusiasts
- A family with children
❌ Consider Another Breed If:
- Apartment dwellers
- First-time dog owners seeking low-maintenance breeds
- Owners who cannot commit to daily exercise
- You live in a small apartment without outdoor access
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Field Spaniel good for families?
The Field Spaniel is a gentle, affectionate breed that bonds closely with its family and generally does well with children who respect its calm nature. It tends to be patient and tolerant, though it can be somewhat reserved with strangers and benefits from early socialization. Families who enjoy outdoor activities and can provide daily exercise will find the Field Spaniel a devoted and loving companion.
How much does a Field Spaniel puppy cost?
In the United Kingdom, a Field Spaniel puppy from a health-tested breeder typically costs between 1,200 and 2,000 GBP given the breed's rarity. In Pakistan, prices generally range from 80,000 to 150,000 PKR, though the breed is extremely rare and imports may significantly increase costs. In India, expect to pay between 60,000 and 120,000 INR from a reputable breeder, and prospective owners should thoroughly verify health clearances before purchasing.
Is Field Spaniel easy to train?
The Field Spaniel is an intelligent breed with a willing attitude, but it also carries an independent streak that can make training sessions more challenging than with some other spaniels. It responds best to positive reinforcement techniques, consistent routines, and patient handling rather than harsh correction. Due to this sensitivity and mild stubbornness, the Field Spaniel is better suited to owners who have prior experience training sporting or scent-driven breeds.
What food is best for a Field Spaniel?
A high-quality dry kibble formulated for medium-sized, moderately active breeds is the foundation of a healthy Field Spaniel diet, with protein from named meat sources listed as the primary ingredient. Adults typically require 1.5 to 2.5 cups of kibble per day split into two meals, though portions should be adjusted based on the individual dog's weight, age, and activity level. Because the Field Spaniel carries a notable obesity risk, free-feeding should be avoided and treats should be factored into daily calorie totals.
Does Field Spaniel bark a lot?
The Field Spaniel is not considered an excessive barker and is generally quieter than many other spaniel breeds. It may bark to alert its owner to unfamiliar visitors or sounds, but nuisance barking is uncommon in a well-exercised and mentally stimulated Field Spaniel.
Can a Field Spaniel live in an apartment?
The Field Spaniel is not well suited to apartment living because it requires a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous outdoor exercise daily and benefits greatly from having access to a securely fenced yard. Without adequate space and activity, the breed can develop boredom-related behaviors such as destructive chewing or restlessness.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Field Spaniel is best suited to experienced dog owners who understand the breed's specific needs. With a lifespan of 11–13 years, moderate activity needs, and moderate grooming requirements, the Field Spaniel is a wonderful family dog.
If you can meet their exercise, training, and care needs, the Field Spaniel will reward you with years of loyal companionship.