Sporting group

Field Spaniel

A rare, sensitive spaniel — docile at home, tireless and cheerful in the field.

Field Spaniels are medium-sized, sturdy hunting spaniels with a gentle, sensitive nature. They are devoted family dogs that are calm indoors and energetic outdoors, and the breed remains one of the rarest spaniels.

Height
17–18 in43–46 cm
Weight
35–50 lb16–23 kg
Life expectancy
12–13 years
Size
Medium
Group
Sporting
Origin
England

Coat: Single, flat or slightly wavy, glossy coat with moderate feathering. Colours: Black, Liver, Golden liver, Roan, With or without tan points.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive3.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking2.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level3.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden3.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.5 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability3.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Field Spaniels are affectionate, loyal and independent-minded without being stubborn. They are often reserved at first with strangers but warm up quickly. At home they tend to be calm and quiet.

They are sensitive and do not respond well to harsh treatment. With patient, positive training they are eager workers. They enjoy retrieving, swimming and long country walks.

Living with a Field Spaniel

Exercise

About an hour a day of walks, retrieving and off-lead running in safe areas.

Grooming

Brush weekly and trim around the ears, feet and feathering. Clean and dry ears regularly.

Training

Responsive to gentle, consistent training. Build confidence with reward-based methods and early socialisation.

Kids & other pets

Good with children and generally friendly with other dogs. May be wary of strangers at first.

Time alone

Prefers company; long hours alone can lead to barking or chewing. Build alone time slowly.

Home fit

Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.

Is a Field Spaniel right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Field Spaniel matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Field Spaniel typically lives 12–13 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.

  • Hypothyroidism

    Common in the breed; managed with daily medication.

  • Ear infections

    Long, feathered ears trap moisture and need regular care.

  • Eye disease

    Cataracts and eyelid problems occur; eye exams are recommended.

  • Heart disease

    Cardiac screening of breeding dogs is recommended by the parent club.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip and elbow evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • Thyroid evaluation
  • Cardiac examination

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Field Spaniel; Field Spaniel Society of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Field Spaniels were developed in England in the late 1800s from the same stock as Cocker and Sussex Spaniels, originally separated by weight. Early show breeders exaggerated their length and heaviness, which nearly ruined the breed as a working dog.

In the 20th century, breeders restored a more balanced, functional dog using Cocker and Springer outcrosses. The breed nearly disappeared after WWII and remains rare. The AKC recognised it in 1894.

Did you know?

  • Field Spaniels were once bred so long and low that critics called them “caterpillars”.
  • The breed is one of the rarest AKC spaniels.
  • They share early ancestry with Cocker and Sussex Spaniels.

Library guides for Field Spaniel owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Field Spaniels good family dogs?
Yes — they are loyal, gentle and calm indoors, with enough energy for active families.
Are Field Spaniels rare?
Yes, very. Expect to join a waiting list for a puppy.
Do Field Spaniels shed?
Moderately. Weekly brushing keeps the coat healthy.