Field Spaniel
SensitiveDocileFun-loving
England · 12–13 years
About the Field Spaniel
The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized, docile sporting breed that nearly went extinct in the early 1900s due to extreme breeding for exaggerated features in the show ring. Thankfully, dedicated breeders restored the breed to a functional, balanced sporting dog. Field Spaniels are gentle, sensitive, and sweet-natured — perhaps the most mild-mannered of all the sporting spaniels. They are slightly larger and more reserved than Cocker Spaniels but smaller and calmer than English Springer Spaniels. Their single-color glossy coat and noble expression give them a dignified, understated elegance.
Breed stats
- Height
- 17–18 in
- Weight
- 35–50 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–13 years
- Group
- Sporting
- Coat
- Medium-length, dense, silky, single coat with feathering
- Origin
- England
Coat colors
- Black
- Liver
- Golden Liver
- Roan
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
45–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1.5–2 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Ear infections
- Autoimmune conditions
- Retinal atrophy
Not every Field Spaniel will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Field Spaniels eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Field Spaniels are outstanding family dogs — gentle, patient, and wonderful with children. They are sweet-natured, eager to please, and sociable with other dogs and pets. Their moderate energy level makes them manageable for most families. They are sensitive dogs that respond best to gentle handling and positive reinforcement. They do not do well with harsh training methods or chaotic environments. For families seeking a calm, loving, medium-sized sporting dog without the intensity of Springers or the health issues common in show-bred Cockers, Field Spaniels are an excellent hidden gem.
- Field Spaniels are slightly larger (35-50 lbs vs 20-30 lbs) and taller than Cocker Spaniels, with a more moderate, functional build. They come only in solid colors (black, liver, golden liver, roan), while Cockers come in many colors including parti-colors. Field Spaniels are calmer, more reserved, and less excitable than Cockers. They have fewer hereditary health problems than many Cocker lines. Field Spaniels retain stronger field instincts and are less commonly kept purely as pets. Both are gentle, affectionate spaniels, but Fields are the more understated, steady option.
- Field Spaniels are quite rare, typically ranking in the lower third of AKC breed registrations. Their near-extinction in the early 1900s (caused by extreme show breeding) and slow recovery have kept their numbers low. Fewer than 200 puppies may be registered annually in the US. Finding a Field Spaniel puppy requires patience, research, and usually a waiting list with a dedicated breeder. Their rarity is unfortunate given their excellent temperament and versatility. Breed advocates work to increase awareness while maintaining the breed's health and gentle character.
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