Field Spaniel
- Height at the withers
- 43 to 48 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- England
- FCI group
- 8 · Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- a first dog
- living with a cat
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A medium-sized hunting spaniel with a silky, glossy coat in black, liver or roan, built for stamina and agility in the field. Docile and sensitive, it has a noble, easygoing character.
History and origins
Developed in England in the late 19th century from the Cocker and other spaniels, first for the show ring, then bred back for work. Close to extinction after both world wars, the breed was rebuilt by a handful of breeders.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Ear infections
- Entropion and ectropion
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, silky coat. Moderate shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Field Spaniel FAQ
How big does the Field Spaniel get?
The Field Spaniel stands 43 to 48 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 25 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Field Spaniel shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs average care.
Can the Field Spaniel live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Field Spaniel need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Field Spaniel good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Field Spaniel live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
