Field Spaniels were among the original breeds accepted by the American Kennel Club shortly after its founding in 1884, but they are now among the rarer breeds in AKC, ranking 147th in registrations out of 200 AKC recognized breeds in 2023. Field Spaniels are also considered a vulnerable breed on the verge of extinction by the Kennel Club in their native England.

 

 Field Spaniels were developed as a substantial hunting dog that would also impress in the show ring with its noble head with soft expression and glossy coat. But the popularity of Springers and Cockers soon eclipsed the Field Spaniel in the early 1900s, as well as the missteps of early Field Spaniel breeders that exaggerated the breed to an overly short-legged and stocky dog that was no longer of use as a hunting dog.  During World War II, the breed was all but lost.  A small group of breeders worked to revive them in the 1960s and return the breed to its original moderate and utilitarian form. Despite being little known to the public, Field Spaniels are a hidden gem and make excellent family companions. Unlike the Cocker Spaniel or Springer Spaniel, they have no split between working and show dogs and remain suitable for both show ring and the field.

 

Field Spaniels are closely related to their other spaniel cousins with some distinct differences. They are  between a Cocker Spaniel and Springer Spaniel in size and typically measure 17-18 inches at the shoulder. Males range from 45-55 pounds on average, while females are typically 35-45 pounds. Field Spaniels are predominantly solid liver (brown), but they also come in black, roan, or any of these colors with tan points.  Field Spaniels have a moderate, flat-textured coat that can be lower-maintenance than typically more profuse Cocker Spaniel and Springer Spaniel coats. However, this breed still requires some grooming, such as regular ear cleaning to prevent ear infections, and trimming the hair on the feet and paw pads to prevent tracking in mud and debris. Some clipping and trimming of their head, neck, and feathering can also be done to maintain a neat appearance.

 

Field Spaniels are a fairly healthy breed with a good number of dogs living to be 14-15 and older. However, there are a few potential health issues to be aware of.  The main health concerns are hip dysplasia, allergies, and hypothyroidism, and to a lesser extent, juvenile cataracts, IVDD (intervertebral disc disease), late onset idiopathic epilepsy, and mitral valve dysplasia (MVD).  Thankfully, many of these disorders can be tested for and minimized through CHIC health tests, but other issues, such as IVDD, epilepsy, and allergies, must be monitored through pedigrees. Ask your breeder about what has occurred in various lines of dogs. 

 

Living with a Field Spaniel takes a sense of humor at times. They are excitable, playful, love to fetch and carry their toys everywhere, leaving them scattered throughout the house. When they drink, they let water fall out of their mouths, leaving puddles all over the floor or even in your lap. They delight in raiding the laundry for socks or other smelly items. They typically do not bark much, but they do love to chase squirrels, rabbits, and birds. For some Field Spaniels, digging is a favorite activity and some of ours have dispatched moles and voles. Field Spaniels have excellent noses and some can be led astray by their keen sense of smell when off leash, so training a good recall is a must. While Field Spaniels are not hyperactive, they do appreciate a moderate level of activity, with regular walks, retrieving, or other playtime and stimulation. They have a good off-switch for those rainy or busy days.

 

Many Field Spaniels are reserved or aloof upon meeting new people. They should not show any signs of shyness or fear, but a reserved Field Spaniel will assess the new person before approaching or simply continue on and ignore the stranger. Field Spaniels are very devoted to their own people, and some can even get attached to one person the most over any other, being disinterested in people outside their small circle. On the other hand, there are some Field Spaniels who extremely gregarious and best friends with everyone they meet. (These are our favorite Field Spaniels.) They can be a bit independent, especially when it comes to following their noses. Because of the variability in temperament, knowing the lines behind the dogs helps to know what kind of dog you might end up with. 

 

Because of some tendency to be reserved and their playful demeanor, basic obedience training and socialization is key for Field Spaniels to grow up to be a well-adjusted family pet. Field Spaniels are social and need to be with their people. They do not do well as a kennel dog or living in the back yard.  They make great family dogs who love to play and cuddle, fetch, explore, and are up for any family activity. They get along well with other animals, and do well raised with kids.

 

Field Spaniels excel at a variety of dog sports and activities. Some are still used for hunting to flush and retrieve upland game birds such as grouse, woodcock, doves, and pheasant. Their excellent nose allows them to perform successfully in Tracking, Search and Rescue, and Scentwork.  Some Field Spaniels apply their gentle and affectionate temperaments to help people through Therapy work. There are Field Spaniels with titles in Rally, Obedience, Agility, Flyball, Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, and Lure Coursing or FastCAT. Whatever you might like to try with your Field Spaniel, they'd be happy to try with you.

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We want you to learn more about this breed and why it's special. If you have any questions, please contact us. If you ever want to meet a Field Spaniel, please let us know and we can try to help!