Field Spaniel breed photo

Field Spaniel

The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized, elegant dog breed known for its long, silky coat and amiable personality. Originally bred for hunting and retrieving, this breed is intelligent, gentle, and makes a loyal family companion.

2.2
Size
Medium
10-25kg
Grooming
Regular Care
2-3x per week
Family
Great with Kids
Patient & gentle nature
Family-friendly

The Honest Truth

Before you fall in love, know what you're getting into.

ChallengeSevere Separation Anxiety

This is the primary behavioral failure mode for the breed. Field Spaniels are quintessential "Velcro dogs." They do not just prefer company; they *require* it. Left alone for standard workdays (8+ hours) without intervention, they are prone to destructive chewing, howling, and self-mutilation. They are not suitable for households where the home is empty all day.

ChallengeThe "Shut Down" Response

Unlike the resilient Labrador, Field Spaniels are emotionally sensitive. Harsh training methods, chaotic households, or heavy-handed discipline can cause them to "shut down"—becoming withdrawn, fearful, or submissive urinators. They require a gentle, positive hand.

ChallengePrey Drive

While generally docile, they are flushing spaniels. They will chase birds, squirrels, and rabbits. This drive can make off-leash reliability in unfenced areas a challenge without significant training.

Health Overview

View full health guide →
Patologia % della razza colpita
Otitis Externa (Ear Infections): 33.9%
Cancers: 26.4%
Hip Dysplasia: 12.1%
Ask breeder for:
OFA hipsannual CAER (eyes)thyroid panels

Ownership Costs

View full breakdown →
Initial Cost
$1,000-2,500
BudgetAveragePremium
Monthly Cost
$90-150
LowModerateHigh
Estimated Yearly Cost
$1,080-1,800

Includes food, insurance, vet visits, grooming, and supplies

Living Situation

Apartment Living
Challenging - needs space
Work From Home
Suitable with adequate exercise
Alone Time
Moderate - 4-6 hours
First-Time Owner
Good choice for beginners

With Other Pets

Dogs
Generally friendly
Cats
Generally safe with proper introduction
Small Mammals
Supervision required
Birds & Reptiles
Caution advised

Climate & Seasonal Care

Heat Tolerance 3/5
Cold Tolerance 3/5
Winter Needs
No gear needed
Summer Care
Normal activity OK
Seasonal Shedding
Medium

Adjust activities based on weather conditions.

Breed Origins

Original Purpose
extreme length and short legs (likely using Basset Hounds), creating a caricature that could barely
Field/Working Lines
** In the late 1800s, breeders bred for extreme length and short legs (likely using Basset Hounds),

Living With a Field Spaniel

Odor Level
Moderate
Coat Feel
Varies by coat type
Surrender Risk: Medium
  • Underestimated exercise needs
  • Behavioral challenges
  • Cost of care

Exercise Menu

60-90 min/day
Physical
45 minutes
Mental
15 minutes
Physical Exercise (45-60 mins):30 min
A brisk morning walk plus a session of fetch or free running in a yard . They love swimming and are natural retrievers.
Mental Stimulation (15-20 mins):15-20 min
Scent work is their forte. "Find it" games, scatter feeding, or tracking exercises are more exhausting for them than physical running.
Total Daily Requirement:60-90 min
**60–90 minutes**. They have an "off switch" indoors but will become nuisance barkers if under-exercised.
Method:15-20 min
Positive reinforcement is non-negotiable. They are biddable and eager to please but wilt under pressure.
Repetition:5-10 min
They are intelligent (Moderate/High trainability) and bore easily with endless repetition. Keep sessions short and varied.
Pitfalls:15-20 min
They can be independent thinkers. If a command doesn't make sense to them, they may hesitate. This is often mistaken for stubbornness but is actually a lack of motivation/clarity.
Heat Tolerance (3/5):15-20 min
Their dark coats (black/liver) absorb heat, and they do not tolerate extreme heat well. Exercise should be limited to cool hours in summer.
Cold Tolerance (3/5):15-20 min
They lack the dense, woolly undercoat of a Husky or Golden Retriever. They are single-coated [cite: 6], meaning they feel the cold more than double-coated breeds. A coat is recommended in freezing temps.

Life Stages

Puppy0-12 months

Field Spaniel puppies require consistent training and patience.

Adolescent6-18 months

Peak energy age: 1-3 years

Adult2-8 years

Prime years - energy stabilizes but remains active

Senior8+ years

Senior care varies by individual health.

First Year Reality Check

5/10
Puppy Difficulty
Moderate
House Training
Medium
Crate Training Success
6-12
Destructive Phase (months)
This breed commonly experiences adolescent regression - training may temporarily regress around 6-18 months

Travel & Adventure

Car Travel
Good
Hiking Companion
Camping
Suitable
Beach Friendly
Yes
Cabin Eligible
Too large
Hotel Friendly
Yes

Adapts well to travel with proper preparation.

Safety & Containment

Dog Park
Suitable
Off-Leash
Not recommended
Escape Risk
Low
Min Fence Height
5-6 feet
Resource Guarding
Low
Small Animal Safe
Yes

Proper containment and supervision recommended.

Breeding Information

6
Avg Litter Size
(range: 4-8)
Varies
C-Section Rate
Medium
Whelping Difficulty
Low
Puppy Mortality

Special Abilities

Canicross/Bikejoring Sensory Friendly Coat

Training Guide

Recommended Method
Positive reinforcement
Learning Speed
repetitions
Training Tips
  • ** Positive reinforcement is non-negotiable. They are biddable and eager to please but wilt under pressure.
Common Challenges
  • s:** They can be independent thinkers. If a command doesn't make sense to them, they may hesitate. This is often mistaken for stubbornness but is actually a lack of motivation/clarity.

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Care Tips for Field Spaniels

Tip #1

Ensure regular exercise for your Field Spaniel.

Tip #2

Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their size and energy level.

Tip #3

Regular grooming and veterinary check-ups are essential.

Breed Characteristics

Trainability
Patient Training
Energy Level
Energizer
Grooming Needs
Regular Care
Size
Medium
Hypoallergenic
No
Apartment
Not Ideal
Kids
Great
Weight
10-25kg

More Field Spaniel Resources

Field Spaniel Costs

Calculate the true cost of ownership

Field Spaniel Health

Common health issues & prevention

Field Spaniel Grooming

Coat care & grooming tips

Field Spaniel Food

Nutrition & diet recommendations

Field Spaniel Temperament

Personality & behavior traits

Field Spaniel Name Ideas

Find the perfect name for your Field Spaniel

Field Spaniel Hashtags

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