Is the Field Spaniel a good family dog?
Field Spaniel
Field Spaniels are gentle, affectionate medium-sized gundogs with silky feathered coats and a calm, thoughtful expression. Originally developed in Britain for sporting work, they are intelligent, active and strongly people-oriented dogs with excellent scenting ability.
| Recommended for | Active families, singles and couples who can provide regular exercise, companionship and gentle training |
| Breed Classification | Gundogs |
| Other names | Field |
| Lifespan | 12-13 years |
| Size | Medium |
| Temperament | Sensitive, affectionate, active and biddable |
| Intelligence | High: responsive and capable problem-solvers |
| Tendency to bark | Low to moderate: alert when needed |
| Maintenance Level | Medium: regular brushing and ear care are required, but the coat does not need heavy styling or clipping |
| Health Risk | Field Spaniels are generally robust, although recognised joint, eye, thyroid and neurological conditions occur. |
Thinking of insuring a Field Spaniel?
Explore the Top 5 health issues claimed for Field Spaniels, including highest claims paid and how much pet insurance could help you save on eligible vet bills.
See Field Spaniel pet insurance Ready to get cover? Get a quick quote
Field Spaniel personality and temperament
Field Spaniels are affectionate, sensitive and intelligent dogs that tend to form close bonds with their families. They are generally calmer and more measured than some other sporting spaniels, while still retaining plenty of enthusiasm for walks, scenting, retrieving and outdoor activities.
They can be somewhat reserved around unfamiliar people and have an independent streak, so early positive socialisation and kind, consistent training are valuable. Harsh handling can undermine confidence in this sensitive breed.
Field Spaniels with kids and other pets
Well-socialised Field Spaniels can make gentle and affectionate family companions and often live successfully with children. As with all dogs, interactions with young children should be supervised and children taught to handle the dog calmly and respectfully.
They generally coexist well with other dogs and can often live with cats when appropriately introduced. Their gundog background means some may show interest in birds and smaller animals, so individual prey drive should be considered.
Field Spaniel training and exercise
Field Spaniels are active sporting dogs that need regular daily exercise and opportunities to use their natural scenting and retrieving instincts. Most healthy adults benefit from around 60–90 minutes of activity each day, although particularly active dogs may enjoy considerably more. Walks, hiking, retrieving, scent work, swimming and dog sports can all provide useful physical and mental stimulation.
They are intelligent and responsive but also sensitive, so short, varied training sessions using positive reinforcement tend to work best. Recall training is particularly worthwhile because scents and wildlife can be highly distracting.
| Energy level | Moderate to high: active sporting dogs with good stamina |
| Exercise requirements | High: generally around 60–90 minutes daily or more, plus play, scent work and mental enrichment |
Common health issues for Field Spaniels
What do Field Spaniel owners claim for the most?
Field Spaniels are generally a robust breed, but they can be predisposed to several inherited and breed-related conditions affecting the joints, eyes, thyroid and nervous system, as well as ear infections.
- Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia:Abnormal development of the hip or elbow joints can cause pain, lameness and arthritis. Both hip and elbow screening are recommended for breeding Field Spaniels.
- Ear infections: Their long, feathered ears can trap warmth and moisture around the ear canal, contributing to inflammation or infection. Signs can include scratching, head shaking, redness, odour or discharge. Ear conditions are also among BWM’s commonly claimed problems for the breed.
- Eye disorders: Field Spaniels can develop conditions including retinal folds, entropion, ectropion and cataracts. Regular specialist eye screening is recommended for breeding dogs.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can cause weight gain, lethargy and skin or coat changes. Affected dogs are usually managed successfully with lifelong thyroid hormone medication.
- Late-onset seizures: Seizures have been reported in older Field Spaniels, although the underlying cause and heritability are not always clear. Recurrent unexplained seizures may be diagnosed as epilepsy and can often be managed with veterinary treatment.
Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.
How to choose the right insurance for your Field Spaniel
When comparing cover for your Field Spaniel, look for:
Cover for common Field Spaniel conditions:
Check that the policy covers conditions Field Spaniels can be prone to, including common health issues.
Cover for hereditary conditions:
No exclusions for hereditary or congenital conditions⑅.
Flexible cover options:
Options to adjust your annual benefit limit, reimbursement rate and excess.
Bow Wow Meow's Nose-to-Tail Cover offers flexible options for your Field Spaniel, with cover for accidental injuries, illnesses and hereditary conditions⑅. Get a quick quote for cover that suits your Field Spaniel and your budget.
Field Spaniel feeding and nutrition
Field Spaniels should be fed a complete and balanced diet appropriate for their age, body condition, activity level and health. Portions should be adjusted to maintain a lean, healthy weight, particularly as calorie needs can vary considerably between highly active working or sporting dogs and less active companions. Treats should be included when considering overall daily food intake. Speak to your vet if you have concerns about your Field Spaniel’s weight, diet or individual nutritional needs.
Field Spaniel care and grooming
Field Spaniels have silky, feathered coats that need regular brushing and combing, generally two to three times a week, to prevent tangles and remove loose hair. Particular attention should be paid around the ears, legs, belly and tail, and the coat should be checked for grass seeds, burrs and debris after outdoor activity.
Minimal trimming around the feet and other untidy feathering may be useful, but the coat should retain its natural appearance. The ears should be checked regularly for redness, odour, discharge or irritation and cleaned only when needed or as recommended by a veterinarian. Routine nail and dental care is also important.
Size, appearance and coat of Field Spaniels
he Field Spaniel is a well-balanced, medium-sized sporting spaniel built for activity and endurance. It has a long, refined head, dark hazel almond-shaped eyes and moderately long, low-set ears with abundant feathering.
The coat is dense, weather-resistant, flat and silky, with feathering on the chest, underside and backs of the legs. Recognised colours include black, liver, blue roan and liver roan, with tan markings also permitted in each of these colour groups.
| Weight range | 18–25 kg |
| Height range | Approximately 46 cm |
| Colours | Black, liver, blue roan or liver roan, with or without tan markings |
| Coat length | Medium to long: silky, weather-resistant and feathered |
Breed history of Field Spaniels
The Field Spaniel developed in Britain during the late 19th century, when sporting spaniels that had previously been grouped largely by size and function began to be separated into distinct breeds. Early Field Spaniels drew on Cocker, Springer and Sussex Spaniel ancestry and initially became popular in the show ring.
Show fashions eventually encouraged an exaggerated long, low body shape that reduced the breed’s usefulness as a working gundog and contributed to a sharp decline in popularity. During the 20th century, dedicated breeders worked to restore a more balanced, athletic Field Spaniel, including the careful reintroduction of Cocker and Springer Spaniel blood.
Today the breed remains relatively uncommon but retains the stamina, scenting ability and steady temperament expected of a working spaniel. The Royal Kennel Club currently lists the Field Spaniel as a Vulnerable Native Breed in the UK.
Explore related breeds
Field Spaniel facts!
- Field Spaniels were once deliberately bred into an exaggerated low, heavy shape before breeders restored the athletic form seen today.
- The breed became rare at various points in its history, but was preserved by dedicated breeders and is now considered a Vulnerable Native Breed in Britain.
- Field Spaniels were historically developed from spaniels including Cocker, Springer and Sussex lines.
- Despite their elegant appearance they were specifically built for endurance and working through rough shooting cover.
- Field Spaniels were once developed with a strong focus on appearance and were originally show-ring favourites.
Summary
The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting breed with a silky coat, long ears and a balanced, slightly longer-than-tall body. Gentle, sensitive and affectionate, Field Spaniels are usually devoted companions that enjoy outdoor activity without the intensity of some other spaniels.
They need regular exercise, kind training, early socialisation and coat care to prevent tangles in the ears, legs, belly and tail.
FAQs about the Field Spaniel
It can be, provided the household matches the breed’s exercise, training, grooming and supervision needs.
High – long walks, retrieving and scent work.
Shedding depends on coat type, season and grooming routine. The breed has a medium to long, silky coat with feathering.
No. While some individuals may shed less than others, no dog breed is truly allergy-free.
Most respond well to positive, consistent training, but owners should work with the breed’s instincts rather than against them.
MORE INFORMATION
Field Spaniel Club of NSW: https://www.facebook.com/p/Field-Spaniel-Club-of-NSW-61565550082369/
Get 2 months free for your puppy!
Congrats on your new bundle of joy
To ensure your precious fur baby is covered from the start, we'd like to offer your first 2 months of our Nose-to-Tail Cover for free2!
Get a quick quote
