Field Spaniel
| Recommended for | Patient, active owners who want a sensitive, affectionate gundog and can provide exercise and gentle training. |
| Breed Classification | Gundog/Sporting Group |
| Other names | Field |
| Lifespan | 12 to 13 years |
| Size | Medium |
| Temperament | Sensitive, affectionate, active and biddable |
| Intelligence | Generally intelligent; best results come from patient, positive and consistent training |
| Tendency to bark | Moderate; alert but not usually noisy |
| Maintenance Level | Brush several times weekly; check ears and feathering |
| Health Risk | Field Spaniels are generally robust when well bred and well cared for, but they can still be affected by recognised breed-related conditions that should be discussed with a vet or breeder. |
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.
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Field Spaniel personality and temperament
The Field Spaniel is gentle, sensitive and affectionate, with a softer temperament than some more exuberant spaniels. It is intelligent, steady and often deeply attached to its family.
Field Spaniels enjoy activity and outdoor exploration, but they also value calm companionship. They respond best to kind, consistent training and early socialisation, as harsh handling may make them withdrawn or uncertain.
Field Spaniels with kids and other pets
Field Spaniels are usually gentle, affectionate and sensitive with children, especially in calm families that use kind handling. They can be playful and loyal, but may become overwhelmed by rough or noisy behaviour from very young children.
With other pets, Field Spaniels generally do well when socialised early. They are often friendly with other dogs and can live with cats, although their gundog instincts may make them curious about birds or small animals.
Field Spaniel training and exercise
Field Spaniels need regular daily exercise and enjoy walks, outdoor play, scent work and exploring in safe areas. They are active sporting dogs but often have a softer, steadier temperament than some spaniel breeds, making balanced exercise and companionship important.
Training should be gentle, positive and consistent. Field Spaniels are intelligent and sensitive, so harsh correction can damage confidence. Early socialisation, recall training and varied reward-based sessions help them become well-mannered and responsive companions.
| Energy level | Moderate to high |
| Exercise requirements | High - long walks, retrieving and scent work |
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Common health issues for Field Spaniels
What do Field Spaniel owners claim for the most?
- Hip dysplasia: A developmental condition where the hip joint forms abnormally, causing looseness, pain and reduced mobility. Genetics are a major factor, while rapid growth, excess weight and inappropriate exercise can worsen symptoms. Early diagnosis, weight control and veterinary care can help manage the condition.
- Ear infections: Common in dogs, often involving inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal caused by yeast, bacteria, allergies, mites or trapped moisture. Signs may include head shaking, scratching, redness, swelling, discharge, odour, pain or sensitivity around the ears.
- Eye disease: This includes problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, dry eye, corneal ulcers and inherited eye disorders. Signs may include redness, cloudiness, discharge, squinting, pawing at the eye, swelling or changes in vision.
- Hypothyroidism: A hormonal disorder where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, slowing the dog’s metabolism. Common signs include weight gain, lethargy, hair thinning, skin infections and cold intolerance.
- Seizures: Sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause collapse, shaking, paddling, drooling, twitching, loss of awareness or unusual behaviour. They may be caused by epilepsy, toxins, metabolic problems, brain disease or other underlying conditions.
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:
Check that the policy covers conditions Field Spaniels can be prone to, including common health issues.
No exclusions for hereditary or congenital conditions⑅.
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
The Field Spaniel needs a balanced diet that supports its medium-sized body, moderate-to-active energy level and sporting background. Quality protein helps maintain muscle, while healthy fats support energy, skin and coat health.
Food portions should be adjusted according to activity, as Field Spaniels that exercise regularly may need more calories than less active pets. Measured feeding helps prevent weight gain, and treats should be used moderately, especially during training.
Field Spaniel care and grooming
The Field Spaniel has a silky, medium-length coat with feathering that requires regular brushing. Brushing two to three times a week helps prevent tangles and removes loose hair, especially around the ears, legs, belly and tail. After outdoor activity, the coat should be checked for grass seeds, burrs and debris.
Regular trimming around the feet, ears and feathering can help keep the dog tidy and comfortable. The ears should be checked and cleaned regularly because they can trap moisture. Routine bathing, nail trimming and dental care are also important.
Size, appearance and coat of Field Spaniels
The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized spaniel with a balanced, slightly longer-than-tall body and a gentle, refined expression. It has a noble head, almond-shaped eyes, long low-set ears and a sturdy but elegant frame suited to working in the field.
Its coat is moderately long, silky and weather-resistant, with feathering on the chest, belly, legs and tail. Common colours include black, liver, roan, or combinations with tan markings.
| Weight range | 16 to 23 kg |
| Height range | 43 to 46 cm |
| Colours | Black, liver, golden liver or roan, sometimes tan points |
| Coat length | Medium to long, silky coat with feathering |
Breed history of Field Spaniels
The Field Spaniel was developed in Britain during the nineteenth century as breeders separated spaniels into more distinct types for field and show purposes. Early Field Spaniels were closely connected with Cocker and Springer lines, but fanciers aimed to create a longer, lower, often solid-coloured spaniel with elegance and working ability.
The breed’s history included a difficult period when exaggerated show preferences harmed soundness and popularity declined sharply. Later breeders restored a more balanced, functional dog, preserving the Field Spaniel as a rarer but historically important member of the spaniel family.
Explore related breeds
Field Spaniel facts!
- Field Spaniels were once developed with a strong focus on appearance and were originally show-ring favourites.
- The breed became rare at various points in its history, but was preserved by dedicated breeders.
- Field Spaniels are often calmer than the very high-energy Springer or Cocker.
- They have a beautiful silky coat with feathering which gives them an elegant, classic spaniel appearance.
- Field Spaniels are sensitive and usually respond best to gentle, positive handling.
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.
Next steps…
Interested in welcoming a Field Spaniel into your family? Start by researching the breed carefully, speaking with reputable breeders or rescue groups, and asking about health testing, temperament and early socialisation.
As with any breed, suitability depends less on appearance and more on temperament, lifestyle fit and the individual dog. Prospective owners should look for a reputable breeder or rescue organisation, ask about health testing and early socialisation, and consider whether the breed’s energy, grooming and space requirements genuinely match day-to-day family life.
You can also explore Bow Wow Meow’s dog breed resources, compare breed suitability for your lifestyle and consider pet insurance options before your new dog comes home.
MORE INFORMATION
Field Spaniel Club of NSW: https://www.facebook.com/p/Field-Spaniel-Club-of-NSW-61565550082369/
