Field Spaniel
The spaniel the world forgot — glossy, gentle, and quietly excellent.
Vital stats
| Size | Medium · 43–46 cm |
| Weight | 18–25 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–13 years |
| Energy | Moderate–high — 60 min/day |
| Shedding | Moderate, year-round |
| Coat | Silky, feathered · liver, black or roan |
| Group | Sporting · FCI №123 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred as an all-round flushing dog and then nearly lost to fashion, the Field Spaniel kept the working nose and shed the mania. It is docile, observant and a touch reserved with strangers — a spaniel that thinks before it launches. At home expect steady devotion, soft manners and real hurt feelings if you raise your voice.
Habits & quirks
The thoughtful pause
Where a springer leaps, a Field Spaniel assesses — then commits with quiet style.
Nose diary
Every walk is a scent inventory; allow extra time for thorough hedgerow journalism.
Shadow at ankle height
It keeps loose, easy contact with its person rather than orbiting at speed.
The gentle greeting
Visitors get a wagging, slightly formal welcome — exuberance is saved for family.
Care
| Exercise | An hour daily with off-lead sniffing and retrieving games; it enjoys work without demanding a marathon. |
| Grooming | Brush the silky feathering weekly and keep ears clean and dry — classic spaniel ear plumbing applies. |
| Training | Highly biddable with reward-based methods; harshness or shouting sets this sensitive breed back weeks. |
| Health | A generally sound breed — ask breeders about hip scores and eye testing all the same. |
Common questions
Is a Field Spaniel a good family dog?
Yes — gentle, patient and devoted, with less chaos than many spaniels. It still needs daily exercise and inclusion in family life to be at its best.
How rare are Field Spaniels?
Genuinely rare: the breed sits on the UK Kennel Club's Vulnerable Native Breeds list, and finding a litter usually means a waiting list. Good breeders are worth the patience.
How does a Field Spaniel differ from a Cocker Spaniel?
It's bigger, longer-bodied and calmer, with a more measured, thoughtful temperament. Same wonderful nose, noticeably lower throttle.