Field Spaniel at a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- about 46 cm
- Weight
- 18–25 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Cats and small pets.
Is the Field Spaniel right for you?
Like every breed, the Field Spaniel is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
- You have, or would like, another dog.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
How would the Field Spaniel fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Field Spaniel
The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized spaniel, slightly longer than it is tall, with a gentle, noble expression and a glossy, thick coat with plenty of feathering. It is typically sweet, affectionate and mild, but it is still an active, clever working dog with a spaniel's desire to work.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Medium
A mid-sized dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Moderate
The coat usually needs brushing several times a week.
- Shedding
Moderate
Sheds a moderate amount, varying by dog and season.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Suits first-time owners
Some experience helps
Some dog experience helps.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
In the late 19th century, "field spaniel" was a general term for land spaniels, which were then sorted by size and colour: smaller dogs became Cockers, larger particoloured dogs Springers, and larger solid-coloured dogs Fields. The breed's history involved a good deal of Sussex Spaniel blood, and later outcrosses to the Springer Spaniel and even the Basset Hound.
The breed went into decline and by the 1940s fewer than ten were registered each year. A further English Springer outcross revived it, bringing roan colours into the breed. It is still rare and is one of the Royal Kennel Club's vulnerable native breeds.
Field Spaniel temperament
Field Spaniels are usually calmer and less busy than Cocker Spaniels, but they are still energetic dogs with the brains and working drive common to all spaniels. They combine a sweet temperament with real working ability.
They want to spend time with their family and tend to find busy, noisy city life overstimulating. They are generally friendly with other dogs, and they may bark to alert you to visitors or anything unusual. They love carrying things in their mouths.
Size and appearance
Field Spaniels are medium-sized, typically standing around 46 cm and weighing about 18–25 kg.
The medium-length coat is silky to the touch but dense and waterproof, with ample feathering on the chest, belly and backs of the legs. Breed standard colours include black, liver, blue roan and liver roan, each with or without tan markings.
How much exercise does a Field Spaniel need?
This is an active breed that needs more than two hours of exercise a day, ideally through a mix of activities that use its mind as well as its body. Varied country walks suit it best, and it can do well in a range of dog sports.
Training a Field Spaniel
Field Spaniels are easily motivated by toys and treats and are fun to train. Because they follow scent and love exploring open countryside, good control matters.
- Train retrieving to hand early and consistently.
- Teach them to swap items for toys or treats, so carrying things does not lead to misunderstandings.
- Build a strong recall before giving lots of off-lead freedom.
- Train them to ignore livestock.
Field Spaniel grooming
The coat needs grooming several times a week, paying particular attention to the feathering, which tangles easily. Check ears and paws after every walk, as the long ears and feathers easily pick up grass seeds and thorns.
Living with a Field Spaniel
Field Spaniels can be excellent family dogs for households with children old enough to understand how to behave around dogs, and who might enjoy helping with training or long country walks. Teach children not to take items from the dog or chase it to get things back, as this can lead to behaviour problems. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually happier in a house.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Some dog experience helps.
Field Spaniel health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The Field Spaniel is described as a generally hardy breed, but some conditions are recognised in it. The Royal Kennel Club lists hip, elbow and eye testing as best practice before breeding.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint does not develop properly. Hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme is recommended.
Elbow dysplasia
Abnormal development of the elbow joint. Elbow testing under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme is recommended.
Inherited eye conditions
The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme for breeding dogs.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Field Spaniel home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Field Spaniel cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Field Spaniel home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Field Spaniel
If you have decided the Field Spaniel suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Field Spaniel
Field Spaniels do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Field Spaniels looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Field Spaniel adverts at the moment.
Find Field Spaniel adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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View breed guide
Field Spaniel FAQs
Is the Field Spaniel good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Field Spaniel live in a flat?
Usually happier in a house. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Field Spaniel need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Field Spaniel shed?
Moderate shedding.
How much grooming does the Field Spaniel need?
Typically: several times a week.
Is the Field Spaniel easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Field Spaniel be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Field Spaniel bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Field Spaniel live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Field Spaniel get?
Adults typically stand about 46 cm at the shoulder and weigh 18–25 kg.