Field Spaniel

The Field Spaniel is a rare spaniel breed. He is larger and calmer than the Cocker Spaniel, yet smaller and more manageable than the English Springer Spaniel, placing him in a useful middle ground among the working spaniels.

Despite his appealing nature, the Field Spaniel remains uncommon. The breed has a quiet dignity and notable independence compared to some other spaniel varieties. It is well-suited to owners who want a devoted, sensitive companion capable of both field work and calm indoor companionship.

History and Origin: A Cautionary Tale

The history of the Field Spaniel is a dramatic story of “form over function” gone wrong, followed by a triumphant return.

The Show Ring Disaster

In the late 19th century, spaniels were classified by weight, not breed. Anything over 28 pounds was a Field Spaniel; anything under was a Cocker. Victorian breeders decided they wanted an all-black spaniel that was long and low to the ground. They crossed the functional field dogs with the Sussex Spaniel and the Basset Hound. The result was a caricature: a dog with massive bones and a body so long and low it could barely walk, let alone hunt. Phineas Bullock, a prominent breeder, created a dog that won in the show ring but was useless in the field. The breed nearly went extinct because no one wanted a crippled dog.

The Resurrection

In the 1920s and again in the 1960s, dedicated enthusiasts worked to save the breed. They crossed the remaining Field Spaniels with English Springer Spaniels to bring back leg length and working ability. Today’s Field Spaniel is a balanced, functional dog. He has reclaimed his heritage as a capable hunter of upland game, though he remains a rare sight compared to the ubiquitous Cocker and Springer.

Physical Characteristics: The Noble Aristocrat

The Field Spaniel is a study in elegance. He is a solid, medium-sized dog with a “noble” head and a glossy coat.

• Height: 17–18 inches (43-46 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: 35–50 pounds (16-23 kg).

The Head

The head is the hallmark of the breed. It is described as “molded,” with a long muzzle and a defined “stop” (brow). The expression is grave, gentle, and intelligent.

• Ears: The ears are long, wide, and heavily feathered. They frame the face beautifully but are magnets for burrs and brambles.
• Eyes: Almond-shaped and dark hazel to dark brown. They have a soft, pleading quality.

The Coat

The single coat is flat or slightly wavy, with a texture like silk. It is dense enough to repel water and thorns but not so heavy that it overheats the dog.

• Feathering: There is moderate feathering on the chest, underbelly, and behind the legs.
• Colors: most commonly Solid Black or Solid Liver. They can also be Roan (a mix of colored and white hairs) in black or liver. Tan points (like a Rottweiler) are allowed but rare.

Temperament and Personality

The Field Spaniel is a complex character. He is not the “everyone is my best friend” type like the Golden Retriever.

Exceptonally Docile

The breed standard calls for a “docile” nature, and for the most part, this is true. They are generally calm indoors and are significantly less hyperactive than Springers or Cockers. They are content to lie at your feet for hours.

Reserved with Strangers

The Field Spaniel is reserved with unfamiliar people, unlike the more openly friendly Cocker Spaniel. He is polite but distant with strangers, reserving his affection for his family, to whom he is closely devoted. The breed bonds strongly and prefers to be in the same room as its owners.

The Sensitive Soul

This is an incredibly sensitive breed. If you have a harsh voice or a heavy hand, this dog will crumble. He needs a gentle, encouraging leader. If there is tension in the house, the Field Spaniel will feel it and become anxious.

The Playful Side

When comfortable and settled, the Field Spaniel’s docile nature gives way to a lively, fun-loving side. He enjoys play and can be amusing company.

Training and Exercise Needs

Exercise: Moderate but Necessary

He is a working dog at heart. He needs more than a quick potty break.

• Daily Needs: A solid 60-minute walk or a good game of fetch daily.
• Mental Work: He is smart and gets bored. Scent work, tracking, and agility are excellent outlets for his energy.
• Birdiness: If he catches the scent of a bird, his ears will turn off. Recall training is essential but can be a challenge outdoors.

Training: Use Honey, Not Vinegar

• Motivation: He works for food and praise. He shuts down with correction.
• Independence: He has a streak of independence. He will think about your command before obeying it. Patience is key.
• Socialization: Because of his natural reserve, he must be socialized early and often. Take him to new places and let him meet calm, friendly people to prevent him from becoming timid.

Health and Lifespan

The Field Spaniel is a generally healthy breed, living 12 to 13 years. However, the small gene pool means genetic issues can persist.

• Hip Dysplasia: A major concern. Always check the parents’ hip scores.
• Thyroid Disease: Autoimmune thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) is relatively common. It is treatable with medication but requires lifelong management.
• Eye Issues: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and cataracts, and ectropion (droopy eyelids).
• Ear Infections: Like all spaniels with long, heavy ears, air circulation is poor. Weekly cleaning is mandatory to prevent yeast and bacterial infections.

Grooming and Care

The Field Spaniel is beautiful, but beauty has a price.

• Brushing: He needs to be brushed at least 2-3 times a week to prevent mats, especially in the feathering (ears, chest, legs).
• Trimming: He is not a “wash and wear” dog. The hair on his head, throat, and ears needs to be trimmed regularly to maintain that noble look. The hair between the paw pads must be trimmed to give him “cat feet” and prevent slipping.
• Bathing: Bathe as needed, but don’t strip the oils from his weatherproof coat.

Is a Field Spaniel Right for You?

The Field Spaniel is a specific dog for a specific owner.

Yes, if:

• You want a close companion. You want a dog who is emotionally connected to you.
• You are a gentle person. You use positive reinforcement.
• You want a distinctive dog. You enjoy having a rare breed that turns heads.
• You are moderately active. You enjoy walks but don’t need a marathon runner.

No, if:

• You work long hours. He does not tolerate isolation well.
• You live in a kennel environment. He needs to be in the house.
• You want a “push-button” dog. He has his own opinions.
• You are not prepared for grooming. The coat requires commitment.

For the right owner, the Field Spaniel offers a well-balanced combination of intelligence, capability in the field, and quiet devotion at home.