The Field Spaniel is an active, medium-sized spaniel breed with a loving temperament. This native to England enjoys long walks and time with his family.

Physical Characteristics

• Moderately-sized spaniel
• Proportionately longer body than the cocker spaniel
• Coat: Silky hair is brown or black; some have tan markings
• Large nose
• Almond-shaped eyes are hazel or chestnut brown
• Pendant, fringed ears
• Height: 18 inches
• Weight: 35-50 pounds
• Average lifespan: 12-14 years

Temperament

• Docile, sweet, affectionate, independent, smart, sensitive, athletic, energetic
• Interaction with people: Excellent with children; may be wary of strangers. Tends to be devoted to one family member
• Interaction with animals: Good with other dogs and noncanine pets
• Training: Needs early socialization to avoid timidity. Quick learner; happiest with a job to do

At Home

• Not recommended for apartments
• Needs large yard with fence
• Needs a plenty of exercise, including a long daily walk
• Prefers cool climates (please note: there are field spaniels in all climates around the world- including Southern California, AZ and TX...for almost any dog, it is what they are acclimated to)
• A sports-oriented family suits it best

Grooming

• Sheds year-round
• Should be brushed and combed once or twice a week
• Straggling hair should be trimmed every few months
• Ears should be kept clean
• Dead hair can be removed by plucking
• Hair on ears, legs and neck also need to be thinned out

Brief History

• Native to England
• Bred from the English land and Irish Water Spaniels in the 1600s
• Almost driven extinct in the late 1960s
• Breeding moderation was restored to the field spaniel in the 1920s
• Introduced in America in the late 1960s

Fido's Facts

• Until 1901, size was sole distinction between the Cocker Spaniels and Field Spaniels
• All modern field spaniels can be traced to four field spaniels from the 1950s
• Talents are tracking, hunting, and retrieving
• Rare in the U.S. due to the greater popularity of Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels