Field Spaniel

In the late 1800s, dog shows became more popular in England. This led breeders to create more distinct breeds and types of dogs. The Field Spaniel was developed in the 19th century in England, with its foundation involving crosses between Cocker Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels, and English Springer Spaniels. These dogs made great companions on a hunting trip, but they also performed well in dog shows.

Field Spaniels became very popular quickly; however, breeders tried to make a more ‘show-worthy’ dog and exaggerated some of the traits, making the breed less attractive. This caused their popularity to sink, and the variety nearly went extinct.

In the mid-20th century, particularly during the 1940s and 1950s, breeders used related spaniel breeds, such as Cocker, Sussex, and English Springer Spaniels, to help restore the Field Spaniel population These dogs make an excellent family pet. They are playful, intelligent, and tolerant of children. This breed is also sweet and sensitive.

3 Pros and Cons of Ownership

Size and Weight

These animals are a medium-sized dog breed. Males and females both weigh between 35 and 50 pounds. Males are a little taller at around 18 inches compared to a female’s height of 17 inches. 6-month-old puppies weigh between 20 pounds and 45 pounds and should be fully grown by the time they are 12 months old.

Common Health Issues

These dogs may suffer from some of the health issues shared below. While these are known issues for this breed, it does not mean that every dog will be impacted by them.

One possible concern is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip bone doesn’t develop properly. The bones at the hip rub together, which causes the dog pain and makes it difficult to walk. Surgery may be required for this condition.

Field Spaniels are also often impacted by low thyroid. Symptoms of low thyroid include weight gain and poor coat growth. Your veterinarian can perform blood work to check your dog’s thyroid levels and can prescribe medication to regulate the levels and keep them where they should be.

Some Spaniels may also develop eye problems. ‘Ectropion and entropion are two eyelid disorders. Ectropion causes the eyelids to sag outward, while entropion causes them to roll inward. Both conditions can lead to eye irritation or infections. Rolling eyelids could require surgery, but these are not as common in the Field Spaniel breed.

Temperament and Behavior

Fields are very sweet and sensitive dogs. They have a very fun-loving personality, and their behavior and traits can make them great family pets. In general, these dogs are very patient with children, but they do not like roughhousing or overly loud noises. However, they will typically just walk away from children who are being a bit too rough for their liking and won’t snap like some other dog breeds.

Field Spaniels were bred to be hunting dogs. They have a high energy level and require a good amount of physical activity. If they don’t get enough activity and are left alone for too long, they may become bored and exhibit destructive behaviors.

How to Take Care of One

As you think about caring for these dogs, you’ll want to keep the unique characteristics of this breed in mind. Consider their temperament, nutritional needs, exercise needs, grooming needs, and potential health concerns to offer the best care possible to your pet.

The Best Dog Food

Field Spaniels can be very motivated by food. It is generally recommended to feed your pet between 1.5 and 2 cups of food each day. The ideal amount for each dog will vary based on their age, activity level, metabolism, health, and other factors. Check with your veterinarian if you are unsure about exactly how much food your dog will need. The total amount of food should be partitioned into two meals each day.

Puppies have a smaller stomach and will need to eat between three and four times daily. As the puppy gets older, typically around the age of six months, moving them to two meals each day should be sufficient. Look for high-quality puppy food and check with your veterinarian if you need suggestions on which formulation is ideal for your dog.

Maintenance and Grooming

While Field Spaniels can be relatively heavy shedders, they are easier to groom than many other dog breeds. However, you’ll still want to brush their coat at least once a week to keep the shedding controlled and the coat looking shiny. These dogs also sometimes need a little hair trim around their feet or head.

In addition to brushing your dog regularly, don’t forget to also keep his ears cleaned, trim his nails regularly, and brush his teeth a few times each week.

Training

Field Spaniels can be easy to train since they are a more intelligent breed and generally aim to please their owners. They are more sensitive than some other dogs and will respond best to positive training methods. Early socialization is also important for this breed to help them learn how to act in different situations. Once trained, Spaniels can do well in different canine sporting events.

Exercise

Field Spaniels are active dogs and require regular mental and physical exercise. Find time each day to take your dog for a walk or play with it in the yard to make sure its exercise needs are met.

Puppies

Before bringing a puppy into your home, make sure your space is set up and ready for a new dog. Remove anything that could be potentially hazardous to the dog or personal items that you wouldn’t want to be destroyed by a young puppy. You will also want to make sure you have food and all the other supplies ready for your new dog before they come home.

Field Spaniels are generally easier to train than some other dog breeds, but you’ll still want to start training and socializing your new puppy from an early age. This will help ensure that he knows how to act in different scenarios and around different people or other dogs.

With Children

These dogs generally do very well with children. They are patient and enjoy getting attention and being near children and other family members. These dogs don’t like playing rough or a lot of noise, and if children are being too much for them, they may simply walk away.

Similar Dogs

English Springer Spaniels, Clumber Spaniels, and American Water Spaniels are three breeds that are similar to the Field Spaniel.

• English Springer Spaniel: English Spring Spaniels and Field Spaniels both originated from England and were bred to be hunting dogs. The English Springer Spaniel is one of the breeds that was used to make the Field Spaniel. Both breeds are very intelligent and social. Fields are a bit smaller than English Spring Spaniels, with an average male weight of 42.5 pounds compared to the average weight of 50 pounds for a male English Springer Spaniel.
• Clumber Spaniel: Clumber Spaniels are another gun dog that originated from England, like the Field Spaniel. Both breeds can make a good family pet and generally do well with other dogs. Fields have more energy and require a greater amount of energy than Clumber Spaniels.
• American Water Spaniel: American Water Spaniels and Field Spaniels are both affectionate, playful, and easy to train. American Water Spaniels are more protective of their territory and can make a better watchdog than a Field Spaniel.