Field Spaniel Dogs
Breed Rating (1 Reviews)
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History
The Field Spaniel was developed around 1850 in England, based on larger puppies from Cocker Spaniel litters. They were used as working dogs in the field, retrieving game and flushing out birds for hunters. In the late 19th century they became popular show dogs, all black at that point, and by the turn of the 20th century they were unsuitable for field work. It was only mid-century that they were redeveloped for outdoor work, with Springer, Sussex, and English Water Spaniel genes added to the mix. They are currently quite rare. The UK kennel club has less than 50 dogs registered, and the dog is even rarer in the USA.
Behaviour
The Field Spaniel is a loving, devoted, and excitable, craving attention. They are good with children, other dogs, and other pets, as long as they are introduced from a young age. They can be shy with strangers, so should be introduced to as many people as possible when still young. They are easy-going and not too demanding. They will get excited at the prospect of a walk, but will then be very happy to sleep on the couch or at your feet after the walk.
Field Spaniels are reasonably intelligent and like to please their owners. Affection and food reward works well during training. These dogs tend to be sensitive to moods, and harsh words should be avoided. They thrive on praise, and using games to make learning more enjoyable will also pay off. They do well in agility, tracking, and obedience tests when well trained. They will do almost anything for food, so you need to go easy on the treats and watch their weight to prevent obesity. They can be mischievous and won't always pay attention to you, especially if they catch an interesting scent.
Field Spaniels need walking every day for at least one hour, plus a play session every day. Scent tracking is something they really enjoy, and this keeps the dogs mentally active and tires them out too.
This breed’s recall is usually good, and they don't like to wander too far. They are generally less excitable on walks than other Spaniel breeds, but they do like to keep busy whenever they are out and about, so always take a ball or frisbee with you on a walk. A bored Spaniel will take it out on the furniture at home.
The Field Spaniel’s single coat requires a quick daily brush to get rid of dead hair and tangles. They are clean dogs and don't need bathing very often, unless their nose has led them through muddy puddles!
Temperament
Field Spaniels are active and easy-going dogs, making great family pets. They get on well with other pets (especially if raised with them from puppyhood) and early socialization gets them accustomed to other animals. These are very sociable, and hate being left alone without human contact.
Health Problems
Field Spaniels are generally healthy, but may suffer from canine hip dysplasia (CHD), ear infections, and eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Older dogs may suffer seizures, but this is not very common.
Breed Details
- Status: Common
- Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 years
- Weight: 35 – 44 pounds
- Height: 17 - 18"
- Rare: No
- Coat: Medium - Double
- Grooming Requirements: More than once per week
- Town or Country: Country
- Minimum Home Size: Small House
- Minimum Garden Size: Large Garden
- Breed Type: Gun Dog
- Size: Medium
- Energy Level: High
- Exercise Required: Over 2 hours
Field Spaniel Pictures
Latest Reviews For Field Spaniel (1 of 1)
Good friendly dog can be shy with humans, NOT hyper - Kay,
I’ve had my male Field for two years now. He is very loving and affectionate and silly. He does need daily play sessions and walks but he is definitely not high strung. He does have a good recall as I have worked with him on this quite a bit. My particular boy loves to shred and eat stuffed toys so he absolutely cannot have toys that aren’t made for strong chewers. When he was a puppy he would be very greedy and yes, steal food right out of your hand…you need to teach them that it is not acceptable straight out of the gate, and it can be done. He is such a sweet and happy dog but he is shy around strangers even though I’ve been working on him with this ever since I brought him home at 9 weeks of age. He absolutely loves other dogs! He is very strong though, as strong as my female German Shepherd was, so early leash walking manners are a must. I have not yet had any health issues with him other than a sensitive stomach…they can have allergies as my dog cannot have chicken. I am in the U.S. and the breeders here are all usually pretty good about testing their breeding stock for inherited issues and being very selective in their breeding but still do your due diligence in selecting a breeder you can work with. My boy has a lifetime guarantee against hereditary diseases. He is a joy to own and I love him to pieces but note that these dogs can be a bit willfull. My boy likes doing FastCat so far as well as nosework and these dogs are great at doing a good variety of activities. The don’t need an hour of exercise a day I would say a half hour to 45 minutes but mine loves to play ball even in the house and can get enough activity inside the house on rainy, snowy or extreme temperature days but they love running outside.


