Field Spaniel
Sporting Group · Purebred · England's forgotten sporting gem — a gentle, docile flushing spaniel of rare beauty
35–50 lbsWeight
17–18 inHeight
11–13 yrsLifespan
ModerateEnergy
Sporting Group · Purebred · England's forgotten sporting gem — a gentle, docile flushing spaniel of rare beauty
Watch this video for a quick overview of the Field Spaniel — see the breed in action before diving into the details below.
The Field Spaniel is one of the most overlooked and underappreciated sporting breeds in the world — a medium-sized flushing spaniel developed in Victorian England alongside the Cocker and Springer Spaniel, sharing common ancestry but refined for a specific size and working style. At its peak in the late 1800s, the Field Spaniel was a celebrated show and hunting dog. Then came a disastrous era of exaggerated breeding for show-ring points — breeders stretched the breed toward absurd proportions — and the Field Spaniel nearly vanished, rendered unworkable and unpopular simultaneously.
The modern Field Spaniel was painstakingly rebuilt after World War II by dedicated British breeders crossing back to Cocker and Springer lines to restore type. Today's Field Spaniel is a beautifully balanced, medium-sized sporting dog with a rich, glossy coat — most commonly solid black, though liver, golden liver, and roan patterns also occur. Their personality is distinctly spaniel: eager to please, deeply affectionate with family, and gentle enough to be one of the most "sensitive" sporting breeds. They are far rarer than their quality deserves.
Real Field Spaniels — browse photos showcasing their look, size, and personality.
Field Spaniels are known for being energetic and loyal. They form deep bonds with their families and thrive on consistent human connection. As a high-energy breed, they are best matched with active owners who enjoy outdoor activities and can commit to regular exercise.
Training is generally a pleasure with Field Spaniels — they are responsive, motivated, and pick up commands quickly. They are typically gentle and patient with children, making them a reliable family companion.
Field Spaniels need regular daily exercise to maintain a healthy weight and an even temperament. They are versatile companions who enjoy active outings but are equally content to relax at home after their needs are met.
Field Spaniels have a longer coat that requires consistent grooming to stay mat-free and healthy. Establishing a grooming routine early ensures your dog is comfortable being handled and brushed, which makes the process enjoyable for both of you.
Field Spaniels are highly responsive to training and genuinely enjoy learning. Their combination of intelligence and eagerness to please makes them a joy to work with — they pick up new commands quickly and retain them well.
Keep training sessions varied and engaging to prevent boredom. Field Spaniels can handle advanced training — agility, nose work, therapy work, or competitive obedience are all excellent options for channeling their intelligence.
Field Spaniels are generally healthy for their size, though regular screening helps catch issues early. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock for the most common conditions, significantly reducing risk in puppies from health-tested parents.
A Field Spaniel fits well with families or individuals who can provide moderate daily exercise and consistent companionship. They adapt reasonably well to various living situations as long as their exercise and social needs are met. Not ideal for owners away from home for long hours without a pet care solution in place.
Field Spaniels need consistent, well-portioned meals matched to their life stage. Overfeeding is one of the biggest health risks for any dog — use these guidelines and adjust based on your dog's activity level and body condition.
These are general guidelines for a medium-breed dog. Always check the feeding instructions on your specific food brand, and adjust based on activity level and body condition score.
Look for dog foods where the first ingredient is a named protein — chicken, beef, salmon, or lamb. Medium or large-breed formulas are calibrated for their metabolism and nutritional needs.
These common human foods can be toxic — even life-threatening — for dogs. Keep them safely out of reach at all times.
Always bring your Field Spaniel's regular food when boarding. Switching food suddenly can cause digestive upset. Provide the facility your exact feeding schedule and portion sizes.
The upfront cost of a Field Spaniel is just the beginning. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect — both to acquire one and to own one for their lifetime.
Beyond the purchase price, owning a Field Spaniel costs between $120–$250 per month on average. Here's where the money goes:
Over a 10–13 year lifespan, a Field Spaniel typically costs between $12,000–$22,000 total — depending on health, lifestyle, and the services you use.
Pet insurance is worth considering for any breed. Buying before your dog turns 1 gives the best rates and fewest pre-existing condition exclusions. Compare 2–3 providers before committing.
Because Field Spaniels have such wonderful traits, they're a popular choice for intentional mixed breeding. Here are the most common — and most loved — Field Spaniel crosses.
Field Spaniel × Cocker Spaniel. Compact, silky, deeply affectionate spaniel with a wonderful nose.
Field Spaniel × Springer Spaniel. Energetic, athletic, classic English flushing spaniel.
Field Spaniel × Labrador. Friendly, eager, versatile gundog with gentle temperament.
Field Spaniel × Poodle. Low-shedding, intelligent, sensitive sporting companion.
Field Spaniels are full of surprises. Here are some of the most fascinating, funny, and heartwarming facts about this breed.