The Field spaniel is a medium-sized sporting breed from England with a silky coat, an athletic body, feathered fur on its legs and tail, and curly sections on its floppy ears. As close cousins to Cocker spaniels and Springer spaniels, these dogs were originally bred to hunt game in England's vast fields.

You're more likely to see today's Field spaniels at the dog show rather than on hunting grounds, but modern Field spaniels have certainly retained their ancestors' high energy levels, playfulness, loyalty, and intelligence—making them a perfect pick for active families. This affectionate breed is always up for an adventure as long as it's by its owner's side.

Characteristics of the Field Spaniel

Field spaniels are very loving dogs, and they develop strong bonds with their people. In general, they're friendly with dogs, other pets, and strangers, but it's still smart for owners to properly socialize any dog breed early on.

Field spaniels were bred to hunt, and they have plenty of energy that pairs best with owners who exercise often. Because they need plenty of space to run around, these spaniels aren't recommended for people living in apartments, condos, or homes without backyards; without enough activity, they can become bored, which often leads to mischievous or destructive behavior. However, for the right people, this breed is a devoted companion that's easy to train.

History of the Field Spaniel

Unlike the breeders of many hunting dogs, the original Field spaniel breeders in 19th century England actually preferred all black dogs. Most hunters prefer dogs with white markings so they can easily be seen in the field. However, the Field spaniel was also bred to be a show dog while maintaining its excellent hunting skills. All-black litters were ideal for canine competitions.

For many years, different types of spaniels were categorized by their weight. If a single puppy from a litter weighed over 25 pounds, it was considered a Field spaniel; if the puppy weighed under 25 pounds, it was considered a Cocker spaniel. It wasn't until 1901 that breeders developed clear distinctions between the two types of dogs.

The American Kennel Club registered its very first Field spaniel in 1894. A few years later, a devastating fire wiped out a Field spaniel breeding kennel, which essentially wiped out the population in the United States. Another Field spaniel wasn't registered with the AKC until 1930.

In 1967, three Field spaniels were imported to the United States. Along with a few subsequent imports, this raised the Field spaniel population in the United States slightly, but it's still a very rare dog breed in North America.

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Field Spaniel Care

Thanks to their long history as sporting dogs, Field spaniels need lots of physical activity to expel their energy. Owners should prepare for daily exercise along with standard grooming. When it comes to training, these intelligent dogs are eager to please and learn quickly.

Exercise

Field spaniels are active, high-energy dogs that need two to three hours of exercise every day. Frequent walks, runs, and swims are great ways for owners to keep these dogs active, but games that challenge their minds can also keep them mentally stimulated.

Consider teaching your dog to fetch, using puzzle toys, and playing games like hide-and-seek (either to find treats or family members around the house). Remember to always keep your Field spaniel in an enclosed, fenced-in area when playing outdoors—today's spaniels retain their drive to hunt, and they may take off to chase small animals.

Grooming

Despite the Field spaniel's long, dense coat, its grooming needs are relatively low-maintenance compared to other spaniels. This breed should be brushed often and bathed as needed. If your dog develops knots, tangles, or mats, gently remove them with your fingers and brush them out with a pin brush. For especially tough tangles, try spritzing your dog's coat with a gentle leave-in conditioner spray.

Like all breeds, the Field spaniel's teeth should be brushed regularly. Daily brushing is ideal, but a few times per week can still help protect their teeth and gums from oral disease and plaque buildup. Dental chews are fine in moderation, but shouldn't be the only method of dental care.

Check your dog's ears weekly for build-up and debris. Dogs with floppy ears are especially prone to ear infections. Clean your dog's ears as needed with a pet-safe ear cleaner and a cotton ball. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the delicate inner-ear structure.

Training

The Field spaniel is typically easy to train, and basic obedience lessons can begin when puppies are about eight weeks old. Like most breeds, these dogs respond best to positive reinforcement training methods. Reward your dog with treats, affection, and playtime when it performs desirable behaviors. Avoid methods that involve punishment, as they can be harmful to a dog's sensitive personality and lead it to resist training or become afraid of its owners.

Since Field spaniels are so athletic, they also excel in canine sports like agility training and obedience competitions. Advanced training for these activities will keep your dog's mind stimulated and can continue throughout its life.

Common Health Problems

Field spaniels are generally healthy dogs, but like most purebreds, they're still susceptible to a few inherited health problems. Responsible breeders strive to maintain high standards by testing prospective parent dogs before breeding. When adopting a puppy, ask your breeder to provide the litter's medical background.

The following health conditions are commonly associated with Field spaniels:

• Ear infections: Like other dogs with floppy ears, the Field spaniel's ears trap in moisture. This makes them more prone to ear infections, which are indicated by redness, swelling, or unusual odor. If your dog's ears show signs of infection, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
• Hip Dysplasia: A hereditary condition that affects the hip joints, hip dysplasia is common in many dog breeds. If your dog experiences pain, weakness, or lameness when walking, talk to your veterinarian to determine a treatment plan (severe cases may require surgery).
• Epilepsy: This neurological condition causes seizures in dogs, and it can usually be treated with medication in mild to moderate cases.

Diet and Nutrition

Feed your Field spaniel one and a half to two cups of high-quality dog food divided into two meals each day. Since these dogs are so active, they can usually have a few extra treats—just be sure to monitor your dog's weight and avoid overfeeding, which can lead to canine obesity and other serious health problems.

Dogs need different nutrients at different stages of life to maintain their health. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best meal plan for your Field spaniel based on its age, weight, and activity level.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Field Spaniel

Because Field spaniels are rare in the United States, they're not likely to be found at local shelters. However, shelters in your area can introduce you to similar spaniels in need of forever homes. They may also recommend breed-specific rescues in different regions to help you locate a Field spaniel elsewhere.

When adopting puppies from breeders, it's essential to do your research. Your breeder should readily provide you with the medical background of the litter's parents. Prospective adopters should also be allowed to meet the parent dogs and see that they're kept in a comfortable, safe indoor location. Look for signs of backyard breeding like unhealthy dogs, several litters at a time, or unsanitary conditions. Field spaniel puppies typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 from breeders, but prices can vary depending on their pedigree and availability.

The following resources for the national breed club, breed-specific rescues, and the AKC can help you start your search:

• Field Spaniel Society of America Breeder Referral
• Field Spaniel Society of America Rescue
• AKC Field Spaniel Breeders

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More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you love the Field spaniel, you may also like these similar breeds:

• English Cocker Spaniel
• Clumber Spaniel
• English Springer Spaniel

There are plenty of different dog breeds out there that can join your family. With a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!