Field Spaniel
A rare, docile British gundog, longer in body than the Cocker. Gentle, affectionate and devoted, more sensitive and reserved than the Springer, making a calm family companion that still loves to work.
Field Spaniel scorecard
Overview
The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized British gundog, noble in outline and longer in body than the better-known Cocker Spaniel. Standing around 43–46 cm at the shoulder and weighing 18–25 kg, it carries a glossy, feathered single-colour coat — most often black or liver — and a gentle, intelligent expression. Bred to work, it remains an active, willing dog, yet at home it is calm, affectionate and notably docile.
The Field Spaniel is one of the rarer native British breeds and appears on The Kennel Club's list of Vulnerable Native Breeds, with low annual registrations. Recognised in the Gundog Group, it makes a devoted family companion for owners who can offer regular exercise and grooming. With a typical lifespan of 12–14 years, it offers a long partnership for households that appreciate its sensitive, biddable nature.
Good to know — a Field Spaniel is best with a garden and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Field Spaniel emerged in Victorian England during the nineteenth century, when spaniels were being divided and refined by type rather than simply by size of litter. Early breeders set out to create a handsome, all-black show spaniel, and for a time fashion pushed the breed towards an exaggeratedly long, low and heavy form that harmed its working ability and popularity.
During the twentieth century, dedicated breeders worked to restore a more moderate, functional dog, reintroducing Springer and Cocker blood to improve soundness and revive the breed. The Field Spaniel was recognised by The Kennel Club, but it has never regained large numbers and today remains scarce, which is why it is classed among the vulnerable native breeds.
Temperament & family fit
Field Spaniels are gentle, affectionate and devoted, forming close bonds with their families. They tend to be calmer and more reserved than the exuberant Springer Spaniel, with a sensitive, sometimes thoughtful nature that endears them to people who value a quieter spaniel. They are generally good with children and sociable with other dogs.
That sensitivity does mean Field Spaniels respond strongly to the mood and handling of their owners; they can be wary of rough treatment and dislike being left alone for long. Properly socialised, they are friendly and adaptable, combining the loving temperament of a companion with the keen, busy mind of a working gundog.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Homes with a secure garden
Training & intelligence
As an intelligent and biddable breed, the Field Spaniel usually takes well to training, particularly when methods are kind, consistent and reward-based. Their sensitivity means harsh corrections are counterproductive; gentle encouragement brings out their willing, cooperative side. Many enjoy and excel at gundog work, scent games and other activities that channel their working heritage.
Early socialisation helps build confidence and tempers any natural reserve with strangers. Because they form such close attachments, training that reinforces calm independence — so the dog is comfortable being left for reasonable periods — is worthwhile from puppyhood.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Field Spaniel typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Field Spaniel's silky, feathered coat needs regular grooming, with brushing several times a week to prevent the feathering on the ears, chest, legs and underside from matting. Some light trimming or tidying may be needed, and the long, pendulous ears require routine checking and cleaning to reduce the risk of infection. Nails and teeth should also be cared for as part of a regular routine.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Provide a complete, balanced diet suited to the dog's age, size and activity level, split into measured daily meals. Active working-type spaniels need adequate nutrition for their exercise, but pet Field Spaniels can gain weight if overfed, so monitor portions and body condition. Keep fresh water available and introduce any dietary changes gradually.
Field Spaniel health & costs
Before bringing a Field Spaniel home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£400–600 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£25–45 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Field Spaniel is generally a sound, healthy breed, though its small population means maintaining genetic diversity is important and prospective owners should seek health-tested parents. As a drop-eared spaniel it is prone to ear problems, and like related breeds it can be affected by certain hereditary eye and hip conditions, which responsible breeders screen for.
Buying from a breeder who follows Kennel Club Assured Breeder recommendations — including hip scoring and eye testing — gives the best start. Routine veterinary care, weight management and attentive ear care all contribute to a long, comfortable life.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Ear infections — long, pendulous ears trap moisture and need regular checking and cleaning
- Hip dysplasia — joint malformation that can lead to arthritis; breeding stock should be hip scored
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — inherited degeneration of the retina leading to vision loss, screened by eye testing and DNA tests
- Hypothyroidism — underactive thyroid causing weight gain and coat changes, manageable with medication
- Ectropion or entropion — eyelid abnormalities that can irritate the eye and may need correction
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Field Spaniel; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Field Spaniel puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Field Spaniel
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Gentle, affectionate and family-friendly
- Calmer and more biddable than many spaniels
Things to consider
- Feathered coat needs regular grooming
- Sensitive nature and prone to ear problems
Compare the Field Spaniel
See how the Field Spaniel measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Same breed group
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Cocker Spaniel
A merry, affectionate gundog that loves people and activity — happiest with a job and regular grooming.
English Springer Spaniel
A tireless, enthusiastic working gundog that needs serious daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Similar temperament
Bohemian Shepherd
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Corgipoo
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Cocker Spaniel
A merry, affectionate gundog that loves people and activity — happiest with a job and regular grooming.
Border Terrier
A hardy, good-natured working terrier that’s friendlier with people and dogs than many of its terrier cousins.
Similar size, different type
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Field Spaniel and a Cocker Spaniel?
The Field Spaniel is longer in body and generally calmer than the Cocker. It is a medium-sized British gundog standing around 43–46 cm and weighing 18–25 kg, carrying a glossy, feathered single-colour coat, most often black or liver. It tends to be more reserved and docile than the better-known and more numerous Cocker.
Are Field Spaniels rare?
Yes. The Field Spaniel is one of the rarer native British breeds and appears on The Kennel Club's list of Vulnerable Native Breeds, with low annual registrations. It is recognised in the Gundog Group and makes a devoted family companion for owners who can offer regular exercise and grooming.
What colours do Field Spaniels come in?
The Field Spaniel typically has a glossy, feathered single-colour coat, most often black or liver. The coat is silky with feathering on the ears, chest, legs and underside, giving the breed its noble, elegant outline.
What is a Field Spaniel's temperament like?
Field Spaniels are gentle, affectionate and devoted, forming close bonds with their families. They tend to be calmer and more reserved than the exuberant Springer, with a sensitive, sometimes thoughtful nature. They are generally good with children and sociable with other dogs, but dislike rough treatment and being left alone for long.
How much exercise does a Field Spaniel need?
The Field Spaniel is an active gundog needing a good amount of daily exercise — typically more than an hour split across walks, with chances to explore, sniff and use its nose. Off-lead space and activities such as retrieving or scent work satisfy its working drive. A well-exercised Field Spaniel is calm and settled at home.
Do Field Spaniels need a lot of grooming?
Yes, fairly. The silky, feathered coat needs brushing several times a week to stop the feathering on the ears, chest, legs and underside from matting, with some light trimming or tidying. The long, pendulous ears need routine checking and cleaning to reduce the risk of infection, alongside nail and dental care.
What health problems do Field Spaniels have?
Generally a sound, healthy breed, but its small population means genetic diversity matters. As a drop-eared spaniel it is prone to ear problems, and it can be affected by certain hereditary eye and hip conditions. Buy from a breeder following Kennel Club Assured Breeder recommendations, including hip scoring and eye testing.
How long do Field Spaniels live?
The Field Spaniel typically lives 12–14 years, offering a long partnership. Routine veterinary care, weight management and attentive ear care all contribute to a long, comfortable life, as does starting with a puppy from health-tested parents.
Are Field Spaniels good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Field Spaniels tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Field Spaniel need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Field Spaniel needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Field Spaniels shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Field Spaniels easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Field Spaniels are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Field Spaniels bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Field Spaniels good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Field Spaniels suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Field Spaniel is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Field Spaniel breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/gundog/field-spaniel/
- The Kennel Club — Vulnerable native breeds: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/getting-started-with-health-testing-and-screening-schemes/vulnerable-native-breeds/
- PDSA — Looking after your dog: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/dogs
- Blue Cross — Dog health and welfare advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.