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Field spaniel

The Field Spaniel is a British gundog that nearly destroyed itself: bred in the late nineteenth century towards an exaggerated long, low body for the show ring, it became unable to work and fell out of favour entirely.

It was rebuilt in the twentieth century towards a moderate, functional dog, and remains a vulnerable native breed with very few registrations.

It stands 43 to 46 centimetres, weighs 16 to 25 kilograms and lives twelve to fourteen years, with a single glossy coat, usually solid liver or black with feathering. It is calmer and more sensitive than a Cocker or a Springer — a docile, thoughtful spaniel that dislikes rough handling and bonds closely.

Origin
Britain; rebuilt after Victorian show breeding ruined the type
Size
43–46 cm; 16–25 kg
Lifespan
12–14 years
Coat
Single glossy coat with feathering, usually liver or black
Status
A vulnerable native breed; few registered annually
Health
Hip dysplasia, ear infections, hypothyroidism

Related: American water spaniel · Boykin spaniel · Cavalier King Charles spaniel · Clumber spaniel · Cocker spaniel

3 field spaniel photos, newest first

Field spaniel feed
  • Cocoa, a field spaniel

    Cocoa

    Cocoa stops in the bluebells every May and refuses to be hurried through them.

    FrostyOtter · 5 days ago

  • Cardamom, a field spaniel

    Cardamom

    Cardamom was promoted to scientist monitoring a bubbling but harmless experiment; unfortunately, a domino line stops one piece before the finish.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Cardamom, a field spaniel

    Cardamom

    Cardamom after approximately four seconds of exercise.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a field spaniel

They are sensitive dogs. Harsh training methods produce a withdrawn, worried spaniel, and the breed is noted for it. Reward-based work and patience get far more.

Ears are long and pendulous and need weekly cleaning; infections are the routine complaint.

Ask for hip scores, eye testing and a thyroid check.

The gene pool is small — this is a rare breed — so ask what a breeder does about diversity.

Exercise needs are moderate to high, and they enjoy scent and gundog work. The coat needs brushing twice a week and light trimming.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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