Field Spaniel

Origin & history

The Field Spaniel was developed in England in the late 1800s from the same broad pool of land spaniels that produced the Cocker and the Springer, with the three sorted partly by size and weight. Early breeders chasing a fashionable look pushed the Field towards an over-long, low-slung body that harmed its working ability and nearly finished the breed off. Sensible outcrossing and a return to a more moderate, functional shape in the 20th century rescued it, and it settled into the medium-sized, balanced spaniel seen today. It has never been numerous and remains one of the rarer gundog breeds. The Field Spaniel is recognised by the ANKC, though in Australia it is uncommon and most people meet it through dedicated enthusiasts rather than as a familiar family pet.

Temperament

Field Spaniels are sweet, affectionate and mild-mannered, with a gentleness that makes them rewarding company but also means they wilt under heavy-handed correction. They are usually good with children and with other dogs and pets when raised with them, and most are polite though somewhat reserved with strangers rather than outgoing or suspicious. They are intelligent and genuinely eager to please, so they train well on patient, reward-based methods. There is an independent, inquisitive streak from their working background, and a nose that can pull them off task once a scent takes hold. They are not big barkers and make at best a mild watchdog. The main behavioural needs are daily exercise, something to do with that nose, and close involvement with their family. A Field Spaniel left bored and alone too often can become withdrawn or anxious.

Appearance

The Field Spaniel is a well-balanced, moderately built spaniel, noticeably more substantial than a Cocker but not heavy. It usually stands around 43 to 46 cm at the shoulder and weighs roughly 18 to 25 kg, slightly longer than tall, with a noble, gently domed head and long, low-set, well-feathered ears. The eyes are dark and convey a calm, almost wistful expression. The coat is single, glossy and silky, of moderate length, flat or slightly waved, with feathering on the chest, underside, backs of the legs and ears. Colours are solid liver, solid black, or either of these as a roan, sometimes with tan markings. The overall picture is of an elegant, workmanlike dog.

Suitability

The Field Spaniel suits a house with a yard better than a flat, though it can adapt to smaller living if its exercise needs are properly met. It fits active owners and families who want a gentle, involved companion and who will give it daily walks, free running and some scent work. Its kind, soft nature makes it reasonably friendly for a thoughtful first-time owner, provided they use gentle training and accept that this is a sensitive dog. It is sociable and dislikes long stretches alone, so it is best where it gets regular company rather than being left all day. In the Australian climate its feathered coat copes reasonably well, but it still needs shade, fresh water and exercise saved for the cooler parts of hot days.

Health

Typical lifespan is around 11 to 13 years. The Field Spaniel's better-established predispositions are hip dysplasia, eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy and cataract, and the eyelid faults common to spaniels such as ectropion and entropion. Like other heavily eared breeds it is prone to ear infections, so the ears need routine checking and cleaning. Hypothyroidism is also reported in the breed. Buy from breeders who hip score under a recognised scheme, who have current eye testing done by a veterinary ophthalmologist, and who use the available DNA test for prcd-PRA where it applies to their lines. Keeping the dog at a sensible weight, plus good ear care and routine veterinary checks, goes a long way to keeping a Field Spaniel sound and comfortable into older age.