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Field Spaniel breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the sweet and sensitive Field Spaniel famously docile but vigorous and game for anything at play or in the field, a close cousin to the Cocker and Springer that is small in number and large in charm.
In a glossy black or liver coat, it bears a family resemblance to the Cocker, Springer and Sussex spaniels.
Temperament
Field Spaniels are sweet, sensitive souls with just enough independence to make life interesting. They are intelligent problem-solvers that can excel at any game when properly motivated.
These thinking dogs do best with clear communication and reward and minimal correction. They need early socialization and a family sensitive to their needs.
Lifespan
Field Spaniels live 12 to 13 years. Breeders are urged to follow recommended testing and to consider orthopedics, thyroid, eyes, cardiac and late-onset seizures when planning matings.
Care
The lovely single coat is one of the breed's most attractive features but needs regular care: weekly brushing and combing keep it shiny and cut shedding. Field Spaniels may need minimal trimming about the head and feet and are not to be body clipped like some other spaniels.
An active sporting breed with an energetic spirit, the Field does best with regular exercise and mental stimulation. It suits many canine sports and enjoys brisk activity and downtime at home with the family.
History
Well into the 1800s the several British spaniels used for flushing gamebirds were organized by size and job and not by breed. With the advent of dog shows in England, setting definite types mattered and a spaniel born of Cocker, English Springer and Sussex crosses was designated the Field Spaniel.
Early Fields were an immediate hit in the show ring and capable hunters and the success in the ring encouraged breeders to produce a showy Field Spaniel.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 3 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 5 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 3 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 3 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 4 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 3 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |