If the Springer is a caffeinated whirlwind and the Cocker is your social butterfly, then the Field Spaniel is the chilled, soulful cousin who’s just as happy sniffing hedgerows as they are snoozing on the sofa. Bred in England as a steady gundog, Field Spaniels never quite hit the popularity of their spaniel relatives — but those who know them, adore them.
Owner insight: “He isn’t hyper … he is OK on his own … he can be noisy but not often … he definitely can be stubborn at times but is very easy to train … a pleasure to live with and great with my toddler.”
Wondering if this easy-going spaniel is your perfect match? Take the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz and find out.
Great Names for a Field Spaniel
Elegant, thoughtful, and a little quirky — Field Spaniels suit names with character. These dogs have old-English charm mixed with goofy spaniel tendencies, so names can swing from posh to playful. For even more ideas, try our Dog Name Generator.
- Traditional: Rupert, Clara, Edith, Henry, George
- Country vibes: Bramble, Poppy, Moss, Clover, Thistle
- Fun picks: Snuffles, Womble, Pickle, Noodle
- Noble nods: Duchess, Duke, Earl, Lady
Pickles’ Aside: “Call one Bramble and watch them disappear into the hedgerows.”
Exercise
Think of Field Spaniels as the “moderate spaniel.” They won’t ping off the walls like Springers, but they still need proper outlets for their energy.
They need:
- At least an hour a day of walking or play.
- Off-lead sniff-fests — their noses rule their brains.
- Games like fetch or swimming to keep things interesting.
Pickles’ Aside: “Calm indoors doesn’t mean couch potato outdoors — they’ll still chase a duck if given half a chance.”
Spaniel Energy Warning
Field Spaniels may be more chilled than other spaniels, but they’re still gundogs. Daily exercise and brain games aren’t optional — skip them, and your sofa may become their “new project.”
Temperament
Imagine a dog that can be both your cuddle buddy and your partner in crime on woodland walks — that’s the Field Spaniel. They’re affectionate and people-loving, with just enough sass to keep you laughing.
- Family dogs through and through.
- Gentle with children, though supervision is wise.
- A touch of stubbornness when they’ve made up their mind.
Owner insight: “We don’t want a hyper-hyper dog … various sources said they aren’t good left alone, and can be stubborn, hard to train, and noisy.”
Training
Field Spaniels are smart cookies, but sometimes they like to play “you’re not the boss of me.” Luckily, their love of praise and snacks makes them quick studies.
- Reward-based training works best.
- Consistency counts — or they’ll write their own rules.
- Early socialisation keeps them confident.
Pickles’ Aside: “They’ll learn the rules fast… then test if you meant them.”
Need help? The World’s First AI Dog Trainer has tips tailored to stubborn-but-sweet dogs like these.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Don’t expect an intimidating guard dog here. Field Spaniels are more likely to bark once and then wag their tails — but they’ll always alert you when someone’s around.
- Alert barkers but not OTT.
- Reserved at first, then usually friendly.
Other Animals
Spaniels are social, and Fields are no exception. With careful introductions, they can get on with most pets. But their inner gundog still flicks on if something small scurries past.
- Good with dogs, they know.
- Cats possible, especially if raised together.
- Small pets at risk if they trigger chase mode.
Pickles’ Aside: “If it squeaks or flaps, they’re in hot pursuit.”
Grooming
Think silky ears, feathery legs, and the occasional bramble stuck where it shouldn’t be. Grooming isn’t extreme, but it can’t be ignored.
- Brushing 2–3 times a week to avoid mats.
- Ear checks are vital — those floppy ears love collecting dirt.
- Feather trims now and then to keep them tidy.
Health
Field Spaniels are generally hardy, but like all breeds, they have some red flags to watch for:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems (PRA, cataracts, entropion/ectropion)
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart disease
- Epilepsy
- Occasional spinal issues (IVDD)
Obesity can creep in if they’re under-exercised. Average lifespan is 12–14 years. Always check breeders for health testing — our Best in Breeder Guide shows what to ask.
Cost of Ownership (UK)
Spaniels don’t eat you out of house and home, but the bills still stack up.
- Puppy price: £800–£1,500
- Food: £30–£50/month
- Insurance: £25–£50/month
- Routine vet care: ~£300–£500/year
- Extras: endless tennis balls and waterproofs (for you, not them).
Famous Owners & Moments
The Field Spaniel might not have celebrity status like the Cocker or Springer, but their steady charm has earned them a devoted following among enthusiasts who prefer a calmer spaniel.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| They’re just long Cockers | False — a distinct breed with its own history. |
| They’re hyper like other spaniels | They’re calmer, though still active. |
| They’re rare because they’re difficult | More to do with fashion — they’re lovely family dogs. |
| They don’t need much grooming | That silky coat says otherwise. |
Field Spaniel FAQs
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Do they shed? Yes, moderately.
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Are they good with kids? Yes, gentle with respectful children.
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How long do they live? Around 12–14 years.
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Are they easy to train? Intelligent but can be stubborn.
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Do they bark a lot? Sometimes — depends on the individual.
Thinking of Bringing Home a Field Spaniel?
If you dream of a spaniel without the full chaos levels, the Field Spaniel could be your sweet spot. Calm at home, playful outdoors, and loyal to the bone — they’re soulful companions with a muddy sense of humour.
Before you commit, grab our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner to get set for success. And once your Field is home, treat yourself to a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Pickles’ Aside: “Less zoom, more snooze — but still spaniel through and through.”
Breed Stats
- Origin: England
- Weight: 18–25 kg
- Height: 43–46 cm
- Lifespan: 12–14 years
- Best Trait: Balanced temperament — calm yet playful
- Challenging Trait: Stubborn streak, not keen on long hours alone
SEO Title:
Field Spaniel: The Calm and Charming Gundog
Meta Description:
Discover the Field Spaniel, a steady, affectionate gundog with a calmer temperament than other spaniels. Learn about their exercise, temperament, grooming, health, and costs to see if this rare spaniel is the right fit for you.