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Field Spaniel Temperament (Sweet & Sensitive): Good and Bad

The Field Spaniel temperament is amiable and docile which makes this breed a wonderful family pet. However, it's sensitive temperament requires some special considerations. For example, Field Spaniels need a lot of one-on-one attention, and will not be happy spending a great deal of time alone.

Photo of Field Spaniels On Leash

Field Spaniel Temperament and Personality

If you are thinking about adding a Field Spaniel to your family, it is important to do diligent research to make sure it is a good fit for you. Let’s take a closer look at the core components of the Field Spaniel Temperament:

Gentle

The Field Spaniel has a gentle and sensitive nature. This makes them an ideal choice for families. And they are tolerant of children, especially when socialized from a young age.

Field Spaniels are also compatible with other animals as long as they are introduced properly. They are widely renowned for having a tranquil and easy-going demeanor.

Eager to Please

Field Spaniels are very loving and loyal. These dogs are devoted to their masters and eager to please.

They are highly responsive to training, and they are extremely food motivated! Some owners jokingly refer to the breed as “Food Spaniels.”

This trait makes them prime candidates for positive reinforcement training.

People-Oriented (Can be bad if you cannot reciprocate)

Field Spaniels thrive when they are treated as part of the family. They love to be close to their owners.

And as already mentioned they do not do well when they are left alone for long periods of time or relegated to the backyard.

If you are looking for a yard dog, this is not the breed for you. The Field Spaniel needs to live indoors with the family.

If you work long hours, consider doggie daycare or a dog walker so your Field Spaniel will not be left alone for too long.

The Field Spaniel can suffer from separation anxiety if he does not receive enough human interaction. And once they feel neglected, they will develop nuisance behaviors such as barking, chewing and digging.

Sporty

The Field Spaniel is an athletic working dog. If you own one as a pet, you will need to provide it with adequate daily exercise.

Field Spaniels love a good romp outdoors. They are always willing to accompany their owners on a hike in the woods or a stroll in the park.

They do not have an excessive amount of energy, but daily exercise is essential.

Field Spaniel Size and Appearance

It's to have an idea of the average weight and height of a full-grown Field Spaniel. After all, that cute puppy will grow up into an adult one day.

You also want to know what is considered a healthy weight that way you can easily spot or better yet avoid an obese or malnourished Field Spaniel

Field Spaniel Weight and Height

The Field Spaniel weighs between 35 lbs and 50 lbs and stands around 18 inches tall.

With its soulful eyes and droopy ears, the Field Spaniel bears a close resemblance to the Cocker Spaniel but is larger in size.

Colors

The Field Spaniel’s flowing coat is generally black, liver, or a combination of the two. The coat requires weekly brushing to keep it healthy and shiny. The fur does shed and it is not hypoallergenic.

A Brief History of the Field Spaniel

The Field Spaniel’s early ancestors date back to the 1800s.

For centuries, British hunters used generic medium-sized spaniels to flush game birds in the English countryside.

Then dog shows became popular in the late 1800s and sparked dog-breeding mania.

Almost Extinct!

Dog fanciers became obsessed with creating an all-black spaniel and “Black Field Spaniel Champion Benedict” was one of the first prize-winning dogs in America.

The Field Spaniel was such a success in the show ring that breeders started over-breeding their dogs.

Health issues emerged and the breed’s hunting capabilities dwindled.

One disgusted dog fancier described the breed as a “grotesque caricature” because the breed had become ridiculously long and low to the ground.

After this fall from grace, the Field Spaniel almost disappeared. But

Pulled-back from the Brink…

A few dedicated breeders saved it from the brink of extinction and revived it with responsible breeding practices.

The story of the Field Spaniel is used as a dire warning to breeders about the dangers of over-breeding. It is a cautionary tale about the risks of breeding solely for physical appearance without regard to health or temperament.

Not Common in the US

The Field Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Group and is closely related to the Cocker Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel. However, the Field Spaniel is less widely recognized than these two popular breeds.

In fact, the Field Spaniel is a rare breed in the United States, but it is beloved by its loyal enthusiasts.

Staying Healthy

Field Spaniels are prone to a number of health concerns. Be sure to discuss these conditions with a veterinarian before acquiring a Field Spaniel:

Like all dogs, Field Spaniels need yearly checkups with a veterinarian. With good care, the average Field Spaniel lifespan is approximately 12 years.

Helpful Health Resource:

Note: If you agree that your health and your dog's health should be a top priority then get a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health.  Your Field Spaniel friend will love you for it.

Field Spaniel Rescue

If you would like to adopt a Field Spaniel, visit the website for the Field Spaniel Society of America.

The group has a detailed rescue questionnaire that you can fill out. This adoption questionnaire will help the rescue group match you with an adoptable Field Spaniel that will be a good match for your household.

Most of the Field Spaniels in the rescue program are adult dogs that wound up in the rescue group through no fault of their own. For example, many dogs end up in rescue when their owners endure a financial crisis or lose their housing.

Adult rescue dogs have a lot of advantages! They are often housebroken and are not as destructive or rambunctious as puppies.

If the Field Spaniel Rescue group does not have any dogs that are a good match for you, be sure to visit your local animal shelter.

Field Spaniels are uncommon in shelters, but it is still a good idea to visit nearby shelters and put an application on file.

If you are open to a Field Spaniel mix or other spaniel mixes you might get a call sooner!

You can also set up notifications on Petfinder.com and Adoptapet.com that will alert you when Field Spaniels become available for adoption near you.

The adoption fee will vary depending on the rescue organization. Municipal shelters typically ask for an adoption donation between $75 and $150.

Private rescue groups charge a higher fee. The Field Spaniel Rescue group uses a sliding scale depending on the age of the dog. They charge $400 for very young dogs and $200 for seniors.

Field Spaniels adopted through rescue groups and animal shelters are always spayed/neutered and vetted prior to adoption.

Finding Field Spaniel Puppies for Sale

If you decide to search for a Field Spaniel breeder, a good resource is the Field Spaniel Society of America’s Breeder Referral Committee.

The committee can assist you as you contact Field Spaniel breeders and find out more about the breed.

Field Spaniel puppies are scarce, so you may have to wait for a Field Spaniel puppy to become available from a reputable breeder.

Once you identify a good dog breeder with Field Spaniels for sale, make sure you visit the premises yourself. Ask lots of questions and request to see medical records for the puppies and adults on site.

Never purchase a puppy from a pet store or over the internet without visiting the breeder yourself. It is imperative that you assess the living conditions and make sure they are clean and humane.

The Field Spaniel price from a high-quality breeder will generally be in the range of $800 – $1000.

Conclusion: Why the Field Spaniel?

If you are looking for a sweet and even-tempered companion, look no further than the Field Spaniel.

The Field Spaniel’s agreeable temperament makes it an ideal choice for many families. However, this breed requires a lot of time, love and attention. If you bring one home, make sure that you can meet its emotional needs.