Field Spaniel 2025 Guide: Temperament, Care & Training 🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

The Field Spaniel is a mellow, sensitive breed with a history rooted in hunting but a modern role as a cherished family companion. These medium-sized dogs are affectionate, trainable, and strikingly elegant, with their long ears and flowing coats. In this expert 2025 guide, you'll learn how to care for a Field Spaniel—from grooming and training to health and lifestyle fit. 🐾

📜 Breed Origins

Developed in England in the 1800s as a bird-flushing dog, the Field Spaniel was designed for stamina and work in rugged field conditions. Although nearly lost due to overbreeding for show traits, modern Field Spaniels have rebounded into thoughtful, athletic companions with balanced temperaments. 🇬🇧

🧠 Temperament & Personality

Field Spaniels are affectionate, sensitive, and dignified. Here's what to expect:

• Even-Tempered: Calm indoors, playful and alert outdoors
• Loyal: Strong bonds with family, gentle with children
• Reserved: Cautious but polite with strangers
• Sensitive: Respond poorly to harsh corrections—positive reinforcement is key

🏡 Ideal Home Environment

This breed thrives in calm, structured households:

• Suburban homes with access to nature or trails
• Active but gentle families or individuals
• Homes with children who understand respectful interaction

They enjoy being close to their people and don’t tolerate long solitude. 🏡

✂️ Coat Type & Grooming

The Field Spaniel has a long, silky, water-resistant coat:

• Brushing: 3–4 times per week to prevent mats and tangles
• Trimming: Every 6–8 weeks for feathering on ears, legs, and tail
• Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks with gentle shampoo
• Ear Cleaning: Weekly—prone to infections

🏃♂️ Exercise & Enrichment

Field Spaniels need daily activity to stay happy and balanced:

• 60 minutes of walking, hiking, or backyard play
• Retrieving games and obedience tasks for stimulation
• Off-leash time in safe, enclosed spaces

A bored Field Spaniel may become anxious or withdrawn. 🧠

🍗 Nutrition & Feeding

Feed a diet that supports coat health, joint strength, and energy levels:

• Protein-rich food with chicken, fish, or lamb
• Omega-3s for skin and coat support
• Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint care

Feed twice daily and consult Ask A Vet for custom nutrition guidance. 🍽️

🩺 Common Health Concerns

Field Spaniels are generally healthy but may be prone to:

• Ear Infections: Due to floppy, low-hanging ears
• Hip Dysplasia: Genetic screening is recommended
• Hypothyroidism: Monitor weight and coat condition
• Eye Conditions: Such as cataracts or retinal atrophy

Schedule annual exams and use Ask A Vet for early detection and home management. 🩺

🎓 Training & Socialization

This breed is eager to please but emotionally sensitive:

• Start training early using food and praise
• Socialize gently—avoid overwhelming environments
• Focus on patience, consistency, and encouragement

🧘♂️ Emotional Needs

Field Spaniels are deeply affected by their environment:

• Provide predictability and calm leadership
• Use enrichment toys to prevent boredom
• Include them in daily activities—they are family dogs

For emotional support tips, consult a behaviorist via Ask A Vet. 🧠

🏁 Final Thoughts: Is the Field Spaniel Right for You?

If you're looking for a calm, gentle, and affectionate companion with a moderate activity level and strong emotional intelligence, the Field Spaniel may be the perfect breed. With the right care, grooming, and training, these dogs become loyal and loving members of any home. ❤️

Need help building your Field Spaniel’s care plan? Start a consult today at Ask A Vet!