Field Spaniel characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | 33% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | High | 30% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Medium | 26% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Field Spaniel right for you?
The Field Spaniel is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. In terms of temperament, it is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children and is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly. Day to day, the Field Spaniel needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Field Spaniel needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. With medium energy and medium athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Field Spaniel to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Field Spaniel needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Field Spaniel learns quickly and enjoys the training process and is generally quiet, barking only occasionally. It would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Field Spaniel
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Field Spaniel genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Independence: Low — the Field Spaniel wants more company than most breeds. Only 22% of breeds we score share this rating.
- With children: Very high — the Field Spaniel is among the most child-tolerant breeds we score. Only 24% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Field Spaniel actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Weekly brushing keeps the coat in reasonable order. |
| Time alone | Wants company. Long days alone are where the problems start. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the Field Spaniel fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Good fit | Medium energy and low barking travel well into a flat. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | High trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Low independence — this breed wants company and shows it when it does not get any. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Gentle families
- Show enthusiasts
- Moderate activity levels
- Apartment living
Things to consider
- Rare breed
- Can be sensitive
- Moderate grooming needs
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Field Spaniel good with children?
- Yes — the Field Spaniel is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Field Spaniel shed a lot?
- The Field Spaniel has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Field Spaniel need?
- With medium energy, the Field Spaniel needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Field Spaniel live?
- The Field Spaniel typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the Field Spaniel live in an apartment?
- The Field Spaniel can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Field Spaniel easy to train?
- The Field Spaniel learns quickly and enjoys the training process. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Field Spaniel be left alone during the day?
- The Field Spaniel would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.