Is the Boykin Spaniel or the Field Spaniel better for families with children?

Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Field Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Boykin Spaniel or the Field Spaniel?

The Boykin Spaniel and Field Spaniel shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Boykin Spaniel or the Field Spaniel?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Boykin Spaniel or Field Spaniel bigger?

Boykin Spaniel and Field Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Boykin Spaniel or Field Spaniel?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Boykin Spaniel or Field Spaniel?

For apartment or apartment living, Field Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Boykin Spaniel vs Field Spaniel: Which Is Calmer?

Boykin Spaniel vs Field Spaniel: full comparison

Trait	Boykin Spaniel	Field Spaniel
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	Medium
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Very High	High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Field Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Boykin Spaniel demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Field Spaniel wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Boykin Spaniel needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Field Spaniel needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Boykin Spaniel takes to training fast and works willingly, speaks up only now and then and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Field Spaniel takes to training fast and works willingly, speaks up only now and then and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Boykin Spaniel is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Field Spaniel is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Field Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Boykin Spaniel has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Boykin Spaniel and Field Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Boykin Spaniel and Field Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Boykin Spaniel and Field Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Boykin Spaniel if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Field Spaniel if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

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 match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Boykin Spaniel or the Field Spaniel better for families with children?: Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Field Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Boykin Spaniel or the Field Spaniel?: The Boykin Spaniel and Field Spaniel shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Boykin Spaniel or the Field Spaniel?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Boykin Spaniel or Field Spaniel bigger?: Boykin Spaniel and Field Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Boykin Spaniel or Field Spaniel?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Boykin Spaniel or Field Spaniel?: For apartment or apartment living, Field Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Boykin Spaniel vs Field Spaniel