Is the Field Spaniel or the Glen of Imaal Terrier better for families with children?

Both the Field Spaniel and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Field Spaniel or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

The Field Spaniel and Glen of Imaal Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Field Spaniel or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

The Field Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Field Spaniel or Glen of Imaal Terrier bigger?

Field Spaniel is the larger breed; Glen of Imaal Terrier is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Field Spaniel or Glen of Imaal Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Field Spaniel or Glen of Imaal Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Glen of Imaal Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Field Spaniel vs Glen of Imaal Terrier: Which Trains Easier?

Field Spaniel vs Glen of Imaal Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Field Spaniel	Glen of Imaal Terrier
Size	Medium	Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	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	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Field Spaniel is a larger dog than the Glen of Imaal Terrier, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is a small dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Field Spaniel needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Glen of Imaal Terrier needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Field Spaniel needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Glen of Imaal Terrier needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Field Spaniel takes to training fast and works willingly, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Glen of Imaal Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Field Spaniel shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Glen of Imaal Terrier shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Glen of Imaal Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Field Spaniel and Glen of Imaal Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Field Spaniel has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Glen of Imaal Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Field Spaniel and Glen of Imaal Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Field Spaniel if you want an easier dog to train or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Choose the Glen of Imaal Terrier if you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Field Spaniel or the Glen of Imaal Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Field Spaniel and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Field Spaniel or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?: The Field Spaniel and Glen of Imaal Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Field Spaniel or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?: The Field Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Field Spaniel or Glen of Imaal Terrier bigger?: Field Spaniel is the larger breed; Glen of Imaal Terrier is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Field Spaniel or Glen of Imaal Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Field Spaniel or Glen of Imaal Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Glen of Imaal Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Field Spaniel vs Glen of Imaal Terrier