About The Field Spaniel

 All too frequently, common sense goes out the window when it comes to buying a puppy

and Field Spaniel puppies are very cute and appealing!  However, the more you know

about the breed, the better off you will be. Spend time investigating the breed before you

buy. A Field Spaniel is not the dog for everyone.

 Historical Information may be found at the

Field Spaniel Society of America website (Click Here)


AKC Breed Standard - Field Spaniel

 Frequently asked questions

Size:  Medium, ranging from 17 inches for females to 19 inches for males, though body

mass may make them appear larger. Weight ranges from 40 to 55 pounds.

Shedding:  Fields shed year round.

Noise:  Fields are known for their expressive use of whines, yodels, and barks. While some are quiet most of the time, others can be  vocal. Even during sleep, Fields often snore.

Activity:  As a sporting spaniel, the Field is bred for activity and endurance. Typically interested in all events in the household, the Field is often a busy dog. While some are low key and more content to have less exercise, others are more high energy. Field Spaniels are equally at home in an apartment or a residential home. Daily exercise is required. Brisk walks, jogging, or ball chasing can keep the Field Spaniel in excellent shape. You will need to describe the type of activity that will fit into your household to the breeder to find a match of the right puppy for your home and lifestyle.  ALL Field Spaniels require a commitment from the owner to provide basic obedience training. Many breeders prefer to place dogs where there will be a fenced yard.  Many breeders will not place a puppy in a home where the dog will be tied out or kept primarily in an outdoors kennel.  Field Spaniels thrive on interaction with owners and do not do well in situations where they are deprived of companionship.

Suitability for families with children:  Field Spaniels can be great companions for families with children BUT it is up to the parent to supervise all dog/child interactions to assure that everyone works and plays nicely together!

Availability:  with less than 200 Fields born in the USA annually, the availability of a Field spaniel is quite limited.  Normal waiting periods for a companion animal may run from six months or a year. For a show prospect, the wait may be longer. Do not be discouraged; the breed is worth waiting for!  Each breeder has their own evaluation procedures for prospective owners and may use some type of written questionnaire. Breeders search for the best home for their puppies. First and foremost, a home where the puppy will be a companion is a must. Breeders do seek out opportunities to place puppies in homes where the dog will be utilized in the show ring or performance events such as hunting, obedience, tracking or agility.

Cost:  with any rare breed, a limited availability typically means higher prices up to $3,000. Guarantees regarding a puppy purchased will vary from breeder to breeder.  A written contract may or may not be required. Know exactly what the guarantees and/or contract requirements are from any given breeder BEFORE you purchase a puppy.

 Health:  Generally a healthy breed, there are predictable issues.

Eyes:  Fields are susceptible to eye problems such as distichiasis (extra eyelashes), ectropion (loose eyelids), entropian (eyelids turned inward), and retinal folds/dysplasia. Annual eye examinations by a certified veterinary ophthalmologist are highly recommended.  You may check the Canine Eye Registration Foundation web site to verify information on the sire/dam of any puppy you may wish to purchase.  Just go to http://www.vmdb.org/verify.html

Ears:  With a long and heavier ear, Fields can have problems with ear infections. Regular cleaning, grooming and attention to the ears is a must.

Hips:  As in many of the medium size breeds, Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) affects Field Spaniels. CHD may be inherited though a combination of multiple genes, and there is also interplay of environment and nutrition. Puppies bred from parents who have "clear" hips per the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation For Animals) or PennHip (a system for measuring how loose or tight the hips are; tighter is better) may still develop hip dysplasia.  You may check the OFA web site to verify information on the sire/dam of any puppy you may wish to purchase.  Just go to http://www.offa.org/

If you are interested in additional information on the breed, the following book may be of help:  Field Spaniel:  A Complete and Reliable Handbook. Available on-line from vendors such as www.amazon.com and www.dogandcatbooks.com.

Est 2003