Gentle and Affectionate

Field Spaniels are loving and calm, making them excellent companions for families and individuals.

Good with Children and Pets

They are friendly and patient with children and usually get along well with other dogs and pets.

Versatile and Active

Field Spaniels enjoy outdoor activities and are excellent companions for hiking, walking, or fieldwork.

Loyal and Intelligent

They are eager to please and highly trainable, thriving in homes that provide consistent training and structure.

Moderate Grooming Needs

Their medium-length coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles.

Prone to Separation Anxiety

Field Spaniels do not like being left alone for long periods and may develop separation anxiety.

Can Be Reserved with Strangers

Without proper socialization, they may be shy or wary of strangers.

Requires Regular Exercise

They need daily physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Exercise Needs

Field Spaniels are active dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy outdoor activities like walking, hiking, and playing fetch. Their natural retrieving instincts make them great companions for activities that involve retrieving or water play.

Walks

Field Spaniels need at least one or two moderate walks per day, along with playtime or mentally stimulating activities. They thrive in environments where they can explore and engage their hunting instincts.

Training

Field Spaniels are intelligent and eager to learn, making them relatively easy to train. Positive reinforcement methods work best, and early obedience training is essential to ensure good behavior. They excel in dog sports like obedience, agility, and tracking.

Purchase Price

$2,500 - $5,000 AUD depending on breeder and lineage.

Initial Setup

Around $400 - $700 AUD. (crate, bed, toys, etc.)

Food

Approximately $800 - $1,200 AUD per year, depending on dietary needs.

Grooming

Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks can cost around $400 - $800 AUD per year. Regular at-home brushing is essential to prevent matting and manage shedding.

Vet Bills

Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing can cost around $500 - $1,000 AUD. Ongoing annual check-ups and preventive care could cost $500 - $800 AUD per year, with additional expenses for managing potential joint or ear issues.

Total Lifetime Cost

Over a 10-12 year lifespan, the total cost of ownership can range from $25,000 - $40,000 AUD, depending on health and lifestyle factors.

Size and Weight

Field Spaniels typically stand 43-46 cm (17-18 inches) tall and weigh between 16-23 kg (35-50 lbs), with males generally being larger than females.

Coat

They have a medium-length, dense, and water-resistant coat that is soft and silky. Their feathering on the chest, belly, and legs adds to their elegance. Regular brushing is necessary to keep the coat healthy and free from tangles.

Colour Options

Field Spaniels come in solid colours, including black, liver, or roan, and may have tan markings.

Temperament

Field Spaniels are known for their calm, friendly, and affectionate temperament. They are loyal to their families and enjoy spending time with their owners. While generally friendly, they can be reserved with strangers if not properly socialized. Field Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable. They are sensitive dogs that respond best to gentle and positive reinforcement training.

Good with Children

Field Spaniels are excellent with children due to their patient and gentle nature. They enjoy playing with kids and are tolerant, making them a great choice for families with young children.

Socialization

Early socialization is important to ensure Field Spaniels are comfortable around new people, pets, and environments. Proper socialization helps reduce potential shyness or over-protectiveness.

Indoors vs. Outdoors

Field Spaniels prefer to live indoors with their families but enjoy regular outdoor time for exercise and mental stimulation. They are not suited for full-time outdoor living, as they thrive on human interaction and companionship.

Apartment Living

Field Spaniels can adapt to apartment living if they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation. However, they are best suited to homes with access to outdoor spaces where they can explore and play.

Time Alone

Field Spaniels do not do well when left alone for long periods. They are social dogs that thrive on companionship and may become anxious or bored if isolated for extended periods. They are best suited for homes where someone is present for most of the day.

Common Health Issues

Field Spaniels are generally healthy but can be prone to certain conditions, including, hip dysplasia, ear infections (common in breeds with floppy ears), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and hypothyroidism.

Regular vet check-ups, ear cleaning, and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining their health.

Guarding Ability

Field Spaniels are not natural guard dogs but may bark to alert their owners of strangers or unusual activity. They are generally friendly and not aggressive.

Affectionate Nature

Field Spaniels are loving and enjoy spending time with their families. They are known for their loyal and gentle demeanor, making them excellent companions.

Suitability for Dog Parks

Field Spaniels are generally social with other dogs but may need supervision in dog parks due to their reserved nature. Early socialization ensures positive interactions with other pets.

Climate Adaptability

Field Spaniels can adapt to various climates but may need extra care in hot weather due to their dense coat. In warmer regions, it’s important to provide plenty of water, shade, and avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day.

Ethical Breeding Considerations

Due to their predisposition to certain genetic conditions, such as hip dysplasia and PRA, it is important to purchase from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings. Ethical breeding practices help reduce the risk of hereditary health problems and ensure the well-being of the puppies.