How does the Field Spaniel work in the field?
The field spaniel is a rare flushing spaniel, between a cocker and a springer in size. It hunts at a steady, persistent pace and retrieves to hand.
The field spaniel is one of Britain's rarest native gundog breeds. It sits between the cocker and the springer in size, and it was bred as a flushing spaniel that hunts steadily, flushes game and retrieves to hand. In the field it tends to work at a moderate, persistent pace rather than with the frantic drive of a working cocker, which suits handlers who prefer a thoughtful dog. Very few field spaniels are worked today and the breed's numbers are small, so a working-bred puppy may take time to find. Ask the breeder how the parents are used, whether they have done any working tests, and whether you can see them hunt.
What is the Field Spaniel like to live and work with?
Gentle, affectionate and sensitive, and usually calmer than working cockers and springers. Quiet, patient handling suits it best.
Field spaniels are gentle, affectionate and sensitive. They are usually calmer than working cockers and springers, and they bond strongly with their family. Some can be reserved with strangers, so early socialisation helps. They are clever and can be independent, but they respond well to quiet, patient handling and badly to harshness. They enjoy exercise and work, and they are generally easy to live with at home. Look for parents that are confident and friendly, because a shy field spaniel is harder both to train and to live with.
Which health tests matter for the Field Spaniel?
Both parents should have hip scores, as hip dysplasia occurs in the breed, and a current eye certificate. Check the breed club's list for other recommended tests.
Ask for both parents' hip scores under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme, as hip dysplasia occurs in the breed, and a current eye certificate under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme. With such a small population, breeders have to balance health against keeping the gene pool as wide as possible, so ask how the mating was chosen and what the breeder knows about health in the wider family. The breed club keeps an up-to-date list of recommended tests, and DNA tests for further conditions are available from canine genetics laboratories, so ask which have been done and see the certificates. Results for Kennel Club registered dogs can be checked on the Kennel Club's Health Test Results Finder. Our guide to buying a working gundog covers the other checks to make.
How much training and exercise does the Field Spaniel need?
The spaniel pattern, in short, positive sessions because field spaniels are sensitive. An adult needs at least an hour of exercise a day.
Training follows the pattern for any spaniel: recall and the stop whistle first, then quartering within gunshot, steadiness to flush and shot, and retrieving to hand. Field spaniels are sensitive, so short, positive sessions work far better than repetition or correction. Many mature slowly, and it pays to take steadiness gradually rather than pushing a young dog. An adult field spaniel needs at least an hour of exercise a day, ideally with some hunting or retrieving in it. The coat needs regular brushing, and the feathering on the ears, legs and feet should be checked for burrs and grass seeds after work.
How long does it take to train the Field Spaniel?
For the Field Spaniel, readiness for the intended role matters more than a birthday. Check demonstrated foundations, physical suitability and the support needed for the next stage.
A field spaniel's timeline is steady rather than rushed. Early learning includes socialisation, recall, a sit on the whistle and gentle retrieves, building the confidence that sensitive puppies need. After comfortable everyday foundations, it learns to quarter within range and to stop on the whistle. With reliable foundations, it meets game, is steadied to flush and shot, and gets experience on quiet days with an understanding handler. With so few litters, it is worth watching the field spaniel puppies for sale and contacting breeders early. Use the training progression guide to discuss readiness with a reward-based trainer. Ask your vet about physical demands, and plan game, water and gunfire introductions with competent help.