

The Field Spaniel is a sensitive, enduring Stöberhund (flushing dog) — bred to track game through the densest undergrowth and work tirelessly alongside its human. It is calmer than a Cocker, but demands a real task for its nose and mind just the same.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Field Spaniel fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Shoulder height
43–47 cm
Weight
18–25 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Field Spaniel, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Field Spaniel — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
A Field Spaniel is not a decorative couch dog in a fancy coat — it is a tireless forest worker in a tailored suit. If you give it a task where it can use its excellent nose, you will get a gentle, deeply connected partner. If you ignore its joy of working, it will immediately find its own project in the nearest thicket.
The Field Spaniel is an elegant, well-balanced medium-sized dog. It belongs to the Spaniel group and is classified in FCI Group 8, the group of retrieving, searching and water dogs. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, giving it an elegant yet robust appearance. The Field Spaniel has a dark nose and beautiful, expressive eyes that have a warm, intelligent and gentle aura. Its ears are long and drooping, typical of the Spaniel breeds. The tail is often docked, but this varies from country to country and is no longer practiced in some countries, including Germany. The coat is medium length, dense, water-repellent and has a good undercoat, making it suitable for outdoor work in all weather conditions.
The Field Spaniel is an excellent all-rounder that can be used as both a working dog and a family dog. His natural hunting instincts make him an excellent working dog in the field, but his loving and gentle nature also make him an excellent companion dog and family member. The Field Spaniel is a tender and loving dog that is very people-oriented. He loves spending time with his family and is often very affectionate. This dog is also very energetic and needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation. He loves being outside, playing and running. But he can also enjoy quiet times and is often content just being with his family. Like most hunting dogs, the Field Spaniel shows strong hunting and prey-catching behavior. He loves searching, browsing and retrieving. It is therefore important that he has enough opportunities to express his natural instincts, whether through games, training or work. The Field Spaniel can easily learn to stay alone as long as he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. But he should not be left alone for long periods of time, otherwise he may become unhappy and restless. The Field Spaniel is an alert dog that often barks when it notices something unusual. But he is not an aggressive guard dog. He is more likely to bark to warn his family, and then he is likely to greet the visitor in a friendly manner. The Field Spaniel is an obedient dog that loves learning and discovering new things. He is intelligent and can quickly learn new commands. But he is also an independent thinker who sometimes has a mind of his own. Therefore, gentle but consistent education is important. It is also important to note that the Field Spaniel is a sensitive dog that does not respond well to harsh or aggressive training techniques. He responds best to positive reinforcement and friendly, patient guidance. In summary, the Field Spaniel is an energetic, loving and affectionate dog that makes an excellent family dog and working dog. He needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation and loves spending time with his family. With the right training and care, the Field Spaniel can be a wonderful companion and loyal friend.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Field Spaniel almost went extinct in the 19th century? He was rescued and is now a wonderful companion dog that is still relatively rare!
Field Spaniels are retrieving and searching (hunting) dogs. They can be wary of strangers. They have a high hunting motivation and must be kept busy accordingly.
Field Spaniels tend to be versatile dogs that can thrive in both urban and rural environments. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation, so a house with a garden is ideal, but they can also adapt to an apartment with enough walks and games. They generally get along well with children and are gentle and loving companions. They are also tolerant of other pets, including cats, as long as they are properly socialized.
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Field Spaniels are intelligent, alert and easy to train dogs. They respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle, consistent instruction. They are very active and enjoy sports activities such as agility, obedience, rally and flyball. Their natural prey-catching disposition can be put to use through games and activities that develop their ability to search and retrieve. It is important that the Field Spaniel is also mentally stimulated, otherwise he may be prone to behavioral problems. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are key aspects of training that help the dog lead a balanced and fulfilling life. Although the Field Spaniel has high energy, it is important to watch for signs of fatigue or stress to avoid overwork. This breed can be "ball junkies" if the ball game is emphasized too much. Therefore, it is important to offer a variety of activities to keep their minds and bodies healthy.
Field Spaniels need a balanced diet tailored to their age, weight and activity level. The diet should be rich in protein to support muscle growth and maintenance, as well as containing balanced amounts of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. It is important that the Field Spaniel is not overfed, as being overweight can seriously affect its health. Exact nutritional requirements may vary, so it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. In terms of grooming, the Field Spaniel has a dense, medium-length coat structure with an undercoat that requires regular grooming. Brushing at least once a week helps keep the coat clean and tangle-free and helps distribute the natural oil evenly throughout the coat. During the transition periods, the Field Spaniel sheds more hair and therefore needs more care. They can cope well with the German climate, but during the colder months it is advisable to keep them warm.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Solid
Health grade
In the Field Spaniel, health risks are primarily determined by eye diseases such as retinal dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy, as well as hip dysplasia (HD). A health-oriented breeder therefore has their breeding dogs thoroughly examined orthopedically and ophthalmologically before mating. Before buying, ask to see the result of an ophthalmological eye test with a finding of clear. For hip dysplasia (HD), an evaluation of HD A–C must be present, and in the case of progressive retinal atrophy, a carrier may only be mated with a clear partner.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
You should focus on maintaining a healthy weight, providing back- and joint-friendly exercise, and performing regular ear care to prevent infections and future problems.
Responsible breeders have parent animals examined for retinal dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy via an ophthalmological eye test and X-rayed for hip dysplasia (HD).
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 is the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Field Spaniel costs around ~€180 per month (€100 – €340, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€5,430 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13 years) it comes to about ~€31,770.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€180 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€180
In the first year
~€5,430
Across the dog's life
~€31,770
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,800 – €3,000
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
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Illustrative imageThe history of the Field Spaniel is closely linked to that of the English Cocker Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel, as all three breeds descend from the same dogs that were used for hunting in England. Originally, spaniels were classified based on how they worked, rather than their size or appearance. The term "Field" was used to describe dogs used for field work or hunting. In the 19th century, breeders in England began to breed a more uniform and standardized breed of spaniel. The Field Spaniel was born. The Field Spaniel was first recognized as a separate breed by the British Kennel Club in 1892. However, in the following years the breed was almost extinct as breeders tried to produce increasingly heavier and longer dogs, which led to health problems. In the 1940s, a group of dedicated breeders made an effort to save the breed, crossing English Springer Spaniels and English Cocker Spaniels to improve the breed's health and vitality.
The Field Spaniel was bred as a hunting dog, specifically for hunting birds and retrieving game.
Great Britain
1800
Many owners describe living with a Field Spaniel as harmonious and pleasantly low-key, as long as the dog gets enough to do outdoors. Indoors, the breed is considered noticeably calmer and more settled than other spaniels, such as the often lively English Cocker. These dogs seek out their people's company, love cuddle time, and are very gentle with children.
At the same time, owners keep stressing that the Field Spaniel remains an outdoorsy dog at heart. Lounging around isn't enough for it: it needs long walks in all weather and wants mental challenges. If its urge to move and explore is neglected in daily life, the breed can become restless or find its own, unwanted ways to keep busy. Owners also point out that being alone has to be practiced carefully, because these dogs are very attached to their family.
Sources:petbook.deedogs.detackenberg.dejagdspaniel-klub.dezooroyal.de
In accounts of training, owners mainly highlight how sensitive the breed is. Field Spaniels are considered very cooperative and quick to learn, but they react strongly to pressure or a harsh tone. Experienced spaniel owners therefore stress that harshness in training backfires and makes the dog shut down or withdraw. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are unanimously described as the key to success.
A central everyday challenge is the breed's natural urge to hunt through cover. Some owners report a fairly moderate hunting drive, while others describe a sometimes wide working range and a lot of independence once the nose is on the ground. Without early, consistent recall training, off-leash time in areas with lots of game is hardly reliable. Activities such as dummy work, mantrailing, or tracking are named as ideal outlets for channeling that hunting enthusiasm.
Sources:petbook.dezooroyal.defield-spaniels.demit-tier.deedogs.de
From a health perspective, people who know the breed see the Field Spaniel as a relatively robust and vigorous breed whose breeding base is small but usually closely monitored. Typical life expectancy is often given as around 12 to 14 years. Still, owners report a few breed-typical weak spots. As with many breeds with floppy ears, the ear canals are prone to poor airflow and infections, so regular cleaning and checks after walks through undergrowth are part of the routine.
Beyond that, the main breeding-related issues are hip dysplasia (HD) and inherited eye diseases (such as PRA or cataracts), which is why buyers should look for tested parents. Coat care also comes up regularly: after outings through brush and wet ground, the silky, feathered coat tends to mat and pick up burrs and dirt, which makes regular brushing essential.
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Field Spaniel is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Field Spaniel is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Field Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Field Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Field Spaniel comes in these colors: Black, Liver, Roan, Black and tan, Brown and tan.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Field Spaniel.