The Field Spaniel is an energetic and sensitive medium-sized dog, with similarities to Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels.
They are larger than Cockers but smaller than Springers and share the same classic spaniel appearance of long floppy ears and a kind trusting expression. Their coat is a distinctive glossy black or liver (or combinations of the two) and is long and silky, usually with a slight wave. Field Spaniels are gentle, affectionate and sensitive dogs, that are less outgoing that the English Springer. They may be wary of strangers, preferring the company of their own people, to whom they will be utterly devoted. Early socialisation is highly recommended to prevent them from being too shy and timid. Although very energetic when out exercising or at play, this breed is famously docile around the home, and they are calm and trustworthy around children, other dogs and household pets. With the right amount of exercise and socialisation, the Field Spaniel makes an excellent family pet.
History
Historically, the term field spaniel was used to describe all land spaniels. By the late 19th Century, the differences in the spaniels saw them categorised into cockers and springers. The Field Spaniel has a mixture of Sussex Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel and was brought back from serious decline in the 1940s when there were reportedly fewer than ten in existence.
