Let’s talk about… Field Spaniels: what are they?
- Field Spaniels are a charming and affectionate breed that originated in England, a cross of Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, and Sussex Spaniels.
- They were originally developed as hunting dogs, specifically for flushing out game in the field.
- Today, they are primarily kept as companion animals and excel in various dog sports and activities.
- On average, male Field Spaniels stand between 45-46 cm tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 43-45 cm in height.
- Their weight typically ranges from 18-25 kilograms.
- Field Spaniels have a life expectancy of around 12 to 14 years.
What is the temperament of Field Spaniels like?
- Field Spaniels have a gentle and affectionate temperament, making them excellent family companions.
- They are known for their friendly and patient nature, and they typically get along well with children and other pets when properly socialised.
- They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them responsive to training.
- They have a moderate energy level and enjoy participating in various activities, both indoors and outdoors.
- While they are not as hyperactive as some other spaniel breeds, they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and well-balanced.
- Field Spaniels can be a bit reserved with strangers, but they generally warm up to people once they feel comfortable.
- Early socialisation is essential to ensure they develop into well-rounded dogs who are confident in different environments and social situations.
How much exercise do Field Spaniels need?
- Field Spaniels have moderate exercise needs and typically require around 1.5 to 2 hours of exercise per day.
- This exercise should include a combination of walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. They enjoy activities such as retrieving games, swimming, and exploring their surroundings.
- For Field Spaniel puppies, exercise should be approached with caution. While it's important to provide them with opportunities to burn off energy, their growing bodies are still developing.
- Puppies should have shorter exercise sessions multiple times throughout the day, totaling around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on age. As they mature and their bodies strengthen, they can gradually increase their exercise duration.
- Full exercise at an adult level can be expected when Field Spaniels are around 12 to 18 months old, but this can vary for individual dogs. It's essential to monitor their energy levels and adjust their exercise accordingly to prevent overexertion, and always follow exercise advice from your vet.
Do Field Spaniels need grooming?
- Field Spaniels have a beautiful, medium-length, and dense coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best.
- Their coat is weather-resistant, which helps protect them in outdoor activities.
- To maintain their coat, regular brushing is necessary, ideally two to three times a week. This helps prevent matting and removes loose hair.
- Pay attention to areas such as the ears, belly, and legs, where tangles and mats can occur more frequently.
- Field Spaniels are moderate shedders, and their coat may require more frequent brushing during shedding seasons.
- They will also benefit from occasional baths to keep their coat clean and healthy.
- Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Field Spaniels easy to train?
- Field Spaniels are known to be moderately easy to train.
- They are intelligent and like to please their owners.
- However, their sensitivity and independent nature needs a patient and consistent approach.
- Field Spaniels respond well to positive reinforcement methods and benefit from early socialisation and regular, structured training sessions.
- While each dog is unique and training outcomes may vary, with proper guidance and consistent training techniques, Field Spaniels can acquire a good level of obedience and behaviour.
What do Field Spaniels eat?
- Field Spaniels thrive on a balanced and nutritious diet that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
- Adults should eat twice daily.
- High-quality commercial dog food is recommended, and the portion size should be determined based on their individual needs, considering factors such as age, metabolism, and exercise routine. If your Field Spaniel is an active working dog then working dog food can be beneficial.
- For Field Spaniel puppies, it's important to provide them with a specially formulated puppy food that supports their growth and development. Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs, and their food should contain the appropriate balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- Puppies should be on 3-4 meals a day until around 6 months old when this is reduced to twice a day.
- As they transition into adulthood, usually around 12 months of age, you can gradually switch them to adult dog food. Consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations on timing and transitioning.
Are Field Spaniels healthy?
Field Spaniels are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. It's important to be aware of these potential issues and take preventive measures. Some health concerns that can affect Field Spaniels include:
Bones and Joints
- Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint
Eyes
- Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
- Distichiasis - when extra hairs grow on the inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye
Hormonal
- Hypothyroidism - a condition where your dog does not produce enough thyroid hormone
Skin
- Ear infections - the ear canal, and sometimes the ears flaps have an overgrowth of bacteria, yeast etc. which can cause signs including irritation, inflammation, smell and thickening of the ear canal tissue.
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Field Spaniel is right for you, consult with your vet.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
