Welcoming a Field Spaniel into your home can be a life-changing experience, but it's essential to do it right. Field Spaniels are a breed that thrives on attention and exercise, so make sure you're prepared to give them the time and energy they need.
Field Spaniels are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them a great fit for families with children. They are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional brushing and bathing.
If you're considering adopting a Field Spaniel, be prepared to commit to regular exercise and mental stimulation. A daily walk and playtime are a must to keep them happy and healthy.
Field Spaniels are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems, so it's essential to work with a reputable breeder or rescue organization to ensure you're getting a healthy dog.
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Breed Characteristics
Field Spaniels are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing 37 to 45 pounds and standing 17 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder.
They have a gentle nature, making them an ideal playmate for children and a loving companion for seniors. With proper socialization, they can also live happily with cats and other dogs.
Field Spaniels are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. However, they can be sensitive and require positive reinforcement techniques to avoid harsh training regimes.
Here are some key breed characteristics to keep in mind:
- Medium size: 17-18 inches tall, 37-45 pounds
- Gentle nature: ideal for children and seniors
- High intelligence: easy to train with positive reinforcement
- Sensitive: requires gentle training and handling
- Needs regular exercise: daily walks and playtime required
- Needs regular grooming: brushing, trimming, and nail care necessary
- Requires human companionship: anxious if left alone for long periods
Size
Field Spaniels are medium-sized dogs, with males standing 18 inches at the shoulder and females standing 17 inches.
They are a relatively compact breed, which makes them a great fit for families with smaller living spaces.
Males typically weigh between 37 to 45 pounds, with some variation in size within the breed.
Traits and Behavior
Field spaniels are known for their cheerful and sweet dispositions, making them excellent companions for families with children. They are also gentle and patient, which is perfect for households with little ones.
One of the most notable traits of field spaniels is their people-pleasing nature. They thrive on human interaction and can become anxious if left alone for extended periods. In fact, they need regular contact with people to stay happy and healthy.
Field spaniels are also highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training. They excel in dog sports like agility, obedience, and tracking, and they love to learn new things.
As for exercise, field spaniels are active dogs that require regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy. A securely fenced yard is a must, as they have a strong instinct to follow their nose and may wander off if they sense something interesting.
In terms of grooming, field spaniels have a medium-length feathered coat that requires regular brushing and combing to prevent matting and tangling. They also need regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care to stay healthy.
Here are some key traits to keep in mind when considering a field spaniel as a pet:
- People-loving: Field spaniels need regular contact with people to stay happy and healthy.
- Intelligent: They respond well to positive reinforcement training and excel in dog sports.
- Active: They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
- Grooming needs: They have a medium-length feathered coat that requires regular brushing and combing.
- Socialization: They need to be socialized well from an early age to avoid timidity and problems with other dogs.
Appearance
Field spaniels stand 17-18 inches tall and weigh 35-50 pounds. They're sturdy and medium-sized, making them well-suited for retrieving game from land and water.
Their long, feathery ears hang below their long noses and wide, almond-shaped brown eyes. Field spaniels have a moderately long, dense coat that's silky, wavy, and repels water.
You might think a field spaniel is a cocker spaniel at first glance, but they're actually a separate breed. Field spaniels are 5-20 pounds heavier than their smaller cousins, the cocker spaniels.
Their coats come in a limited number of colors, including varying shades of liver and brown, black, and blue. They can be solid or bi-colored.
Field spaniels require regular shedding, but their coats can be easily maintained with a weekly brushing routine.
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Care and Feeding
Field spaniels need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. They require at least 30 minutes of physical exercise, twice a day, to burn off energy and keep their minds engaged.
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Feeding them a high-quality diet is also crucial. Adult field spaniels need 1.5 to 2 cups of dry food per day, divided into two meals, while puppies require 2 to 3 cups per day, divided into three meals.
To prevent overeating, feed your field spaniel twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. They'll also appreciate having access to fresh water at all times to stay hydrated.
Living Needs
Field Spaniels are happy in almost any home, including apartments in bustling cities, but they do require daily exercise and room to roam.
They need to run, play, and work out on a daily basis to stay healthy and happy. At least 30 minutes of exercise per day is a good starting point, and they love to run and play, so take them for long walks, hikes, or to the dog park.
A securely fenced yard is a must, as Field Spaniels have a strong prey drive and will follow their noses. A six-foot fence is usually sufficient, but you may need to make it taller if you live in an area with wildlife.
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Field Spaniels are friendly dogs, but they can be shy around new faces or in unfamiliar situations. Proper training and socialization can help a fieldie thrive, so take them to puppy classes and parks to meet new people and animals.
They are intelligent enough to get their exercise from playing with you or other dogs in your neighborhood, making them a great fit for homes that prioritize fresh-air activities like long walks, running, and hiking.
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Feeding
Feeding your Field Spaniel is an essential part of their care. Choose a high-quality dry food that is specifically designed for dogs.
Look for a food that has a high protein content and is low in carbohydrates. This will help ensure your Field Spaniel is getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Field Spaniels need to eat a diet of high-quality dry food, and the amount of food they need depends on their age, size, build, metabolism, and activity level. A highly active Field Spaniel will need more food than a less active one.
Adult Field Spaniels need 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. Puppies need 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into three meals.
It's essential to monitor your Field Spaniel's weight and adjust their food intake accordingly. If your Field Spaniel is overweight, you can reduce their food intake and increase their exercise.
Feed your Field Spaniel twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time, as this will help prevent overeating. Make sure to provide fresh water at all times, as water is essential for hydration and good health.
Avoid feeding your Field Spaniel table scraps, as they can be high in fat and calories, leading to weight gain.
Health and Grooming
Field spaniels are prone to hypothyroidism, which can affect their metabolism and is common in middle-age to senior canines.
Their life expectancy is between 12-13 years, so it's essential to monitor their health closely during this period. Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch potential issues early.
Field spaniels are also susceptible to eye problems such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal dysplasia. It's crucial to work with a reputable breeder who can provide health clearances for the parents.
Their floppy ears make them prone to ear infections, so regular cleaning and drying after bathtime and swims is essential. I've seen it firsthand - a clean ear can prevent a lot of discomfort for your furry friend.
Their coat requires regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles, but they don't shed much. Brushing their teeth at least two or three times a week can help prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.
Friendship and Family
Field spaniels are total lap dogs, but they're also great with kids and other pets, making them a wonderful addition to any family.
They're gentle and patient, which is perfect for families with little ones. In fact, they're known for being good with other pets too.
To make sure your field spaniel puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog, it's essential to socialize them from a young age. This means exposing them to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences.
Here are some ways to socialize your field spaniel puppy:
- Enroll him in a puppy kindergarten class.
- Invite visitors over regularly.
- Take him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors.
- Take him on car rides and let him experience different types of transportation.
- Introduce him to different animals, such as cats, horses, and other dogs.
With early socialization and proper training, field spaniels can make wonderful companions. They're loyal, loving, and intelligent dogs that will bring joy to your family for many years to come.
General Information
Field spaniels are a popular breed known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are a medium-sized dog with a sturdy build and a short, dense coat that requires regular grooming.
Field spaniels are highly energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, and playtime in the yard.
Field spaniels are prone to certain health issues, including eye problems and ear infections. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify these issues early on.
Field spaniels are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training. They are quick learners and can pick up commands and behaviors with ease.
Field spaniels are social dogs that thrive on interaction with their human family members. They make great family pets, especially for families with children.
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Sources
- Breed History (nkcusa.org)
- Field Spaniel Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) (ofa.org)
- desire to chase (hillspet.com)
- Mid-Atlantic Spaniel Rescue (maessr.org)
- Field Spaniel Society of America Rescue (fieldspaniels.org)
- The Field Spaniel Society of America (fieldspanielsocietyofamerica.org)
- according to the breed club (fieldspanielsocietyofamerica.org)
- CHIC certification (caninehealthinfo.org)
- Field Spaniel Society of America (fieldspanielsocietyofamerica.org)
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