Field Spaniel Care

The Field Spaniel (or "Field" for short) is a medium-sized, energetic breed that originated as a hunting dog. Resembling a larger version of a Cocker Spaniel, this breed is active, athletic, and enthusiastic--but also sensitive and needy. Overall Field Spaniel care and maintenance doesn't take too much work, but will need to include regular daily exercise and plenty of companionship.

Below you'll find details on caring for a Field Spaniel: puppy care and development, exercise needs, shedding/drooling tendencies, and more are covered here. For answers to your questions about raising a Field Spaniel, read on!

As an active hunting breed, Field Spaniel exercise requirements are fairly high. Since they're both intelligent and energetic, these dogs will need a variety of activities that condition them physically (walking, jogging, fetch) and stimulate them mentally (games, canine sports). They're also quite at home in the water.

The typical adult Field, depending on its age and overall activity level, will need at least an hour of proper exercise per day--which you can accomplish with a couple of walks or jogs and a good period of play. You can start exercising your Field puppy when it's three months old by taking it on short (5-minute) walks, then you can increase the walks' length and frequency as the pup grows.

Some precautions to observe when exercising your Field: first, puppies younger than nine months old shouldn't do too much jumping, running on hard surfaces, or navigating of stairs, as these activities can injure their still-developing joints and bones. And regardless of age, all Field Spaniels will need to be leashed when in public. These dogs have high prey dives, and will instinctively chase small animals--birds, squirrels, cats--unless controlled by a leash. Even when exercising in your own yard, the area will need to be securely fenced to keep the dog from running away. And finally: Fields are sensitive and needy, and will suffer separation anxiety if left alone--so it's much better if they exercise with their people rather than doing so alone.

Safeguards aside, it's important to exercise your Field Spaniel every single day. As a playful, enthusiastic breed, a Field will become frustrated, unhappy, and even destructive without consistent activity--so give these dogs regular exercise to keep you both happy! A few exercise ideas:

• Walking/Jogging: Two 30-minute walks (or 20-minute jogs) per day is a good target
• Fetch/Frisbee: These dogs will chase a ball, stick, or Frisbee for hours
• Swimming: Fields normally love taking a dip in a pool or pond
• Hide-and-Seek: Good indoor activity; give the dog a treat when it finds you
• Canine Sports: Fields can excel at obedience and agility trials and other events
• Dog Park: If properly socialized, a Field will enjoy the company of other dogs

When indoors (which is where these dogs prefer to live), give your Field access to balls or toys it can play with to burn excess energy. Owners should also develop an exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks or jogs after breakfast and dinner and a play period in the afternoon.

In terms of shedding and drooling, these dogs don't need a great deal of care. Field Spaniel shedding is fair and year-round--but drooling isn't an issue.

Fields have thick, single-layered coats with long feathering on the ears, legs, and underbelly. The coats shed some all year long--but the single-layered coats mean they have no undercoat that would shed heavily in the spring or fall. Owners will need to brush their Fields 2-3 times per week with a pin brush to minimize the shedding and to keep the coats in good shape. Cleanup--vacuuming the floors and lint rollers on clothes and furniture--will be required some, but shouldn't be a constant chore.

A Field Spaniel practically never drools, though. If your Field is drooling excessively, it might be because of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is needed.