The Field Spaniel has a single coat, meaning there’s no undercoat. The coat isn’t heavy and it’s easy to maintain.
Brush it weekly and comb out the feathering a couple of times a week, or whenever the dog has been outside or has twigs or other debris clinging to his hair. Trim the hair between the footpads and inside the ears. Bathe the dog only as needed; regular brushing should keep him pretty clean.
If you plan to show your Field Spaniel, ask the breeder for advice on presenting the dog in the show ring. He should look natural, but he may need a little more neatening with clippers, thinning shears, and stripping knives than a petdogwould receive.
The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually every few weeks. If your Field Spaniel loves to swim — and even if he doesn’t — keep the hanging ears clean and dry to prevent bacterial or yeast infections. Brush the teeth frequently for good overall health and fresh breath.
A complete bundle of energy, the Field Spaniel needs about an hour of exercise daily. Playing in a large, fenced yard is one of the best ways for a Fieldie to stretch his legs and run freely however; hiking in the woods or jogging through the neighborhood will also suffice.
Field Spaniels love the water. With access to a pond, lake or stream, the Fieldie will frolic for hours, providing his family with laughter at his funny antics.
Fieldies enjoy playing fetch and chasing balls. Children gravitate toward him because he is as energetic and playful as they are. The Field Spaniel makes a great pet for families who truly lead active lifestyles.
It’s best to feed the Field Spaniel a diet of high-quality, dry kibble specifically formulated for his activity level. Of course, a Fieldie who is out hunting all day will require more food than the dog that is less active.
The average life expectancy of the Field Spaniel is between 10 and 12 years. The most common health issues associated with the breed arehip dysplasiaandear infections.
Although the Field Spaniel has an independent streak, he is relatively easy to train. Fieldies tend to bore easily during training so the sessions should be short but repetitive. This breed does not respond to harsh treatment or being manhandled. Patience and gentleness go a long way while training the Field Spaniel. Naturally, treats provide great motivation during training sessions.
Field Spaniels enjoy competing in dog sports such as hunting tests, obedience trials, agility courses and the breed ring. Because of their affection for people, Fieldies can make effective therapy dogs.
