About_Fields

Here is where you learn the nitty gritty quirks, foibles, and endearing attributes of Field Spaniels. You will also learn that they aren't always little angels. It may be that you just aren't the type of person that can put the time and energy it takes to succesfully rear a Fieldie so they become the wonderful lifelong companion they are meant to be.

Like any breed, there are pros and cons to having a Field Spaniel in your life. It is all in what you expect from your canine family member and how much effort you are willing to expend in their upbringing and training. Although Field Spaniels can be a sweet and affectionate breed, they can also be shy and require lots of socialization in non-threatening situations so they can become happy, well adjusted members of your family. Fields shed, and they have an affinity for the water bowl. Often as puppies you will find a Field Spaniel puppy splashing happily away in their water bowl, trying to "dig" out all the water. They never quite manage to become "dripless" dogs and seem to find great joy in sharing a mouthful of water with you when they get a drink. Expect it in your lap more often than not. They don't necessarily slobber, they simply forget to swallow sometimes.

If you have a Field Spaniel, they demand attention, and if they don't get it, they are apt to get into trouble, especially as puppies. You should always crate your puppy when you cannot monitor their activities, for their safety as well as the safety of your belongings.

Although you can certainly train a Field Spaniel to behave off lead, it takes work and diligence. Even in a fenced yard, they need supervision if left to their own devices for too long. Many will make attempts to reach China by doing gopher imitations. Mine love to scarf up apples as quickly as they possibly can. It's necessary for me to pick them up on a daily basis so they don't eat too many and make themselves ill. Field Spaniels are born problem solvers. Some Fields are very adept at "counter surfing", and some have even managed to learn how to open cupboard doors to get at food.

Well, now that you've heard the cons (which in my mind aren't really cons), you should also realize the pros of the breed.

Field Spaniels love their people. You can look at this as a plus, or a negative. It's all in how much you love your dog. They often have to be wherever you are and will follow you from room to room. They love to snuggle. Mine love to snuffle ears. If you decide to let them sleep with you, well, just expect to never change that habit. Some Fieldie owners swear their dogs sing or yodel. Some are very quiet and rarely bark at all.

Fields Spaniels are a rare breed flushing spaniel. They are a true sporting breed and they can be great hunting companions as well as the family pet. They do well in obedience, and many perform in agility as well. They are a very intelligent breed, but also sensitive. Harsh training methods do not bode well with Field Spaniels. They require a firm, but gentle hand and respond well to praise and positive training methods.

I truly believe that Field Spaniels have a sense of humor. I have watched my first Fieldie, Zoe flip her bowl of water, let me reprimand her and clean it up, and then...once the bowl is refilled she has looked right at me and done it again. I swear she was laughing at me !

I am certain there are many more endearing qualities and some "cons" that I have left out, but in my mind I take them all with no reservations. This breed is a joy to be around, and if you are willing to spend a little time and effort you will have a wonderful, devoted companion for life.