Not often seen out and about, the Field Spaniel is a small yet hardy little gun dog, bred for hunting on both land and water. Hunters, in particular, admire this breed for their rugged nature and willingness to work but it is not necessary to be a hunter if you would like to own one of these dogs. When paired with the right individuals, Field Spaniels can make charming pets! Novice owners who have never owned a dog before might even be a good fit, but only if they are fully prepared for what they are getting into.

So what are the stipulations if you would like to own a Field Spaniel one day? First, a potential owner must be willing to forgive dog hair, for this breed sheds year round. Regular grooming will help but will not stop the constant hair from collecting around your house. Second, a person should be ok with the potential that their dog might be quite vocal. While some members of the breed are quieter, others are constant “talkers”. This not only includes barking, but also howling, whining, or even yodeling! Third, Fields love water and many of them delight in playing in their water dishes. Although you might mind puddles throughout the house, they certainly do not.

The breed is inquisitive, clownish, and is always looking for something to do. This, combined with their high energy, can cause them to be destructive if under the wrong care. They need some sort of job to keep their minds and bodies busy, otherwise they are apt to destroy house and property.

Sensitive, yet loving to their owners, they prefer the company of “their people” at all times. This includes children, who they generally do very well with. This breed is very affectionate to everyone they know and love, although they may take awhile to warm up to strangers. Fields also generally do quite well living with other dogs.

The Field Spaniel needs plenty of exercise every day. The more driven and/or energetic the Field Spaniel, the more they will need to expel their energy through jogging, swimming, jumping… whatever you can give them! This is not a dog who will just lay on your carpet all day and look pretty, they were bred to work! Apartment living is fine, but only as long as the owner is willing to commit to getting the dog out for strenuous exercise every day. It is worth noting that even if you live in a house with a large backyard, you still need to go out and exercise with your dog. Field Spaniels are very people-oriented and don’t do well if they are just expected to live outside by themselves.

Speaking of backyards, many breeders will not sell to prospective owners who do not have a very secure fence. Fields can be escape artists and are masters at jumping over short fences, digging under others, or sometimes even chewing through cheap fencing!

Due to the long hanging ears of this breed, they are prone to ear infections. This can be kept in check by regular cleanings, as well as removing excess hair from inside the ears.

“Black Field Spaniel” by Peter

Unlike other sporting breeds, Fields can be difficult to train. They were bred to think independently while hunting which makes them more apt to listen to themselves rather than their owner. Although smart, it is not generally in their makeup to be naturally obedient but they still must be taught basic obedience at the very least. Luckily, despite their sometimes slow learning style and occasional willfulness, they do love to make their owners happy! This can be used to an owner’s advantage during training, because affection will usually go a long way toward convincing a Field that obedience is fun! It is usually easier to train a Field Spaniel with motivation than correction. Once trained, they can be taught to compete in many different areas, including conformation, obedience, tracking, agility, hunting and rally.

Newly recognized to the AKC, the Lagotto Romagnolo has actually been around since the 1600’s. First bred to hunt waterfowl, it was later used to search and dig for truffles.

Because it is an active breed, it requires an owner willing to give the dog both the physical and mental exercise that it needs! Without an outlet for their energy, they can become destructive. There are many fun and varied ways that you can exercise your Lagotto. Avid swimmers are often happy to find out that this breed loves water! Swimming is a great activity that both owner and dog can enjoy, whether it be in a structured way such as water-retrieval, or just splashing around. Either way, make sure that any water play is supervised.

Lagottos get along just fine with children, other dogs, and cats. They are very devoted, affectionate and loyal to their entire family. They crave “their” people so much that they do not do well in homes where the owners are at work all day. Lagottos need to be inside-dogs with plenty of attention and interaction. It is important to note that some members of the breed can be shy so they need to be socialized them from puppyhood to as many new situations, people and animals as possible. Even when properly socialized, they will always take a while to warm up when a stranger comes to the house.

While not aggressive in the least, Lagottos will bark to sound the alarm when someone comes to the door, and as such make great watchdogs. Otherwise they are generally quiet dogs in the house.

Smart and generally easy to train, Lagottos work well for first-time dog owners. In general, their cheerful attitudes help to make training fun for both owner and dog. Since they were bred to work in several different jobs, obedience training is more than just a game or a chore to them, it is a way of life. A Lagotto without a job can become unhappy, therefore it is vital that you work with them. This can be done most easily through obedience, but you can also train them to do therapy work, hunting, agility, nose work, rally, tracking , dock diving, barn hunting, freestyle, CGC, or treibball. You could even teach them how to hunt truffles! The number of tasks that Lagottos excel in is quite large!

The Lagotto does not shed, which means he might be a good fit for an allergy sufferer. However, many people are actually allergic to dog saliva rather than dog hair, so it would be vital to spend some time around the breed to discover whether or not an allergy flares up. As far as grooming the coat, regular inspection to pull out brush and burrs, as well as separating forming-knots, will be required. Traditionally the coat is shaved down once a year and then allowed to grow back out.

Because the breed was bred partially for digging, you will find that they take their digging duties very seriously. This could include your garden or your yard. Sometimes providing them with their own digging spot, such as a sandbox or just a designated digging area, will keep them from tearing up the rest of your yard. Success varies with this tactic.

“Lagotto romagnolo 322” by Pleple2000

The Spinone Italiano is a large hunting dog with a very distinctive coat. Unlike many sporting breeds, the Spinone does not have extremely high energy which makes him ideal for many families who prefer a moderately active dog instead.  An adult Spinone will need some exercise every day, but a good run in the yard can substitute for a walk a couple days a week or so. A fenced yard is an absolute must for this breed, as they are hunting dogs and will “follow their noses” on every interesting scent… even if it takes them miles from your house!

A friendly, loving dog, they will follow their owners from room to room and curl up next to them when it’s time for bed or TV. This is definitely a breed to keep inside with the family – it is not an outside-only dog! Good with children, as well as other dogs and pets, they are quite the trustworthy animals.

Some members of the breed enjoy being up high on a “perch”, whether that means standing on top of the table, the counter, or the back of the couch. It is not generally recommended for dogs to hop up on furniture, so some training may need to be implemented if you intend to follow this rule. They are also experts when it comes to stealing food… off the counter or straight off your plate! One other common behavior issue in the breed is the tendency to dig holes in the backyard. Many reasons why it is good to implement preventative training while they are still puppies!

His unique beard and moustache are one of his most noticeable physical characteristics. Although the extra facial hair gives him a distinguished look, it can also prove to be an annoying feature when he gets a drink of water and then drags his wet beard all over the furniture and his family. As such, neat freaks need not apply. Any potential owner of a Spinone must be fine with having wet clothes on a regular basis, as well as being painted with the occasional drool that falls from the dog’s jowly lips.

The Spinone is quite an intelligent dog. Many have mastered the art of communicating their needs, whether by vocalizations or with body language. A particular favorite activity from a Spinone, when he wants your attention, is to reach out and hit you with his paw! The breed can be quite clownish. Even if you don’t understand what it is that your dog wants, you will probably get a kick out of the way in which he is trying to tell you! He has an array of noises that he will make, from quiet grumbles, groans and sighs to yodeling barks and loud howling. A house with a Spinone is rarely a quiet house.

As far as training is concerned, while the breed is very smart, many tend to be stubborn. Females are more independent than males and may be slightly harder to train. Once trained, there are many events that you can participate in with your Spinone including conformation, rally, therapy work, hunting, obedience, agility, and CGC!

“Mysko bringa 2-5ar” by I, Johami.

The Sussex Spaniel is a very old hunting breed… in fact, it is one of the first breeds ever recognized by the AKC! With a history dating back to the 18th century in Sussex, England, these dogs were developed to work in dense, difficult terrain, using their sturdy, low-to-the-ground build and keen nose to flush game for hunters. Despite their long-standing history, their popularity remains quite low, and not many people are familiar with this wonderful breed. However, those who own a Sussex Spaniel wouldn’t want any other type of dog!

One of the key traits of Sussex Spaniels is their generally easygoing temperaments. They’re calm and steady, though some can develop a strong attachment to their owners, sometimes leading to over protectiveness. This can become a problem if the dog is allowed to get away with whatever they want, so early obedience training is crucial. Sussex Spaniels are often good with older children, but they may not be ideal for homes with very young kids, especially without good supervision, given their strength and sometimes stubborn nature.

Because of their loyalty and attachment to their family, Sussex Spaniels are not the type of dog that should be left alone for long periods. They thrive on companionship and being part of their owner’s daily life. This is not a breed that does well in a kennel environment or left to entertain themselves. They need interaction, not just physical exercise but also mental stimulation. The Sussex Spaniel forms a deep and lasting bond with its family, making it one of the most loyal and affectionate dog breeds. This breed thrives on companionship and tends to be happiest when it can stay close to its owners, often following them from room to room. A true “velcro dog,” the Sussex Spaniel craves constant human contact and enjoys being part of all aspects of family life. They are not dogs who do well when left alone for long periods, as they can become anxious or destructive if deprived of their beloved human companionship.

As you can tell from their jowly faces, Sussex Spaniels are prone to drooling, which is something prospective owners should be prepared for. They can also be picky eaters—some days they’ll love their food, and the next day they’ll turn their nose up at it! Another thing to keep in mind is that they can become destructive when bored, so providing adequate mental stimulation is important. Activities such as hunting, obedience, agility, therapy, rally, or tracking can help channel their energy productively.

Training a Sussex can be a test of patience at times. They are known for being strong-willed and stubborn, and some individuals may try to convince you that they simply don’t feel like training on any given day. However, don’t give in to this stubbornness! Varying the order of commands, incorporating games, and keeping sessions fun can help keep them engaged. Persistence is key, as they can be a bit slow to mature compared to other breeds.

Despite their working-dog origins, Sussex Spaniels are generally less active than many other hunting breeds. They are loyal, faithful dogs who enjoy staying by their owner’s side, and they don’t require as much exercise as most spaniels. They make great traveling companions, particularly in cars, though you’ll need to ensure they don’t overheat, as this breed is not well-suited for hot weather due to their thick, golden-liver-colored coat.

The Sussex is particularly known for his distinctive vocalizations, which set him apart from many other dog breeds. While most dogs bark, Sussex Spaniels are famous for their unique ability to “talk” through grumbling, moaning, and groaning sounds. These vocalizations often occur when they are content, excited, or simply trying to communicate with their owners. Many owners describe it as their Sussex Spaniel having a full range of expressions beyond barking, adding to the breed’s charm and character. In the field, Sussex Spaniels also exhibit a deep, throaty bark, referred to as “giving tongue,” a trait highly valued in hunting dogs. This bark was historically used to alert hunters to the presence of game. Their vocal abilities can be endearing – it’s all part of their charm! Many owners grow to love the little grumbles, snorts, and sighs that seem to communicate everything from happiness to mild discontent.

Although they remain one of the rarer spaniel breeds, their loyal, steady, and unique personality makes Sussex Spaniels a true gem for those willing to put in the time and care. They are a loving, if occasionally stubborn, companion that offers endless loyalty and charm.

“Sussex spaniel t43” by Pleple2000

The English Cocker Spaniel was at one point the same breed as the (American) Cocker Spaniel until the breeds split in 1946. It is worth noting that in England, this breed is called the Cocker Spaniel and the other is called the American Cocker Spaniel. The English can be differentiated from his American cousin by being larger and having less coat, in addition to a longer, more narrow head. The English Cocker is generally an eager-to-please little dog – a trait he shares with many other breeds of the sporting group. This merry spaniel is very athletic and is heralded for his skills as a gun dog, however his true skills shine in the home! He is often quite affectionate to those that he knows well and makes a loyal family companion, building strong bonds with the whole family including children. Funny and carefree, he enjoys making people laugh. Often happy, his wagging tail is a hallmark of the breed.

Most English Cockers are very energetic and intelligent… several qualities that make him a natural at training, but if left unchecked might cause him to display behavioral issues such as barking or digging. To mitigate potential issues, this playful breed needs to be given regular exercise so that he can become a well-behaved house dog. English Cockers tend to get along very well with other dogs, and a pair can easily spend hours in the yard playing with eachother! This is one of many ways to give him an outlet for his energy, however it is not a complete substitute for routine exercise. An owner should expect to give this dog at least one 30 minute walk a day, if not twice a day. Field-bred dogs are likely to have more energy and need more exercise.

English Cocker Spaniels are happiest when they have a job to do, especially if they are doing that job with their owner. Obedience training is definitely needed to get them off on the right start, and highly recommended! While many want to please some of them need some reassurance and foundational training, depending upon the task at hand. They are quite a versatile breed, excelling as hunters as well as in the obedience ring, tracking, agility, fly-ball, and therapy work. Of course, they also enjoy just “hanging out” with their family, as long as they are given adequate exercise and attention.They are definitely not “outdoor only” dogs, they need to be inside with their family. Many owners find that they become “little shadows”, prefering not to leave the sight of those they love.

There exist two strains within the breed – “working” and “show”. Dogs from working lines generally are more active and can be a handful for those who are not able to provide an outlet for that energy. Obedience training is especially helpful for working lines, as it helps to keep their busy brains occupied, although they still need the physical outlets as well. When it comes to training, English Cockers are quick learners but are often very sensitive to particular training methods. They work best with lots of praise and encouragement.

English Cocker Spaniels are likely to bark at the door when someone comes knocking, however this is not a guard dog by any means. While some are moderately protective, they are generally not aggressive at all, and in fact are fairly reserved once the door is opened to a stranger. At such point they tend to be polite (never fearful provided they were bred and socialized correctly), but otherwise are not a menacing guard in any way.

Generally the English Cocker is a healthy dog, however it’s important to obtain a puppy through a responsible breeder that health tests their dogs! This is the single best way to “stack the odds in your favor” if you are a potential buyer. Health issues in the breed include autoimmune issues, bladder stones, copper storage disease, epilepsy and IBD, among others. A breeder should be not only be conducting DNA testing, but also doing x-rays, thyroid panels, BAER testing and other exams. This is important work to make sure that only healthy dogs are producing puppies in the breed! As a buyer, you can be more assured that your puppy will live a healthy life up to their average of 14 years.