Field Spaniel vs French Spaniel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Field Spaniel
Sporting Group
French Spaniel
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Field Spaniel Overview
Field Spaniels showcase a noble sporting dog appearance with their distinctive silky coat and balanced proportions. Their medium-sized frame carries graceful lines, featuring long ears and a gentle expression. Known for their rich dark liver coloring and well-feathered legs, these dogs combine elegance with athletic ability, displaying a strong yet refined build suited to their sporting heritage.
French Spaniel Overview
French Spaniels are elegant sporting dogs with a distinctive white coat marked by brown patches. Their medium-sized, athletic build features a noble head carriage, pendulous ears, and expressive eyes reflecting their gentle nature. Standing 21.5 to 24 inches at the shoulder, these dogs possess a balanced structure ideal for both field work and companionship, complemented by their intelligent expression and graceful movement.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Field Spaniels are less energetic than French Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Field Spaniels require less grooming attention compared to French Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Field Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than French Spaniels.
- Trainability: Field Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their Field Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: French Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Field Spaniels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Field Spaniel and French Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Field Spaniel | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Field Spaniel | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-18 inches 43-46 cm | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm |
| Weight | 35-50 lbs 16-23 kg | 50-60 lbs 23-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Field Spaniel | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Sweet, Fun-Loving, Sensitive | Gentle, Sociable, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Field Spaniel | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Field Spaniel Temperament
The Field Spaniel is known for being sweet, fun-loving, sensitive, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
French Spaniel Temperament
The French Spaniel is characterized by being gentle, sociable, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Field Spaniel and French Spaniel, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Field Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
French Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Field Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
French Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Field Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
French Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Field Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
French Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Field Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
French Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Field Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Field Spaniels require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Field Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
French Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
French Spaniels need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, French Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Field Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart Issues
French Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
Field Spaniel
Pros
- Gentle temperament
- Good with families
- Sporting abilities
- Moderate exercise needs
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Prone to ear infections
- Needs consistent training
French Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Good with families
- Intelligent
- Gentle temperament
Cons
- Needs extensive exercise
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Not suited for apartment living
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Field Spaniel and French Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.