Field Spaniel vs Lancashire Heeler
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
Lancashire Heeler
Miscellaneous Class
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.
Lancashire Heeler Overview
Lancashire Heelers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive black and tan coloring. Their alert expression and sturdy build reflect their heritage as skilled herding dogs. Standing 10-12 inches at the shoulder with a weather-resistant double coat, these dogs possess powerful shoulders and strong hindquarters that enable remarkable agility and quick movements.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Field Spaniels are less energetic than Lancashire Heelers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Field Spaniels require more grooming attention compared to Lancashire Heelers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Field Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than Lancashire Heelers.
- Trainability: Field Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their Field Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heeler, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Field Spaniel | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Field Spaniel | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-18 inches 43-46 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 35-50 lbs 16-23 kg | 9-17 lbs 4-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Field Spaniel | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Sweet, Fun-Loving, Sensitive | Affectionate, Versatile, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Field Spaniel | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Lancashire Heeler Temperament
The Lancashire Heeler is characterized by being affectionate, versatile, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Field Spaniel and Lancashire Heeler, 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
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Field Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Field Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Field Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Field Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 2/5
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.
Lancashire Heeler Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lancashire Heelers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Lancashire Heelers 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
Lancashire Heeler Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patella Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Heart Issues
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
Lancashire Heeler
Pros
- Intelligent
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- High exercise needs
- May chase small animals
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Field Spaniel and Lancashire Heeler, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.