Field Spaniel vs Russell Terrier
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
Russell Terrier
Terrier Group
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.
Russell Terrier Overview
Russell Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive V-shaped ears and alert expressions. Their strong, flexible bodies feature a balanced proportion between height and length. The predominantly white coat may have tan or black markings, remaining harsh and weather-resistant. These agile terriers move with purpose and precision, displaying the athletic build essential for their historical hunting abilities.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Field Spaniels are less energetic than Russell Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Field Spaniels require less grooming attention compared to Russell Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Field Spaniels tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Russell Terriers.
- Trainability: Russell Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Russell Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Russell Terriers 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 Russell Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Field Spaniel | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Field Spaniel | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-18 inches 43-46 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 35-50 lbs 16-23 kg | 9-15 lbs 4-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Regularly | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Field Spaniel | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Sweet, Fun-Loving, Sensitive | Alert, Inquisitive, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Field Spaniel | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Russell Terrier Temperament
The Russell Terrier is characterized by being alert, inquisitive, lively, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Field Spaniel and Russell Terrier, 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
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Field Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Field Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Field Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Field Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Russell Terrier
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.
Russell Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Russell Terriers 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 medium coat coat, Russell Terriers 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
Russell Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Lens Luxation
- Deafness
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Glaucoma
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
Russell Terrier
Pros
- Highly energetic and playful
- Compact size suits various homes
- Intelligent and trainable
- Low grooming requirements
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Field Spaniel and Russell Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.