Field Spaniel Dogs for Adoption in Merrillville, IN

Your guide to finding and caring for a Field Spaniel in Merrillville

213 dogs similar to Field Spaniel available in Merrillville and nationwide

Open your home to a Field Spaniel

While we don't have enough dogs near Merrillville, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.

Field Spaniels and Similar Breeds Available for Adoption Near Merrillville

About the Field Spaniel breed

Rarer than its spaniel cousins, the Field Spaniel was developed in nineteenth-century England, where it was first exaggerated into a long, low, all-black show dog before being rebuilt in the mid-twentieth century as a balanced hunter. Today's dog is a solid, medium-sized spaniel built for endurance in heavy cover and water, with a silky, water-repellent coat in black, liver or roan, long feathered ears and a gentle, grave expression.

Field Spaniels are often described as docile, sensitive and fun-loving, with an independent streak and a strong attachment to their people. Many are a little reserved at first meeting before warming up. They suit adopters who want a steady companion that still enjoys real exercise, swimming and nose work, and who are comfortable with regular brushing and trimming. Because the breed is uncommon, most adoptable dogs come through breed rescue rather than general shelters.

Weight
35–55 lbs
Height
16–19 in
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Temperament
Gentle, Playful, Intelligent
Group
Sporting
Shedding
Moderate

Owning a Field Spaniel in Merrillville

Having a Field Spaniel in Merrillville

Field Spaniels pair a hunter's stamina with a soft, people-focused temperament that responds best to kindness. Their sensitivity, appetite for activity, feathered coat and few documented health concerns all affect what living with one looks like, so each trait below deserves a close look.

Temperament

Many Field Spaniels are affectionate, cheerful and devoted, often shadowing their favorite person around the house. They can be reserved with strangers and sensitive to harsh words, so gentle, reward-based training works best. Some show an independent streak in the field. Individual history matters, and a shy rescue may need extra time to trust new people.

Exercise Needs

Most Field Spaniels need daily exercise that goes beyond a stroll around the block, such as long walks, swimming, retrieving or tracking games in safe areas. They are steady rather than frantic, but bored dogs may bark or chew. Nose work, obedience and short training sessions satisfy their busy minds, and puppies should avoid repetitive high-impact exercise.

Health Considerations

Hip dysplasia and low thyroid function are among the breed's better-known concerns, and hypothyroidism can show up as a thinning coat, sluggishness or weight gain. Eye conditions, heart defects and late-onset seizures also occur. Long, heavy ears can trap moisture, so regular cleaning helps prevent infections. Have a veterinarian check the hips and thyroid, and keep up with veterinary checkups.

Living Space

A Field Spaniel can adapt to a house or a roomy apartment when it gets daily outings and plenty of time with its family. A fenced yard is handy for play, but these dogs do best living indoors as part of the household. Expect some muddy paws and burrs after outings, because most love water and thick brush.

What it costs to own a Field Spaniel

ExpenseTypical costPer year
Adoption fee$375, one time$375 in year one
Food$35 to $70 per month$420 to $840
Pet insurance$45 to $85 per month$540 to $1,020
Routine vet care$225 to $450 per year$225 to $450
Other*$540 to $1,390 per year$540 to $1,390
Estimated yearly total (after year one)$1,725 to $3,700
First-year total (with adoption fee)$2,100 to $4,075

Adoption fee is the fee on Field Spaniel listings in Merrillville on GetBuddy today. Other costs are national averages for Field Spaniels; we don't have costs specific to Merrillville yet.

* Flea, tick and heartworm prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, a dog license, toys and bedding, and regular brushing, baths and tidy-up trims of the ears and feet.

Adopt a Field Spaniel in Merrillville.

Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have Field Spaniels available.

Rescues in Merrillville with Field Spaniels Available

Here are the rescues & shelters in the Merrillville area where you can find Field Spaniels and other dogs available for adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Field Spaniels shed a moderate amount. They have a single, silky coat without a dense undercoat, so shedding is steady rather than explosive, but loose hair still collects on floors and furniture. Brushing two or three times a week removes dead hair and prevents tangles in the feathering. Heavier or patchy shedding can signal a thyroid or skin problem worth checking.

You groom a Field Spaniel by brushing its coat and feathering a few times a week, paying special attention to the ears, armpits and legs where mats form. Trim hair between the foot pads and inside the ears so they dry quickly, keep nails short and bathe as needed. Clean the long ears regularly, especially after swimming.

A Field Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog from England, bred to find and flush game in heavy cover and retrieve it from land or water. It has a solid build, long feathered ears and a glossy coat in black, liver or roan. It is one of the rarer spaniels, known for a gentle, sensitive and devoted temperament.

Many Field Spaniels are fairly easygoing at home, and the breed standard describes them as unusually docile. They tend to be calmer than some other sporting breeds once their exercise needs are met. Still, they are working dogs with stamina, sensitivity and an independent streak, so an under-exercised or poorly socialized Field Spaniel may be restless, shy or stubborn.

Yes, Field Spaniels are often good family dogs. Many are affectionate, patient and playful with children who treat them kindly, and they like being included in family activities. Their sensitivity means a chaotic or harsh environment can stress them, and young dogs may be exuberant. Supervising play with small children and meeting an adult dog first helps ensure a good match.

No, Field Spaniels are not hypoallergenic. They shed moderately, and like all dogs they produce allergens in their dander, saliva and urine, which settle around the home regardless of coat type. Some people with mild allergies cope through frequent brushing, air purifiers and dog-free bedrooms, but spending time with a specific dog before adopting is the safest approach.

Field Spaniels are born with front dewclaws, and many keep them, although the breed standard allows them to be removed. Rear dewclaws are not part of the standard and are usually absent. Dewclaw nails do not wear down on the ground, so they need regular trimming to avoid snagging in brush or curling into the pad.

Field Spaniels do not usually have a strong odor when healthy and groomed regularly. Their long, heavy ears and love of water can lead to a musty smell if ears and feathering stay damp, and ear infections can produce a distinct odor. Drying the ears after swimming, regular baths and cleaning, and veterinary checks for any persistent smell keep them fresh.

Field Spaniels are medium-sized dogs. The breed standard calls for males around 18 inches at the shoulder and females around 17 inches, with an inch either way acceptable. Most adults weigh roughly 35 to 55 pounds depending on sex and build. They are slightly longer than tall, with solid bone and muscle rather than a delicate frame.

We have 1 rescue with Field Spaniels available: Big Dogs Don't Cry, Inc.. You can see every rescue with Field Spaniels available in the list above these questions.