The field spaniel originates from the type of spaniel known as ''land spaniel'', and is related to the english cocker spaniel. In the past it has also been crossed to the sussex and english springer spaniel. While the cocker turned into a show and companion dog, the field spaniel remained mainly a hunter. It became rare after the first world war, and it wasn't until the late 1950's that the breed had regained some of its former popularity.
The field spaniel should have a long and dry head, when viewed from the side showing a slight but visible bow shaped line from the tip of the nose to the neck. The ears are moderately long, broad, set low and well covered with hair. The neck is long and strong, the chest well developed with strong and straight or gently curved topline. The tail is set low. The coat is straight or wave, silky and fine, with a good amount of featherig on the legs, underside and ears.