[2] Some of the breeding methods of those early developers were criticised; one of the first breeders of the Field Spaniel, Thomas Jacobs, said of the origin; "Much has been written and said on the purity of the breed; deprecating the means I have adopted to produce them as calculated to alter a presumed type, and frequent missiles have been hurled at me and my dogs from behind the hedge.

Obo II is considered to be the father of the modern American Cocker Spaniel, being described as only 10 inches high with quite a long body.

Most of the modern breed can be traced to four dogs from the 1950s; Colombina of Teffont, Elmbury Morwena of Rhiwlas, Gormac Teal, and Ronayne Regal.

[10] The standard size for a Field Spaniel is approximately 46 centimetres (18 in) tall at the withers, and a weight of between 18 and 25 kilograms (40 and 55 lb).

Tan points, white markings on the throat and the chest can be ticked or the same colour as the rest of the body.

The coat is not as heavy as that of a Cocker Spaniel but requires grooming in order to prevent mats from appearing in the fur.

[4] Docking of tails has been banned in a number of countries, including the UK; however, an exemption is made for working animals.

[12] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.1 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.

[12] The Kennel Club and British Veterinary Association highly recommend eye testing and hip scoring be carried out by Field Spaniel breeders.

[17][18] In a health survey conducted by the Kennel Club (UK), the primary cause of death in Field Spaniels was cancer, with the second most frequent cause being old age.