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Field Spaniel vs Transylvanian Hound

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Field Spaniel vs Transylvanian Hound

You don’t see these two compared often, but when you do, it’s usually someone drawn to rare, purpose-built dogs with soulful eyes and a hunting heart. The Field Spaniel and Transylvanian Hound both love their people and work hard to please, but that’s where the easy comparisons end. The Field Spaniel is your quiet, affectionate shadow. sweet, steady, and happiest when curled beside a child or ambling through woods on a relaxed hunt. At 17 inches and under 50 pounds, they fit neatly into active family life, thriving in homes with yards but not apartments. They’re trainable to a fault, eager to learn, and sensitive enough that harsh tones shut them down. Grooming isn’t optional; their silky coat snags burrs and mats fast. You’ll love their calm charm, but don’t expect a firecracker. Now picture the Transylvanian Hound: taller, stronger, built like a mountain athlete. Bred to trail boar and bear in rugged terrain, this dog lives for movement and mission. Their energy isn’t just high. it’s relentless. You need to do with them, or they’ll find their own entertainment, usually involving howling or digging. They’re good with kids and loyal to their people, but they’re not cuddlers in the same way. They’re more “respectful companion” than “lap infiltrator.” And while they’re trainable, they’ve got an independent streak that says, “I know what I’m doing out here.” Here’s the real talk: if you want a dog that fits smoothly into family rhythm and still hunts quietly at your side, go Field Spaniel. But if you’re an experienced owner craving a bold, tireless partner for serious outdoor life. and you don’t mind the extra vigilance around bloat and exercise needs. the Transylvanian Hound will surprise you with their grit and loyalty. One’s a velvet glove. The other’s a leather boot. Pick based on the life you actually live.

Field Spaniel
Transylvanian Hound
17–18 in
Height
22–26 in
35–50 lb
Weight
45–55 lb
12–13 yr
Lifespan
10–14 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.2–3.0k
#149
AKC popularity

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Field Spaniel Transylvanian Hound
Overlay

Where they diverge

Playfulness
Transylvanian Hound is more playful (2-point difference)
Transylvanian
Watchdog / Protective
Transylvanian Hound is more protective (2-point difference)
Transylvanian
Energy Level
Transylvanian Hound has more energy (2-point difference)
Transylvanian
Affectionate w/ Family
Field Spaniel is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Field
Good with Other Dogs
Transylvanian Hound is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
Transylvanian
The verdict

Choose the Field Spaniel if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Homes with a yard
  • You value affectionate w/ familyField Spaniel scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Transylvanian Hound if…

  • Active families
  • Experienced dog owners
  • Rural or suburban living
  • You value playfulnessTransylvanian Hound scores higher here.
Field Spaniel Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Field Spaniel home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Transylvanian Hound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Transylvanian Hound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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