A Spaniel is a group of gun dog breeds. Spaniels are generally smaller dogs with longer coats and drop ears. The breed's main job is to assist with bird hunting.
It is desirable that Spaniels always work within gun range, are steady to shot, are able to mark the fall and retrieve shot game to hand with a soft mouth. A good nose is highly valued, as it is in most gun dog breeds. They are versatile hunters traditionally being used for upland game birds, but are equally adept at hunting rabbit and waterfowl. Whether hunting in open fields, woodlands, farm lands - in briars, along fencerows or marshlands, a spaniel can get the job done. Spaniel Journal