Field Spaniel

In my own words

 

I’m the action dog of the dog world! I love swimming, running, hunting, playing, just about everything! I hope you can keep up with me, I’m built for endurance you know! My kind is a lot rarer than the Cocker or Springer Spaniel but that just makes me special, don’t you think? I can do anything they can do, so much better! Hang on while I show you how excellently I can get my lead...

Ready for walkies yet? I love walkies! Come rain or shine, I don’t care, I just want to run around and burn some energy. Did you know my kind has the best personality out of all the Spaniel breeds? Cool, don’t you think? See? I told you we’re special!

 

Information essential about the Field Spaniel

 

Kennel Club Group:

Gundog

 

Breed Classification:

The Field Spaniel is a member of the gundog group. They were originally used for retrieving game; today they are used for rough shooting and as companions for the country dweller. They are also seen in the show ring.

Size:

Medium: Weight 35 – 50 lb (18 – 25 kg)

Height Male 18” (46 cm) Female 17” (43 cm)

 

Popularity:

 

 

 

Breed History:

 

 

The Field Spaniel originated in England as a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and several longer and larger dogs of the Spaniel family. Early litters of these types contained both Field and Cocker spaniels. Once the Field Spaniel was recognised as a separate breed it was selectively bred with disastrous results. It was unable to work as well in the field as it had been..

 

The breed was re-developed into a fine bird dog by the 1920s but due to the immense popularity of Springer and Cocker Spaniels, the Field Spaniel is quite rare in the US. They were bred mainly for competition and companionship but suffered a drop in popularity during the 1940s due to breeding practices that made the dog very long and low. Dog enthusiasts have since restored the Field Spaniel, which continues to be an affectionate household companion.

 

By the end of World War II they were very rare and their championship status was withdrawn. However, breeders managed to restore this breed, for the field and show ring, by introducing Springer Spaniels and English Cockers into the breed lines. This resulted in the Field Spaniel increasing in numbers and championship status was restored in 1969.

 

 

Character:

The Field Spaniel has a calm demeanour but does not appreciate rough play or poor treatment. They love children and get along with other pets but expect to be treated with respect. As a working breed, this dog is at its best when it has a job to do. The Field Spaniel is a well balanced, medium sized breed and is the total embodiment of utility, beauty, hunter and companion. This breed is built for activity and endurance in both water and heavy cover. They are noble, proud, docile and abundant in their enthusiasm and affection

Temperament:

Of all the Spaniel breeds, the Field Spaniel is considered to have the best personality. They are playful, intelligent, sweet and well mannered. They have a tendency to be reserved with strangers but generally loves everyone. They are independent but can be stubborn at times. They are excellent with considerate, well behaved children and are good with other dogs and animals. They have a tendency to become overly attached to one specific family member and will ignore all others. This breed thrives on human companionship and can become neurotic if deprived of human interaction. They are alert and will bark to alert the family of visitors and unfamiliar sounds. With their retrieving nature this breed loves to carry objects around in their mouth

Conformation:

 

The Field Spaniel has a sturdy, medium sized frame and is a little stockier and longer than the Cocker Spaniel. They have well proportioned heads with long muzzles, large noses with open nostrils, almond shaped eyes and long, well feathered ears. The neck is strong, long and muscular. The chest should be deep and the top line level. The front legs should appear straight; the back legs should be strong and muscular. The feet should be round and tight. Their movement should be a long stride with a good driving action from the rear. Customarily docked to one third, the tail should be low set, never carried above the top line and it should have adequate feathering. If undocked the attributes are the same and it should reach to the hocks and be of moderate length in balance with the rest of the dog.

 

Coat:

The coat is of moderate length and is either flat or slightly wavy. It is weather resistant and dense in texture. The coat is silky, glossy with setter-like feathering behind the legs and on the chest and stomach.

 

Colour:

 

The most common coat colour is black but may also come in liver, mahogany red or golden liver. Tan markings or speckles may also be present.

 

Training:

 

This breed requires early socialisation to prevent timidity and dog aggression later in life. This breed does best when it has a job to do. They learn quickly but are sensitive and do not respond well to harsh or heavy handed training. They require firm, fair, consistent and loving training and excels in tracking, hunting and retrieving.

 

 

Care:

 

Their silky coat needs regular brushing at least twice a week and bi-monthly clipping to keep it in good condition. The ears should be checked and cleaned on a regular basis. This breed is best suited to a cooler climate.

 

Health:

 

 

The lifespan of a healthy individual is up to 13 years. If you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, health problems should not occur.

 

Due to their rarity, relatively little is known about the ailments of this breed as little veterinary research has been carried out on the Field Spaniel. Some breed lines which have Springer Spaniels in their ancestry may be susceptible to the same ailments as the Springer Spaniel. The Field Spaniel is prone to hip dysplasia, thyroid disease, ear infections and eye problems.

 

Exercise:

This breed requires excessive amounts of exercise and is not suited to a sedentary family or lifestyle. They are at their best when they have a job to do or they have a chance to romp and run around. They are not recommended to apartment life. This breed is moderately active indoors but requires a large securely fenced yard or a home in the country. They enjoy swimming, playing ball, jogging and hunting. Due to their hunting nature it is essential to ensure they have a safe, well enclosed space to play in.

 

 

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