Field Spaniel

Field Spaniels are medium-sized sporting dogs that came from England where they were originally developed for show purposes. These are all-around great dogs excel in a variety of arenas including hunting, conformation, obedience, tracking, agility, therapy work and companionship. Early Field Spaniels were developed in England solely for the show ring, and competitors were interested only in the pure black specimens. This fact made the dogs unpopular with hunters because dark colors were hard to see in the field. Additionally, the longer body of these dogs made it difficult for them to maneuver through brush. By the year 1909, various genetic health issues began showing up in these early Field Spaniels. In an effort to correct these problems, the dogs were crossed with English Springer Spaniels. This produced healthier specimens with lighter colors and longer legs much like the Field Spaniels of today.

The Field Spaniel has a long body and was bred to flush and retrieve birds. It can run at a fast peace for long periods of time and its wavy, long coat protects it from cold water. Its ears are long and should be checked regularly. Its coat needs frequent brushing and needs occasional clipping. The average weight for adult Field Spaniels is about 35 to 55 pounds. They have long, silky hair that is longer on the ears, chest, tail and the back of the legs. Acceptable colors include liver, roan or black with or without small white markings on the chest. The ears should be long and pendulous hanging to just above the shoulder blades. The muzzle is square-shaped, and the nose can be black, brown or liver-colored. The eyes are almond-shaped and can be hazel or brown. This is a muscular dog with a somewhat square-shaped body and thick legs. While many countries prefer to dock the Field Spaniel's tail, some countries do not allow this practice.

Personality

The Field Spaniel needs plenty of exercise and is happiest when it has a task. It's a fun-loving, inquisitive dog that is very happy and affectionate. This dog breed needs close contact with their human family and don't like to be alone for long periods of time otherwise they become bored and destructive. It's an ideal dog for children and is friendly towards strangers and other animals. Field Spaniels are extremely gentle and patient dogs, which makes them great pets for kids. However, they are not happy unless they are kept busy with such activities as hunting, tracking, agility or flyball. A bored Field Spaniel can become mischievous rather quickly. Due to the breed's strong hunting instincts, Field Spaniels may not interact well with other household pets such as cats, rabbits, birds and rodents.

Breed Characteristics

Field Spaniel Build Information

The Field Spaniel has a long body and was bred to flush and retrieve birds. It can run at a fast peace for long periods of time and its wavy, long coat protects it from cold water. Its ears are long and should be checked regularly. Its coat needs frequent brushing and needs occasional clipping. The average weight for adult Field Spaniels is about 35 to 55 pounds. They have long, silky hair that is longer on the ears, chest, tail and the back of the legs. Acceptable colors include liver, roan or black with or without small white markings on the chest. The ears should be long and pendulous hanging to just above the shoulder blades. The muzzle is square-shaped, and the nose can be black, brown or liver-colored. The eyes are almond-shaped and can be hazel or brown. This is a muscular dog with a somewhat square-shaped body and thick legs. While many countries prefer to dock the Field Spaniel's tail, some countries do not allow this practice.

Behaviour and Personality

The Field Spaniel needs plenty of exercise and is happiest when it has a task. It's a fun-loving, inquisitive dog that is very happy and affectionate. This dog breed needs close contact with their human family and don't like to be alone for long periods of time otherwise they become bored and destructive. It's an ideal dog for children and is friendly towards strangers and other animals. Field Spaniels are extremely gentle and patient dogs, which makes them great pets for kids. However, they are not happy unless they are kept busy with such activities as hunting, tracking, agility or flyball. A bored Field Spaniel can become mischievous rather quickly. Due to the breed's strong hunting instincts, Field Spaniels may not interact well with other household pets such as cats, rabbits, birds and rodents.

Appearance

While Field Spaniels do not shed much, you will still want to brush your pet's coat at least once a day to prevent the hair from becoming tangled. Furthermore, since this breed is prone to ear infections, you should check your dog's ears regularly for excess wax, redness or foul odors. If you need to clean your Field Spaniel's ears, do not use a Q-tip. Rather, use the corner of a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe away any debris. Finally, from time to time, you may need to trim your pet's nails. When trimming the nails, use a guillotine-style nail clipper and only trim the ends.

Field Spaniel Common Health Conditions

Healthy Field Spaniels can live anywhere between 10 and 14 years, and most of them live through life without developing any serious health issues. However, just as with most other breeds of dogs, Field Spaniels can be prone to developing various genetic health conditions as listed below: Hip Dysplasia, Retinal Atrophy, Cataracts, Retinal Dysplasia, Cancer and Ear Infections. If you are looking for a dog that is great with kids or one that can keep up with your active lifestyle, why not consider a Field Spaniel? Not only do Field Spaniels love to run and play, but they are very gentle and patient with children as well. However, you may want to reconsider this type of dog if you have such pets as cats, birds, rodents or rabbits.

Field Spaniel Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

The Field Spaniel is considered a rare breed, with only around 50 dogs having been registered with the UK during 2009. Field Spaniels are sensitive dogs that do not react well to harsh training methods and/or punishments. Although the Field Spaniel is a rare breed, it is one of the first breeds to have been shown and registered in the US.