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Field Spaniel - Sporting


Field Spaniel

Family:

gundog, spaniel


Area of origin:

England


Original function:

bird flushing and retrieving


Average size of male:

Ht: 18, Wt: 35-50


Average size of female:

Ht: 17, Wt: 35-50


Other names:

none


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    Energy

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    Exercise

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    Playfulness

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    Affection

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    Friendliness towards dogs

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    Friendliness towards other pets

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    Friendliness towards strangers

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    Ease of training

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    Watchdog ability

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    Protection ability

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    Grooming

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    Cold tolerance

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    Heat tolerance

Picture: Yann Arthus-Bertrand/Corbis |

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Temperament

The field spaniel is happiest when he has a job to do. Although independent in nature, he is devoted, sensitive and willing to please. Always cheerful and affectionate, he is an excellent family companion as long as he is given regular exercise. The field spaniel is especially known for his tractable nature. It is typical for a field spaniel to be somewhat reserved with strangers.

Care

The field spaniel needs daily exercise, and even though he is happiest when given the chance to run and explore, his needs can be met with a long walk on leash. He does best when allowed to divide his time between house and yard. He thrives on human companionship and should not be deprived of his family. His coat needs brushing and combing once or twice weekly. Straggling hairs should be scissored every few months. The ears should be checked and cleaned regularly. Some can be somewhat sloppy, and some snore.

Health

Major concerns: CHD
Minor concerns: otitis externa, patellar luxation
Occasionally seen: PRA, SAS
Suggested tests: hip, eye
Life span: 12-14 years

Related Dogs

American Water Spaniel
Clumber Spaniel
American Cocker Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniel
English Springer Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniel
Sussex Spaniel
Welsh Springer Spaniel

Interested in the history of the Field Spaniel breed?

Expand

The field spaniel shares his early history with the English cocker spaniel, the only difference between the two breeds initially being one of size. The field spaniel was composed of those land spaniels weighing over 25 pounds. These larger field spaniels were derived from the cocker, Sussex and English water spaniels and were initially required to be black. After becoming recognized as a separate breed in the late 1800s, the field spaniel succumbed to breeding for exaggeration, and the repeated infusion of Sussex spaniel blood resulted in dogs of excessive length, overly heavy bones and short legs. The breed lost his usefulness as a hunter, and although he enjoyed a short vogue in the early 1900s, he ultimately teetered on the brink of extinction. Crosses to English springer spaniels were made in an effort to re-create the original field spaniel. The crosses were successful, and the modern field spaniel is not only a handsome replica of his former self but also an able hunter. All modern field spaniels can be traced back to four field spaniels from the 1950s: Ronayne Regal, Gormac Teal, Colombina of Teffont and Elmbury Morwena of Rhiwlas. Despite the fact that field spaniels were being shown in America in the late 1800s, no champions were made up between 1916 and 1966; in fact, the breed was essentially extinct in America for much of that time. The breed was reintroduced into America in the late 1960s. The field spaniel remains among the rarest of breeds in America.


Work With a Group

Some animal welfare organizations with Field Spaniels ready for adoption:

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