Field Spaniel Dog

Breed: Spaniel, gundog

Height: 18 inches (46 cm.)

Weight: 35-50 pounds (16-22.5 kg.)

Coat Type: Dense, silky and glossy in nature

 

Looking for a small cute pet to play with? The Field Spaniel will be the perfect choice. The Field Spaniel is a medium sized, low to ground dog that was bred originally to compete with other breeds in dog shows. This kind of a breeding gave the Field Spaniel its attractive looks which make them popular as a pet. The Field Spaniel is an easy going, charming, affectionate and playful dog that can get along well with your family members and other pets if socialized properly. They are excellent with children and require a strong, but kind master to get rid of a bit of a timid behavior which they posses. The breed loves to have their share of work and therefore should be provided with regular exercise and play time. This article is a reflection on the breed and provides you with all the information you would like to know about the Field Spaniel dog breed.

 

 

The Field Spaniel was bred mainly to meet the requirement of a dog for the dog showing business. It was the first spaniel developed specifically for dog shows when dog showing had just got the limelight. The breeders wanted a solid black dog to make it look elegant and different from other spaniels that come with white splashes on their base color. To produce such a dog, the breeders bred all the black spaniels at that time including the Cocker Spaniels and the Irish Water spaniel. The result ‘The Field Spaniel’ was an instant hit. The breed gained popularity quite early and enjoyed a burst of success. The intense focus of all the show breeders on this newly developed breed, belittled the popularity of the original Field Spaniel. The breed was crossed with Sussex Spaniels and Basset Hounds to give birth to low legged, long backed versions of the Field Spaniels. But, this attempt to enhance the looks of the breed led to the introduction of tremendous health issues in the breed. The popularity of the Field Spaniels dribbled as quickly as it bobbed up, because of the emergence of myriad genetic problems. On the brink of extinction, breeders worked to restore the Field Spaniel to its former glory. Understanding the alarming situation the breeders crossed the breed with English Springer Spaniels under the supervision of the English Kennel Club to increase the gene pool. This gave back the original form to the Field Spaniels but could never get back the same level of popularity that the breed used to enjoy as a show buzz. Nevertheless, the breed still remains a rare breed and is seen more often in the show rings and in the field as a hunting companion.

 

The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with the skull which is slightly wider in the back than in the front. They have a strong muzzle which is long and lean with a moderate and a well defined stop. Depending on their coat type their nose comes in light brown to black in color. Their teeth are in the form of a scissor or a level bite. They have medium sized eyes which are almond in shape in dark hazel to brown color. The medium sized ears are set slightly below their eyes and are hanging wide close to their head with lots of feathering. They have a strong and muscular neck; their tail is set low and can either be docked or left natural. The Field Spaniels have single-layered coat which is flat or slightly wavy and is of medium length with feathering on the chest, underside, back of the legs, buttocks and may be at the bottom of the tail.

 

The Field Spaniels are an active and robust breed of hunting dogs with a pleasant temperament. The Field Spaniels are an easy-going, charming, affectionate, playful and intelligent breed. They are independent in nature but can make an excellent family dog if provided with regular exercise and good leadership. The breed is known for being compliant and for their docile nature. If the breed gets proper social environment it will adjust well with strangers, other dogs and the family members. The breed needs a strong, calm and confident leader to get the best out of the breed and to avoid timidity. The field spaniels love to roam, and they need regular exercise. They are good to others, are friendly in nature and are excellent with children. They need an active and caring owner, because if they sense their owner to be passive they tend to become stubborn and temperamental. The Field Spaniels love to stay busy and are in their best of moods when they have a job to do. They are quick learners and they will react strongly to your voice. They should be trained in a kind but consistent manner. Any harsh manner or a tough approach will disturb the dog. They get extremely neurotic if locked in a kennel, therefore they need regular contact with people.

 

The Field Spaniels are prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections. Apart from these genetic problems the Field Spaniel is a healthy breed of dog fit to become your pet.

The Field Spaniel has a dense and a silky coat which calls in for regular brushing sessions, at least once or twice a week. The rambling hair should be cut down every few months. Make sure to keep their ears clean to protect them from any infectious attack. If you are using the breed as a show dog, then pay visit to a professional groomer around 4 times in a year. The dead hair should be plucked out from their coat and the hair on the ears, legs and neck requires regular thinning out.