Description: Field Spaniel
The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized breed known for its docile and sensitive temperament, making it an excellent family companion. Originating from England, this breed was initially developed for retrieving game from land or water. Today, while they still retain their hunting instincts, Field Spaniels are more commonly seen as companion animals. They sport a luxurious coat, usually in black, liver, golden liver, or roan, and are noted for their long, floppy ears and expressive eyes. The Field Spaniel is an energetic breed that thrives on regular exercise and enjoys participating in various canine sports, including agility and obedience. With a gentle demeanor and a friendly attitude, they get along well with children and other animals, making them a versatile addition to many homes.
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Properties
The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized breed, renowned for its combination of utility and elegance. Originally developed to retrieve game from land or water, these dogs are known for their level-headedness and endurance. They share their early history with the Cocker Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel, once considered the same breed simply differentiated by size. Field Spaniels were especially favored for their skills in finding, flushing, and retrieving game over varied terrains.
Standing 17 to 18 inches at the shoulder and weighing around 35 to 50 pounds, Field Spaniels possess a sturdy build that combines strength and agility. They are slightly longer than they are tall, which contributes to their efficient movement. Their coat, which can be either black, liver, or roan, and sometimes with tan markings, is designed to protect them from rough underbrush and seasonal elements. Characteristically, their fur consists of a glossy finish that repels water and debris, making maintenance relatively easy compared to other sporting breeds.
Field Spaniels have a noble and well-balanced demeanor, showing neither shyness nor aggression. They are known for their intelligence and are typically eager to please, which makes them amiable companions and responsive to training. They thrive on human interaction and are well-suited to families with children and other pets. Despite their sporting background, their exercise needs are moderate; they require regular, sustained exercise to maintain their health and happiness. This can be met through daily walks, play sessions in a secure yard, or more structured activities such as agility or obedience training.
Health-wise, Field Spaniels are generally hardy, but like all breeds, they're susceptible to certain genetic conditions. This includes hip dysplasia, ear infections, and eye disorders such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Responsible breeding practices have reduced these risks significantly, though prospective owners should still seek reputable breeders who perform genetic testing on their dogs.
The Field Spaniel's personality is undeniably one of its greatest assets. They possess a gentle, sensitive nature and tend to form strong, affectionate bonds with their owners. Their even temperament and adaptability make them excellent pets for a wide range of lifestyles, from active families to quieter, more sedentary homes. Overall, the Field Spaniel is a versatile, affectionate, and capable breed, perfect for those who appreciate a balance between a sporty companion and a loving family pet.
Appearance
The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized breed, showcasing a combination of nobility, beauty, and functionality. Originally developed for retrieving game from land or water, this breed possesses a well-balanced physique, distinguished by its longer body and shorter legs compared to other spaniels, which enhances its agility and endurance in the field.
The most striking feature of the Field Spaniel is its rich, glossy coat that comes in a variety of solid colours including black, liver, and occasionally golden liver. Some might have roan markings and others may exhibit tan points, although these are less common. This breed’s coat not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also serves a practical function, providing protection against harsh weather and underbrush while hunting.
A typical Field Spaniel's build is one of strength and endurance, without the bulkiness that might impede its agility. They generally weigh between 35 to 50 pounds and stand about 17 to 18 inches at the shoulder. Their silhouette presents a slightly longer than tall body, contributing to their graceful movement. The ears are long, set low, and covered in silky hair, which adds to their expressive appearance. The tail is typically docked in countries where it is legally permitted but is left long in others, carried in a manner that reflects the dog’s cheerful disposition.
Their eyes are one of the most expressive features, usually dark hazel or brown, which exudes a gentle, intelligent, and slightly melancholic expression. Their broad muzzle and well-developed nose are essential for their keen sense of smell, vital for a breed used traditionally for flushing game.
Field Spaniels are not only bred for physical traits that enhance their working abilities but also for characteristics that contribute to their overall robustness and health. They possess a deep chest, providing ample lung capacity for stamina; and strong, muscled hindquarters allow for powerful, swift movements.
The Field Spaniel moves with an easy, smooth gait that covers the ground efficiently, indicative of the breed’s stamina and thoroughbred character. Overall, the appearance of the Field Spaniel reflects a versatile hunting dog, combining beauty and utility, crafted through selective breeding not only to perform in the field but to be a loyal and affectionate companion.
History
The Field Spaniel is a breed from the spaniel family, originally developed to be all-black show dogs in the latter half of the 19th century. The breed was created in England by crossing various types of spaniels, including the Cocker Spaniel, the English Springer Spaniel, and the Sussex Spaniel. This breed's development coincided with the burgeoning dog show culture in Victorian England, where an emphasis was often placed more on aesthetics than on working qualities.
During the late 1800s, the interest in creating a stylish, uniform spaniel suitable for showing led to the Field Spaniel. Early specimens of the breed were often criticized for being too exaggerated. The Field Spaniel was significantly longer than it was tall and had heavy bones, which limited its ability to work effectively in the field. The appearance at the time was so overdone that it sparked critique from various quarters, including those who preferred functional aspects in working dogs. By the early 20th century, the alterations in breeding practices aimed at addressing these faults and enhancing the breed’s natural working instincts.
Post-World War II saw a significant decline in the population of Field Spaniels, almost to the brink of extinction. The breed’s survival was only sustained by the diligent efforts of a few dedicated breeders. They worked tirelessly to restore the breed to something closer to the original working spaniel of earlier times, concentrating on improving the breed’s overall health and field abilities rather than merely show characteristics. Their work paid off, and the Field Spaniel gradually began to regain some popularity, both as a companion and a functional working dog.
In modern times, the Field Spaniel is known for its level temperament, versatility, and hardiness. The breed excels in various roles including as a family companion, in competitive events such as field trials, agility, and obedience, and as a show dog. The breed is appreciated for its balanced structure, beautiful glossy coat, and its earnest, intelligent expression. While still relatively rare compared to other spaniels, the Field Spaniel holds a beloved place among its enthusiasts for its endearing personality and adaptable nature.