Field Spaniel

The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized hunting dog, usually black or brown in color. The breed was developed in Great Britain in the late 19th century and then revived in the second half of the 20th century. Its appearance and personality are typical of a spaniel: friendly, curious, intelligent, and moderately independent. It is bred for working trials.

Content

1 History of origin
2 Appearance
3 Character and behavior
4 Content Features
- 4.1 Care
5 Health and life expectancy
6 Where to buy a puppy
- 6.1 Price
7 Photos and videos
- 7.1 Video about the Field Spaniel breed

History of origin

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, existing European spaniels began to be qualified, and with the growing popularity of dog shows, many breeders began to develop their own breeds. One of these was the Field Spaniel. It was created by crossing large black spaniels. cocker spaniels With water spaniels And SussexesThe result was a heavy, clumsy dog, incapable of performing its practical functions and almost completely losing its working abilities, but it still excelled in the show ring. Since then, Field Spaniels have been twice considered extinct and twice restored by enthusiasts.

In the second half of the 20th century, efforts to restore the breed began. Most modern Field Spaniels trace their pedigrees back to four dogs used in the breeding program of the 1950s. Of all modern spaniels, the Field Spaniel is the rarest and least numerous. About 50 dogs are registered with the English Kennel Club annually. The Field Spaniel is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Appearance

The Field Spaniel is a well-balanced, medium-sized dog with a proud carriage and a soft coat.

Height at withers about 45 cm.;
Weight: 18-25 kg.

The head gives an impression of nobility and high breed quality. The muzzle is dry and long, and in profile curves smoothly from the throat to the nose. The eyes are dark brown, almond-shaped, and wide open, with no visible whites. The bite is scissor-like. The ears are wide, set low, and of moderate length. The neck is long and strong.

The body is elongated. The back is level and strong. The loin is level and strong. The chest is well developed and deep. The length of the ribcage is two-thirds of the body length. The tail is set low and constantly in motion. It was previously docked to one-third of its length, but today this is only done in countries where this is not prohibited. The limbs are not very long and straight. The paws are tightly closed and rounded.

The coat is long, silky, close-lying, and dense. There is abundant feathering. There is no undercoat. Colors:

black;
black and tan;
blue roan;
blue roan and tan;
brown;
brown and tan;
brown roan;
brown roan with tan markings.

Character and behavior

The Field Spaniel has a balanced, calm temperament. It's a loving and affectionate dog, quite friendly even with strangers. It gets along well with other pets. It will bark to alert guests, but that's all it's worth as a watchdog. It forms strong bonds with all family members and doesn't tolerate prolonged loneliness well. It's quite patient with small children. Older children will find it a good playmate.

The Field Spaniel was bred as a gundog for hunting field and marsh game. But it is also suitable for various canine sports, such as agility and tracking. In America, it can be found among canine therapists.

The Field Spaniel's demeanor clearly demonstrates its inherent independence, curiosity, and exceptional intelligence. The dog is relatively easy to train. Harsh methods can permanently damage its character, so positive reinforcement training is preferred.

Content Features

Field Spaniels are not suited to year-round outdoor living. A private home with a spacious yard is the ideal environment for them. They adapt well to apartment life if sufficient exercise is provided. They are energetic and resilient, requiring about an hour of exercise per day. Active play is a great way to stretch their legs. Periodic field trips are recommended. Most Field Spaniels enjoy water. It's best to feed Field Spaniels high-quality food designed for active, medium-sized breeds.

Care

The Field Spaniel requires regular but simple grooming. Brushing is necessary once or twice a week to prevent matting and remove overgrown hairs. There is no undercoat, so shedding is minimal. Bathing is required as needed.

Dogs in the show ring should have a natural appearance. Machine trimming is permitted only on the head and front of the neck. The feathering is lightly trimmed with scissors. The rest of the grooming is basic. Nails should be trimmed as needed. The hair between the toes is trimmed. The ears, eyes, and teeth are kept clean.

Health and life expectancy

Field Spaniels are generally energetic and robust dogs with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Some dogs may be susceptible to certain health issues. The most common ailments include:

hip dysplasia;
ophthalmological diseases (cataract, progressive retinal atrophy, ectropion);
hypothyroidism;
in adulthood, tumors are often registered;
allergies;
note a tendency to ear infections.

Where to buy a puppy

Buying a Field Spaniel puppy can be challenging. The majority of breeds are concentrated in the UK and America. A few breeders exist in Central and Northern Europe. There are a few representatives of the breed in Russia.