Want to learn how to transform your Field Spaniel’s behavior? Click here to find out how.
The Field Spaniel is an English breed that was designed for hunting. This breed developed by crossing several breeds including: the English Water Spaniel, the Sussex, the Cocker Spaniel, and the Irish Water Spaniel. Today this breed is used as both a sporting dog and as a family pet.
The Field Spaniel is a medium sized dog that stands about 18 inches tall. A healthy Field Spaniel should weigh between 35 and 50 pounds. This spaniel is friendly and it responds well to obedience training and hunting training. They make a great family pet and they also do well in multi-pet households. You will need to groom their coats twice a week and you will need to have their hair cut at least twice a year to keep it healthy and free of matting. To keep this dog happy and healthy it will need a lot of exercise. This breed likes to run and chase so you will need to make sure that you exercise your dog on a leash or in a securely fenced yard.
The Field Spaniel is a member of the gundog group. It is a moderately-sized dog that has a heavier and longer build than a Cocker Spaniel and smaller than a Springer Spaniel. The breed is a well balanced dog, built for activity and endurance in heavy cover and water. The Field Spaniel is 17–19 inches (43–48 cm) tall at the withers.
Both the English Cocker and the Field Spaniel were once classified as “Field Spaniels,” divided by weight. Field Spaniels under 25 lbs were considered Cockers and Field Spaniels over 25 lbs were considered Field. In 1892, the two became distinct breeds under their present names.
The Field Spaniel was developed in England during the latter half of the 19th century to fulfill the demand for an all black, medium-sized, well-boned dog adept either at working in dense cover or in retrieving on land and water.
It was used to find, flush and retrieve from both land and water. Today, it is used for rough shooting and as companion for the country dweller. It is also often seen in the show ring.
Notably, by the end of the 1920’s, the breed had disappeared from the AKC registration books but Field Spaniels were returned to the United States in 1968 when R. Squire and C. Tuttle imported three from England. It is one of the rarest spaniel breeds as they nearly went extinct.
This breed possesses moderately long, pendulous ears and a single coat that is both dense and water-repellent. The silky coat is generally a solid color, either liver colored or black. Some dogs have tan markings, and some are roan speckled.
The Field Spaniel’s demeanor ranges from reserved to playful depending on the settings and circumstances. In general, the Field Spaniel has a steadier temperament than either a Cocker or a Springer. The breed has one of the sweetest and mild-mannered personalities. It is also known for its level-headedness and perseverance.
The breed is a true country working dog. It is active, tireless, inquisitive, apt to be noisy and, if not exercised regularly they can be destructive. This is not a dog for the city-dweller, or for those who are out at work all day.
Field spaniels need to feel like they are a useful member of the family and may be trained for a variety of things including show dog, hunting companion, tracker, therapy animal, or obedience and trick training. They also make loving companions They are very independent in nature, but are usually mild mannered, as well as sweet and affectionate; smart and playful. They make an excellent addition to any family as long as it is given regular exercise.
If you simply want a pet for your family, and don’t have the time or inclination to train your dog or provide him with time for field activities, choose another breed. Trying to suppress their desire to run and work, without providing alternate outlets for their energy, can be difficult.
It may be necessary to feed twice daily in order to ensure there is enough energy to complete the work.
Owners should socialize this breed well and be a strong, calm, confident pack leader to avoid timidity, reservedness with strangers, and problems with other dogs.
Being a spaniel, the breed requires some grooming to keep a neat appearance and to prevent ear infections. Normally the head, face, ears, throat and feet are trimmed. The Field Spaniel’s naturally glossy coat needs to be brushed and combed at least twice per week, minimally just once per week.
Want to learn how to transform your Field Spaniel’s behavior? Click here to find out how.
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