Field Spaniels

Appearance:

Body: Well-balanced with prominent breast bone, oval shaped and well-sprung ribs, short and powerful loins and broad, well-muscled hips.

Coat: A dense single coat that is long, flat, silky, somewhat wavy and water-repellent.

Color: Usually solid black but also found in solid liver, golden liver, liver and tan, black and tan, or roan.

Ears: Natural, medium length, wide, low-set and feathered with gracefully hanging folds.

Eyes: Medium size, dark hazel to deep brown, oval shaped, and wide set.

Feet: Large, round, and webbed with arched toes and thick pads.

Head: Well-proportioned, alert, and regal-like with a moderate stop, raised brows, strong muzzle, light to dark brown or black nose, and scissor bite.

Legs: Forelegs are straight and well-boned with strong sloping pasterns. Hind legs are powerful with moderately bent hocks and stifles, and short, strong, pasterns.

Neck: Long, well-muscled and somewhat arched.

Size:
Weight: 35 - 50 pounds (16 - 23kg)
Height: 16 - 19 inches (41 - 48cm)

Tail: Low-set just below the back line and usually docked.

Behavior

Recommended for novice dog handlers
Require an abundance of exercise
Good with other animals

The Field Spaniel is an affectionate, calm, and playful dog who loves human companionship and will remain devoted to his family members. He is hard working and has a strong desire to please his owner.

Do not leave him alone for extended periods of time or he will become bored and possibly destructive. He is both a spaniel and working dog in need of vast amounts of exercise including hiking, biking, jogging, hunting, and other athletic type activities. He loves to play outside in the water, mud, and snow.

While the Field Spaniel is calm and affectionate with his family, he can be aloof and reserved with strangers. Early training and socialization will help develop an all-around well-adjusted family pet.

He is a sensitive breed who will respond best to positive and rewarding obedience training. A harsh, punishing approach to training should never be used with any dog. The Field Spaniel will not respond well to this type of treatment and may become withdrawn if subjected to it.

AKC standards say the Field Spaniel is, "Unusually docile, sensitive, fun-loving, independent and intelligent, with a great affinity for human companionship."

Breed Type

AKC Group: Sporting Group
Used for hunting and retrieving birds.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: An abundance of exercise is required to keep the Field Spaniel healthy and happy. He's a true Spaniel who needs more than a casual walk to work off his vast amount of energy.

Grooming: He needs to be brushed (or combed) three to four times weekly with an occasional trim. Keep his ear canals clean and dry.

Health

Life Expectancy: 12 - 13 Years

Possible Problems:
Heart disease
Hip Dysplasia
Low Thyroid
vWD - a blood disorder

Recommended Certificates:
CERF (eyes)
OFA (hips)

Country of Origin

England - 1800s