Field Spaniel
Your Complete Guide to the Field Spaniel
Field Spaniel History: England’s Enduring Gundog
The Field Spaniel is a British breed with origins dating back to the 19th century, though its spaniel ancestors have a much longer history in England. They were developed during a period when dog shows were gaining popularity and breed types were being more formally defined. The Field Spaniel was initially developed from various land spaniels, including Cocker Spaniels, with an aim to create a medium-sized, substantial gundog capable of working in dense cover and retrieving game. Early breeding efforts, unfortunately, sometimes focused on exaggerated features (like extreme length and lowness) which proved detrimental to their working ability and health.
By the early 20th century, the breed had declined significantly. Dedicated breeders worked to restore the Field Spaniel to a more moderate and functional type, often reintroducing English Springer Spaniel blood to improve soundness and working characteristics. Their goal was to create a versatile gundog that could find, flush, and retrieve game both on land and from water, working at a steady, methodical pace. The Field Spaniel was recognized by The Kennel Club (UK) and the American Kennel Club in 1894. While never achieving the widespread popularity of some other spaniel breeds, the Field Spaniel is cherished by enthusiasts for its noble appearance, gentle temperament, and capable working abilities, though it remains a relatively uncommon breed.
Field Spaniel Temperament: Docile, Intelligent, and Sensitively Affectionate
The Field Spaniel is known for its docile, intelligent, and affectionate temperament. They are typically very good-natured and form strong, loyal bonds with their families, thriving on human companionship. While they are capable working gundogs with good stamina and determination in the field, at home they are often calm and enjoy relaxing with their people. They are sensitive dogs and respond best to gentle, positive training methods; harsh handling can cause them to become withdrawn or wary.
Field Spaniels are generally good with children they have been raised with, often being patient and playful. They can also get along well with other dogs and pets if properly socialized from a young age. They can be somewhat reserved or aloof with strangers initially but are not typically aggressive. Their intelligence makes them quick learners, but they can also have an independent or stubborn streak at times, requiring patient and consistent training. They are alert and will bark to announce visitors, making them decent watchdogs.
Grooming Your Field Spaniel: Maintaining the Glossy, Feathered Coat
The Field Spaniel has a dense, glossy, flat or slightly wavy single coat (no undercoat) of moderate length, with characteristic feathering on the chest, belly, ears, and back of the legs. Their coat is typically solid black, solid liver, or roan, and any of these may have tan points.
This beautiful coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy, free from tangles, and looking its best. They are considered average shedders. Brushing two to three times a week with a slicker brush or pin brush, along with a comb for the feathered areas, is essential to prevent mats from forming, especially in the feathering which can easily pick up debris. Occasional trimming, particularly around the feet, ears, and to neaten the feathering, can help maintain a tidy appearance. Baths should be given as needed. Their long, pendulous ears are prone to infections and must be checked and cleaned regularly to ensure good air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. Routine nail trims and diligent dental care are also crucial grooming tasks.
Field Spaniel Exercise: An Active Gundog Needs Daily Engagement
Field Spaniels are active and energetic sporting dogs that require regular daily exercise to maintain their physical fitness and mental well-being. They were bred for work in the field and possess good stamina. While not as intensely high-energy as some other sporting breeds, they are not suited for a consistently sedentary lifestyle.
Aim for at least an hour of activity per day, which should include more than just leisurely leash walks. Good exercise options for a Field Spaniel include:
- Brisk daily walks, jogging, or hiking. They enjoy exploring varied environments.
- Playtime in a securely fenced yard. They enjoy games like fetch or retrieving.
- Swimming, which many Field Spaniels enjoy if introduced properly.
- Canine sports such as hunt tests, retrieving trials, agility, obedience, or rally, which challenge their intelligence and athleticism.
Mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and learning new tricks is also very important for this intelligent breed. Without sufficient exercise and engagement, Field Spaniels can become bored, which may lead to undesirable behaviors. They thrive in active homes where they can be part of the family’s outdoor activities.
Common Field Spaniel Health Issues
Field Spaniels are generally a fairly healthy breed, but like all purebred dogs, they can be susceptible to certain genetic health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these issues. Potential health concerns include:
- Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint, common in many medium-sized breeds. Elbow dysplasia can also occur.
- Eye Conditions: Including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and glaucoma. Eye certification by a veterinary ophthalmologist is crucial for breeding stock.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland.
- Ear Infections (Otitis Externa): Very common due to their long, pendulous, feathered ears trapping moisture. Diligent, regular ear cleaning is essential.
- Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA) and other Autoimmune Conditions:** Can occur.
- Heart Conditions:** While not widespread, some cardiac issues can be a concern.
Choosing a reputable breeder who performs comprehensive health screenings (hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid, heart, etc.) on their breeding dogs and is transparent about health issues in their lines is vital. Regular veterinary care, diligent ear care, and a quality diet also contribute to a Field Spaniel’s long-term health.
Training Your Field Spaniel: Engaging a Gentle and Intelligent Partner
Training a Field Spaniel is generally a rewarding experience as they are intelligent, typically eager to please, and possess a gentle, willing nature. However, they are also a sensitive breed and can sometimes have an independent or stubborn streak if training methods are harsh or uninteresting. Positive reinforcement techniques work best.
Key aspects of training a Field Spaniel include:
- Early Socialization: Expose your Field Spaniel puppy to a wide variety of people, sights, sounds, and other animals from a young age to build a confident and well-adjusted adult. This helps manage their potential reserve with strangers.
- Positive Reinforcement: They thrive on praise, treats, play, and enthusiastic encouragement. They are sensitive and do not respond well to harsh corrections.
- Keep it Fun and Engaging: Their intelligence means they can learn quickly but may get bored with overly repetitive tasks. Incorporate variety and game-like activities.
- Consistency: Clear rules and boundaries should be established and consistently enforced by all family members.
- Channeling Sporting Instincts: Training that incorporates retrieving games or scent work can be highly motivating for them.
Puppy socialization classes and ongoing obedience or sports training are highly recommended. Their intelligence and affectionate nature make them enjoyable training partners for those who use positive and consistent methods.
Field Spaniel FAQs
Q: Are Field Spaniels good family dogs?
A: Yes, Field Spaniels are known for being excellent family dogs. They are typically gentle, affectionate, playful, and good with children, as well as other dogs and pets if properly socialized. They thrive on being part of an active family.
Q: How is a Field Spaniel different from a Cocker Spaniel or Springer Spaniel?
A: Field Spaniels are generally larger and more substantial than Cocker Spaniels, but smaller and less racy than English Springer Spaniels. They have a more moderate coat and head shape compared to the American Cocker Spaniel. Historically, they were bred to be a more “all-black” or solid-colored spaniel, though other colors are accepted. Their working style is often described as more methodical.
Q: Do Field Spaniels bark a lot?
A: They are not typically nuisance barkers but will bark to alert their owners to visitors or unusual sounds. Like any dog, they may bark if bored or not receiving enough attention or exercise.
Q: Are Field Spaniels rare?
A: Yes, the Field Spaniel is considered a relatively rare breed compared to many other spaniel types. Finding a reputable breeder may require research and patience.