INTRODUCTION

The robust medium-sized Field Spaniel breed of dog was originally developed to retrieve game from land or water. Today, although they retain their excellent hunting skills, they are primarily family companions and show dogs and are rarely seen in the field. These dogs love people and are loyal friends of the family. However, they do not do as well in the apartments due to their high energy and exercise needs. If you decide this is the breed for you, make sure your dog has enough room to run and play, and keep up with the daily walks! AniMall24 recommends a dog bed to give your medium-sized Field Spaniel a good night’s sleep. You should also pick up a dog water bottle for any outdoor adventure you have with your pup!

HIGHLIGHTS

Field Spaniels need regular contact with people; they become neurotic if confined in a kennel or yard without human company.Socialise them well when they are young to avoid shyness and problems with other dogs.They are active dogs and require regular exercise.They will follow their nose, so a well-fenced yard is a must.Field Spaniels love water and will play in any water they can find, including their water bowl in the house. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill or pet shop. Look for a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs to make sure they are free of genetic diseases that can be passed on to puppies and that they have a sound temperament.

HISTORY

The Field Spaniel was developed in England in the second half of the 19th century to be a medium sized, all black dog, which was unusual at the time as most hunters preferred dogs with some white so that they could be easily seen in the field. The Field Spaniel was created at the same time as dog shows were becoming popular and is considered to be the first spaniel developed for conformation shows, while retaining its excellent field skills.Until 1901, spaniels were divided by weight, so that if a puppy in a litter weighed more than 25 pounds, it was called a Field Spaniel. If it weighed less than 25 pounds, it was classified as a Cocker Spaniel. The breed started out as a popular dog, but through some unsuccessful crossbreeding, fanciers turned it into a dog that was longer than it was tall, with short legs, a large head and too much coat. This did not make it a very good or very attractive hunting dog, and the public expressed their dissatisfaction. The Field Spaniel’s popularity hit rock bottom. Fortunately, a man named Mortimer Smith made an effort to restore the Field Spaniel to functional good looks. The AKC registered its first Field Spaniel, Colehill Rufus, in 1894, but when a fire destroyed a major kennel in 1909, the breed virtually disappeared in the United States. The last Field Spaniel registration was in 1930. The next importation of Field Spaniels occurred in 1967, and these three dogs along with subsequent imports are the basis of the breed today. Despite its good qualities, it remains a rare breed compared to other spaniels.