Field Spaniel

The Field Spaniel is one of all the rarest spaniel breeds. It is a medium-sized dog that makes an excellent family companion. This breed is sensitive, cheerful, affectionate, loyal, docile, but independent.

The Field Spaniel originated in England in XIX century and was bred with other Spaniels, as well as Basset Hound and other breeds. It was considered the same breed as the English Cocker Spaniel for a long time.

By the XX century the Field Spaniel was nearly extinct. The few remaining breeders decided to cross the dog with the English Springer Spaniel that improved some health problems and altered its appearance.

In 1879 the first Field Spaniel was registered in America, but only in 1894 the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed. The United Kennel Club (UKC) fully recognized the Field Spaniel in 1984.

The Field Spaniel is incredibly docile, calm, gentle, playful, friendly and intelligent, but also independent. This breed is full of energy and can work tirelessly for a long time. The Field Spaniel makes an excellent family dog that will be especially good with young children. This breed enjoys the company of its owners, but needs to be socialized well, otherwise your dog will become too timid and aloof with strangers.

The Field Spaniel is sensitive and without attention can become nervous and anxious. The best living condition for this breed house or condo with a yard. Your dog will get on well with other dogs and also cats. However, to prevent the Field Spaniel from chasing small animals like birds and rabbits, you need to start socialization as early as possible.

The most common health problems for the breed include:

• canine hip dysplasia (CHD);
• elbow dysplasia;
• hypothyroidism;
• heart problems;
• ear infections;
• different eye problems;
• cancer;
• patellar luxation;
• Cushing’s disease;
• arthritis;
• allergies.

The Field Spaniel has a water-repellent coat that is easy to groom. Brush and combed your dog at least two times per week, bathe only when needed. This breed is a moderate shedder. It is recommended to trim the hair between the footpads and inside the ears. You also need to check and clean the ears regularly. If you are planning to participate with your dog in show rings ask a professional for an advice. You might need to spend more time for grooming, so many owners choose to go to a groomer.

The Field Spaniel is independent but learns very quickly. Training should be kind, firm and consistent. Your dog won’t respond well to harsh training methods. It is also important to establish you leadership as early as possible. The Field Spaniel will learn new tricks and skills easily, and can be also trained to be a good watchdog.

If you don’t want your dog to be timid and fearful, expose it to new people, places, and experiences as often as possible. This breed tends to become attached to only one person, so you need to help your puppy to develop bonds with other members of the family and other dogs.

The Field Spaniel needs a lot of exercise (at least few hours daily), and will prefer an active family. It needs daily long walks on a leash and a opportunity to run and explore in a fenced yard. Always remember that this is a hunting breed that will follow its nose easily.

The Field Spaniel is very playful and will enjoy games like fetching or be a part of any outdoor family activity. You dog will a good companion for running or cycling. The Field spaniel is especially good at hunting, retrieving and tracking.