During the early 1800s, the Field Spaniel was created as a hunter-companion
that was heavier than the English Cocker Spaniel in order to work in heavy
cover and water but retain the Cocker's merry disposition and affectionate
personality. During the late 19th century, attempts to redefine the breed
created such an exaggeration and change in type as to make him a caricature
of the original goal. By the turn of the century, this had been revised
and the Field Spaniel of today was created. He is shorter than the Springer
Spaniel and taller than the Cocker Spaniel. Although he neared extinction
in the 1950s, the popularity of the Field Spaniel has slowly grown since
then.
The Field Spaniel is docile, sensitive, fun loving and intelligent. He has
great affinity for human companionship. He is an active dog so needs to
have plenty of exercise.
The Field Spaniel's skull is slightly wider toward the back of the crown
than at the brow. The sides and cheeks are flat. The occiput (top of the
skull) is rounded. The drop off to the muzzle (stop) is moderate but well
defined by the slightly raised eyebrows. The eyes are almond shaped, set
moderately wide and deep. The ears are wide and moderately long, reaching
to the end of the muzzle. They are set slightly below eye level, moderately
heavy, rounded at the tip and hang close to the head. The muzzle is long,
strong and lean. The jaws are level with a scissors bite. The lips are close
fitting and deep enough to cover the lower jaw but not hang below it. The
neck is long, strong and muscular. The topline is level. The depth of chest
equals the length of the front leg from elbow to the ground. The tail is
set low and docked to balance the overall dog. The legs are straight and
the feet are large, rounded and webbed. The gait is lively with the head
carried above the level of the back. The coat is moderately long, dense
and water repellent. It may be flat or slightly wavy, silky and glossy.
There are setter-like featherings on the chest, underbody, back of legs,
buttocks and underside of the tail. Coat color is black, liver, golden liver
or roan. Tan points may exist. Average height is eighteen inches and average
weight is between thirty-five and fifty pounds.
gibbsy@tesco.ne of Wales, UK writes:
Characters one and all.
This is a breed that goes straight to your heart. Wonderful temperament
with a loyalty to their owners. We have had three, our first died far too
young, she fit in so well with our Irish Setters, barely leaving their side.
Our second, what a character! Powerful, handsome, but with a stubborn streak.
Our third, and just a puppy, loving, kind, you just want to hug him. They
all enjoy their walks and a swim, but if they get a scent beware, they can
be very single-minded, just stay where you are and they will come back.
We have had so much interest in them from people wanting to know what they
are. In the show ring they can be hard work. On the upside they are easy
to trim for show. Field Spaniels, just can't get enough of them.