Field Spaniel

Temperament:

Faithful, Kind, Cautious
Size: Medium
Height: 43-46 cm
Weight: 16-25 kg
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Coat: Longhair
Colors: Black, Liver Brown, Molded, Tan Badge, White Badge
FCI Group: Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs

Are you looking for a loyal, friendly and gentle family member? Then the rare Field Spaniel could be the right dog for you. This former hunting dog not only impresses with its elegant appearance, but also with its alert nature.

Field Spaniel
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Characteristics

The Field Spaniel has a long, silky coat. Its color is black, liver-brown or tan. The typical appearance of the breed includes tan markings. White markings on the chest are also permitted. The Field Spaniel has pronounced feathering on the ears, forelegs, belly and tail. The Field Spaniel has a shoulder height of approx. 46 cm and a weight of approx. 25 kg.

With its friendly, gentle and good-natured nature, this medium-sized dog is the perfect choice for the active family. Perhaps you are looking for a companion for various (dog) sports. If so, you should take a closer look at this four-legged friend, as it can live out its urge to exercise with agility and the like. Of course, this enduring four-legged friend is also the ideal companion for hiking, jogging or cycling.

Despite its calm character, the Field Spaniel is not a boring dog. It wants to be challenged and encouraged - physically and mentally. As an original working and hunting dog, it has also retained a certain independence. The four-legged friend is usually somewhat skeptical and reserved towards strangers at first.

Training the sensitive Field Spaniel is unproblematic, as it is very docile and willing to learn. However, care should be taken not to encourage the characteristic hunting instinct. Otherwise, a free run in the forest can quickly end in a search operation if the attentive four-legged friend has startled a hare.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.

Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.

Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.

Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.

Health & Care

The Field Spaniel's long, silky coat needs to be combed or brushed daily. The long hair on the paws, ears and belly is particularly prone to matting.

The Field Spaniel should only be bathed if it is very dirty and the dirt cannot be removed by brushing.

The Field Spaniel should be checked for parasites and ticks after every walk, especially after walks in the woods and meadows.

Particular attention should be paid to the long, drooping ears. Regular cleaning of the ears prevents inflammation. Inflammation can be recognized by an unpleasant smell and constant shaking of the head.

Teeth should also be brushed regularly. This will prevent tartar. As long as the claws do not wear off by themselves, they must be shortened.

Suitable accessories

Like all dogs, the Field Spaniel naturally needs a water bowl and a food bowl. A small range of combs and brushes should also be available for grooming.

A special product for cleaning the ears and a mild dog shampoo are available in specialist shops. We also recommend using small, sharp scissors to cut tangles out of the coat.

The playful Field Spaniel loves dog toys that keep him physically and mentally occupied.

Other accessories that are part of every dog's basic equipment: collar or harness with lead, dog basket or dog mat as a retreat, water and food bowl, tick tweezers, claw clippers, mild dog shampoo, brush and comb, toothbrush and toothpaste for the dog, transport box for transportation in the car and a first aid kit. Ask your vet what belongs in the first aid kit.

Field Spaniel History

Origin & History

Originating from England, the Field Spaniel cannot deny its relationship to the better-known Cocker Spaniel. In the 19th century, spaniels in Great Britain were only divided into land (field) and water spaniels. All spaniels were also crossed with each other, which explains their similarity. In 1892, the Field Spaniel was recognized as a show dog. Prior to this, it had been used exclusively as a hunting dog.

It is therefore one of the first spaniels with its own breed type.

Over the years, breeders have repeatedly tried to change the appearance of the breed. However, by crossbreeding different types of dogs, the Field Spaniel lost many of its characteristics that made it a good hunting companion. For example, attempts were made to make the breed more leggy by crossbreeding with the Irish Setter. With the Basset Hound, a greater variety of colors was to be achieved.

All attempts to breed the breed more attractively failed and so the Field Spaniel almost fell into oblivion several times in the 20th century. The increasing popularity of the cocker spaniel further diminished attention for the partially overbred field spaniel.

In 1923, the "Field Spaniel Society" was founded in England and some breeders succeeded in preserving a few original representatives and thus the breed.

It was not until 1954 that the Field Spaniel was recognized and registered by the FCI as an independent breed. The population of this lovable breed is only recovering very slowly.

If you want to call a thoroughbred, original representative your own, you usually have to search for a long time and travel long distances - but it's worth it!