Post by DogGoneGood on Mar 9, 2009 16:50:26 GMT -5
Group: I - Sporting
Origin: England
Purpose: Bird Flushing and Retrieving
General Appearance:
That of a well-balanced, noble, upstanding sporting dog; built for activity and endurance. A grand combination of beauty and utility, and bespeaking of unusual docility and instinct.
Size:
Height: About 18 inches (46 cm) to shoulder.
Weight: From about 35-50 lb. (16-23 kg)
Tail:
Well set on and carried low, if possible below the level of the back, in a straight line or with a slight downward inclination, never elevated above the back, and in action always kept low, nicely fringed with wavy feather of silky texture.
Head:
Should be quite characteristic of this grand sporting dog, as that of the Bulldog, or the Bloodhound; its very stamp and countenance should at once convey the conviction of high breeding, character and nobility; skull well developed, with a distinctly elevated occipital tuberosity which, above all, gives the character alluded to; not too wide across the muzzle, long and lean, never snipey or squarely cut, and in profile curving gradually from nose to throat; lean beneath the eyes - a thickness here gives coarseness to the whole head. The great length of muzzle gives surface for the free development of the olfactory nerve, and thus secures the highest possible scenting powers. Nose well developed, with good open nostrils. Eyes not too full, but not small, receding or overhung, colour dark hazel or brown, or nearly black, according to the colour of the dog. Grave in expression and showing no haw. Ears moderately long and wide, sufficiently clad with nice Setterlike
feather and set low. They should fall in graceful folds, the lower
parts curling inwards and backwards.
Neck:
Long, strong and muscular, so as to enable the dog to retrieve his game without undue fatigue.
Forequarters:
Shoulders long, sloping and well set back, thus giving great activity and speed. Forelegs should be of fairly good length, with straight, clean, flat bone, and nicely feathered. Immense bone is no longer desirable.
Hindquarters:
Strong and muscular. The stifles should be moderately bent, and not twisted either in or out. Feet not too small; round, with short soft hair between the toes; good, strong pads.
Body:
Should be of moderate length, well ribbed up to a good strong loin, straight or slightly arched, never slack. Chest deep and well developed, but not too round and wide. Back and loin very strong and muscular.
Coat and Colour:
Coat flat or slightly waved, and never curled. Sufficiently dense to resist the weather, and not too short. Silky in texture, glossy, and refined in nature, with neither duffleness on the one hand, nor curl or wiriness on the other. On the chest, under belly and behind the legs, there should be abundant feather, but never too much, especially below the hocks, and that of the right sort, viz setter-like. The hindquarters should be similarly adorned.
Colour black, liver, golden liver, mahogany red, or roan; or any one of these colours with tan over the eyes and on the cheeks, feet, and pasterns. Other colours, such as black and white, liver and white, red or orange and white, while not disqualifying, will be considered less desirable since the Field Spaniel should be clearly distinguished from the Springer Spaniel.
Temperment:
The Field Spaniel is highly intelligent and learns quickly. However, Field Spaniels can be reserved, particularly on first meetings and may be somewhat aloof, though never indifferent, upon first meetings. This does not apply, of course, to all Field Spaniels—some are irrepressible and greet all new people as long lost friends! Early socialization is a “must do” for Field Spaniels, particularly from 8 to 16 weeks, when a puppy is first learning all about the world. That being said, the Field Spaniel showing a natural reserve should, at the same time, never show signs of shyness. A natural reserve means that the dog simply prefers to size up the situation before offering friendship; it absolutely does not mean that the dog shrinks away, shows teeth, or other such behaviors.
Both males and females exhibit similar personality traits, though owners have been heard to remark that the males are more likely to be cuddly or snugly with their owners. The females are noted to be slightly more independent. In general, the breed craves human companionship and have a true desire to be part of every facet of their human pack's lives. The breed is generally stable, predictable and tractable in nature; it is also medium to high energy and can be quite animated and humorous. Field Spaniels are bred for activity and endurance. They are often described by fanciers as "busy", typically on the go, playful and interested in all events surrounding them.
Field Spaniels get along well with children and other animals in the household, particularly if they are raised to do so. When bringing a new puppy into the household where there is an older dog, supervision and time spent to properly introduce the new puppy is mandatory. When it comes to children in the household, adult supervision of any dog/child interactions is required when the child is younger than approximately 8 years of age. Children move fast and this movement can be alternately frightening for a puppy or may evoke the “prey drive” of a puppy. Neither the puppy or the child intends to hurt the other, but neither may know how to “work and play nicely with the other” and must be taught to do so.
Field Spaniels are also quite determined in that they will perservere to reach a goal, whether that goal is finding a bird in the field or a tennis ball in the house. This is not to be confused with stubbornness and hard-headedness. The Field Spaniel is relatively soft in that behavioral training does not require harshness; in fact, often verbal corrections are sufficient.
While a Field Spaniel will adapt to a kennel environment for occasional needs related to vacations and the like, maintaining the Field Spaniel as a kennel dog is not recommended. The isolation of raising the Field Spaniel in a kennel environment will often irreparably harm the animal's personality as it keeps him away from the people he so earnestly yearns to be with. Field Spaniels raised in kennel environments tend to a shyness that is difficult to overcome.
Health:
Being a rare breed, you will find that most Fields are fairly closely related.
Let’s look at how that works in some of the diseases Field Spaniels are known to carry. Most common are hip dysplasia and low thyroid. Less common are eye problems, heart disease and epilepsy, but because these diseases are so common in closely-related spaniels such as American Cockers, Sussex Spaniels, and English Springer Spaniels, it is important that breeders be aware of them and test for those that have tests available.
History:
The Field Spaniel was the first spaniel developed specifically for conformation showing. The breed developed at the time when dog showing was first coming into vogue. With most spaniels being a base colour with white splashes, breeders wanted to create a solid black dog. They bred every black spaniel of that time including Cocker Spaniels and the Irish Water Spaniel. Upon introduction, the Field Spaniel was an instant hit. The Field Spaniel enjoyed a burst of success quite early and quickly became a popular breed. The intense focus of show breeders on this breed led to a rapid demise of the original Field Spaniel. The dogs were crossed with Sussex Spaniels and Basset Hounds to produce low legged, long backed versions leading to tremendous health problems. Just as quickly as the Field Spaniels star rose in the show world, it fell once myriad genetic problems emerged.
On the brink of extinction, breeders worked to restore the Field Spaniel to its former glory. Crosses with English Springer Spaniels, under the watchful eyes of the English Kennel Club were made to increase the gene pool. Even though The Field Spaniel is now restored to normal, it has never achieved the same level of popularity and remains a rare breed. The Field is now seen more often in the show rings and in the field as a hunting companion.
History Version / addition 2
It seems a bit difficult to actually say for sure where Field Spaniels came from, and what can be considered the start of the actual breed. According to another theory written down by an English breeder of second generation named Roger Hall Jones the Field Spaniel was a basic form of all ground ("field") spaniels like the Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Clumber Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel. In the early show dog days there was a group of spaniels generally called "field spaniels". From this group started, according to this version, the development of specified spaniels, that excelled in different areas of hunting. What was left, was then officially named Field Spaniel.
However, the breed almost vanished from the face of the planet during the World Wars, as mentioned above, due to their decline in popularity caused by the crossing with Basset Hounds and Sussex Spaniels. There were only four dogs left that were of suitable quality for breeding after the wars. These four consisted of two females and two males, and the males were from the same litter. All field spaniels today are descendant of these four, but as mentioned above, breeding with English Springers was done to introduce new blood into the breed and to bring the breed back to its original form.
Sources:
CKC Breed Standard - Field Spaniel
Wikipedia - Field Spaniel
Field Spaniel Society of America, Inc. - Field Spaniel Breed Health
Calico Field Spaniels - Field Spaniel Temperament
Origin: England
Purpose: Bird Flushing and Retrieving
General Appearance:
That of a well-balanced, noble, upstanding sporting dog; built for activity and endurance. A grand combination of beauty and utility, and bespeaking of unusual docility and instinct.
Size:
Height: About 18 inches (46 cm) to shoulder.
Weight: From about 35-50 lb. (16-23 kg)
Tail:
Well set on and carried low, if possible below the level of the back, in a straight line or with a slight downward inclination, never elevated above the back, and in action always kept low, nicely fringed with wavy feather of silky texture.
Head:
Should be quite characteristic of this grand sporting dog, as that of the Bulldog, or the Bloodhound; its very stamp and countenance should at once convey the conviction of high breeding, character and nobility; skull well developed, with a distinctly elevated occipital tuberosity which, above all, gives the character alluded to; not too wide across the muzzle, long and lean, never snipey or squarely cut, and in profile curving gradually from nose to throat; lean beneath the eyes - a thickness here gives coarseness to the whole head. The great length of muzzle gives surface for the free development of the olfactory nerve, and thus secures the highest possible scenting powers. Nose well developed, with good open nostrils. Eyes not too full, but not small, receding or overhung, colour dark hazel or brown, or nearly black, according to the colour of the dog. Grave in expression and showing no haw. Ears moderately long and wide, sufficiently clad with nice Setterlike
feather and set low. They should fall in graceful folds, the lower
parts curling inwards and backwards.
Neck:
Long, strong and muscular, so as to enable the dog to retrieve his game without undue fatigue.
Forequarters:
Shoulders long, sloping and well set back, thus giving great activity and speed. Forelegs should be of fairly good length, with straight, clean, flat bone, and nicely feathered. Immense bone is no longer desirable.
Hindquarters:
Strong and muscular. The stifles should be moderately bent, and not twisted either in or out. Feet not too small; round, with short soft hair between the toes; good, strong pads.
Body:
Should be of moderate length, well ribbed up to a good strong loin, straight or slightly arched, never slack. Chest deep and well developed, but not too round and wide. Back and loin very strong and muscular.
Coat and Colour:
Coat flat or slightly waved, and never curled. Sufficiently dense to resist the weather, and not too short. Silky in texture, glossy, and refined in nature, with neither duffleness on the one hand, nor curl or wiriness on the other. On the chest, under belly and behind the legs, there should be abundant feather, but never too much, especially below the hocks, and that of the right sort, viz setter-like. The hindquarters should be similarly adorned.
Colour black, liver, golden liver, mahogany red, or roan; or any one of these colours with tan over the eyes and on the cheeks, feet, and pasterns. Other colours, such as black and white, liver and white, red or orange and white, while not disqualifying, will be considered less desirable since the Field Spaniel should be clearly distinguished from the Springer Spaniel.
Temperment:
The Field Spaniel is highly intelligent and learns quickly. However, Field Spaniels can be reserved, particularly on first meetings and may be somewhat aloof, though never indifferent, upon first meetings. This does not apply, of course, to all Field Spaniels—some are irrepressible and greet all new people as long lost friends! Early socialization is a “must do” for Field Spaniels, particularly from 8 to 16 weeks, when a puppy is first learning all about the world. That being said, the Field Spaniel showing a natural reserve should, at the same time, never show signs of shyness. A natural reserve means that the dog simply prefers to size up the situation before offering friendship; it absolutely does not mean that the dog shrinks away, shows teeth, or other such behaviors.
Both males and females exhibit similar personality traits, though owners have been heard to remark that the males are more likely to be cuddly or snugly with their owners. The females are noted to be slightly more independent. In general, the breed craves human companionship and have a true desire to be part of every facet of their human pack's lives. The breed is generally stable, predictable and tractable in nature; it is also medium to high energy and can be quite animated and humorous. Field Spaniels are bred for activity and endurance. They are often described by fanciers as "busy", typically on the go, playful and interested in all events surrounding them.
Field Spaniels get along well with children and other animals in the household, particularly if they are raised to do so. When bringing a new puppy into the household where there is an older dog, supervision and time spent to properly introduce the new puppy is mandatory. When it comes to children in the household, adult supervision of any dog/child interactions is required when the child is younger than approximately 8 years of age. Children move fast and this movement can be alternately frightening for a puppy or may evoke the “prey drive” of a puppy. Neither the puppy or the child intends to hurt the other, but neither may know how to “work and play nicely with the other” and must be taught to do so.
Field Spaniels are also quite determined in that they will perservere to reach a goal, whether that goal is finding a bird in the field or a tennis ball in the house. This is not to be confused with stubbornness and hard-headedness. The Field Spaniel is relatively soft in that behavioral training does not require harshness; in fact, often verbal corrections are sufficient.
While a Field Spaniel will adapt to a kennel environment for occasional needs related to vacations and the like, maintaining the Field Spaniel as a kennel dog is not recommended. The isolation of raising the Field Spaniel in a kennel environment will often irreparably harm the animal's personality as it keeps him away from the people he so earnestly yearns to be with. Field Spaniels raised in kennel environments tend to a shyness that is difficult to overcome.
Health:
Being a rare breed, you will find that most Fields are fairly closely related.
Let’s look at how that works in some of the diseases Field Spaniels are known to carry. Most common are hip dysplasia and low thyroid. Less common are eye problems, heart disease and epilepsy, but because these diseases are so common in closely-related spaniels such as American Cockers, Sussex Spaniels, and English Springer Spaniels, it is important that breeders be aware of them and test for those that have tests available.
History:
The Field Spaniel was the first spaniel developed specifically for conformation showing. The breed developed at the time when dog showing was first coming into vogue. With most spaniels being a base colour with white splashes, breeders wanted to create a solid black dog. They bred every black spaniel of that time including Cocker Spaniels and the Irish Water Spaniel. Upon introduction, the Field Spaniel was an instant hit. The Field Spaniel enjoyed a burst of success quite early and quickly became a popular breed. The intense focus of show breeders on this breed led to a rapid demise of the original Field Spaniel. The dogs were crossed with Sussex Spaniels and Basset Hounds to produce low legged, long backed versions leading to tremendous health problems. Just as quickly as the Field Spaniels star rose in the show world, it fell once myriad genetic problems emerged.
On the brink of extinction, breeders worked to restore the Field Spaniel to its former glory. Crosses with English Springer Spaniels, under the watchful eyes of the English Kennel Club were made to increase the gene pool. Even though The Field Spaniel is now restored to normal, it has never achieved the same level of popularity and remains a rare breed. The Field is now seen more often in the show rings and in the field as a hunting companion.
History Version / addition 2
It seems a bit difficult to actually say for sure where Field Spaniels came from, and what can be considered the start of the actual breed. According to another theory written down by an English breeder of second generation named Roger Hall Jones the Field Spaniel was a basic form of all ground ("field") spaniels like the Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Clumber Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel. In the early show dog days there was a group of spaniels generally called "field spaniels". From this group started, according to this version, the development of specified spaniels, that excelled in different areas of hunting. What was left, was then officially named Field Spaniel.
However, the breed almost vanished from the face of the planet during the World Wars, as mentioned above, due to their decline in popularity caused by the crossing with Basset Hounds and Sussex Spaniels. There were only four dogs left that were of suitable quality for breeding after the wars. These four consisted of two females and two males, and the males were from the same litter. All field spaniels today are descendant of these four, but as mentioned above, breeding with English Springers was done to introduce new blood into the breed and to bring the breed back to its original form.
Sources:
CKC Breed Standard - Field Spaniel
Wikipedia - Field Spaniel
Field Spaniel Society of America, Inc. - Field Spaniel Breed Health
Calico Field Spaniels - Field Spaniel Temperament
