Field Spaniels
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Edit
There was a time when the Field Spaniel was long and low, heavy-boned, and looked rather like a caricature of a Spaniel. The type was established through crosses of the Sussex Spaniel and the "Welch Cocker." There was considerable experimenting, and a grotesque dog developed.
 |
| Add https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Black_Field_Spaniel.jpg |
However, mainly through the efforts of Mortimer Smith, a "modern" Field Spaniel of beauty and qualities of high endurance, speed and agility have evolved. Usually, the colour is black, although other colours are permissible. The modern dog is of reasonably good length in the forelegs, with the large bone of yesterday no longer desirable.
You can read about "English Cocker Spaniel" here
Speaking in general terms, the standard says: "The appearance should be 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."
The desirable dog of today stands about 18 inches at the shoulder and weighs from 35 to 50 pounds. The coat should be flat or slightly waved, never curly. The American Spaniel Club says of the breed that there "has been considerable difficulty in establishing the 'modern' Field Spaniel in the United States due to the necessity of introducing Springer and Cocker blood in order to eliminate the gross exaggerations, which have made many of them ineligible for registration in the American Kennel Club."
The American Field Spaniel Club wants its breed to be clearly distinguished from the Springer Spaniel and therefore discourages such colors as black and white, liver and white, and red or orange and white.
Field Spaniel Characteristic
Well-balanced dog with a good temperament, excellent fieldworker; docile and affectionate.
Height: About 18 in.
Color: Black, liver, golden liver, mahogany red, roan; or any of these colors with tan over the eyes, on the cheeks, feet and pasterns.
Weight: 35-50 lb.
Coat type: Flat or slightly waved, never curled, silky texture; needs daily grooming to prevent matting.
Exercise: Needs a lot