Field Spaniel

Breed Origin

The Field Spaniel is a rare breed, with only 117 dogs officially registered. Its scarcity is largely due to its historical context. This breed is part of the Spaniel family, which is categorized into land and water dogs. In the 1800s, all land Spaniels were referred to as Field Spaniels, but in 1892, the smaller English Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed. Breeders of the larger Field Spaniel sought to develop a black variety, leading them to crossbreed with Welsh Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Sussex Spaniels. Unfortunately, this breeding effort resulted in various issues, producing Field Spaniels with excessively long bodies, short legs, and heavy bones. These physical exaggerations compromised the breed's ability to perform well in both fieldwork and dog shows. By the end of World War II, the breed had become unpopular and was on the brink of extinction. Thankfully, selective breeding efforts revived the Field Spaniel, primarily through crossbreeding with the Cocker Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel. The new lines were smaller than the English Springer Spaniels but taller than their predecessors. Today, all contemporary Field Spaniels can trace their lineage back to four key individuals from the 1950s: Ronayne Regal, Gormac Teal, Colombina of Teffont, and Elmbury Morwena of Rhiwlas. Thanks to these foundational dogs and the commitment of their breeders, the Field Spaniel continues to thrive, compete, and hunt in modern times.

Care Routine

Unlike many other Spaniel varieties, the Field Spaniel features a coat that is relatively easy to care for and does not require specialized grooming methods. A weekly brushing session is recommended to remove loose or dead hair and maintain the coat's lovely feathering. As with most dogs, baths should be given only when necessary, as frequent washing can be harmful. It is also beneficial to brush your Field Spaniel’s teeth weekly with veterinarian-recommended dental tools to help prevent bad breath and oral health issues. This breed thrives on regular exercise and needs plenty of space to move around, making a fenced yard the ideal living situation; thus, residing in a cramped urban setting is not suitable. If a Field Spaniel feels bored, it may engage in destructive behaviors such as excessive chewing or barking. Depending on their activity level, these dogs generally require between 1.5 to 2 cups of dry food twice daily. Although the Field Spaniel does not have specific allergies or food sensitivities, it is prudent to keep an eye on any changes in their eating patterns and overall health in relation to their diet.

Play & Exercise