FIELD SPANIEL

Apartment Living

Good for 1st Time Owners

Tolerance Levels

Affection for Family

Kid Friendliness

Stranger Friendliness

Ease of Grooming

General Health

Trainability

Prey Drive

Exercise Needs

Energy Level

History

The origins of this purebred date back to the 19^th century. The Field was considered to be around 25 pounds heavier than the Springer and Cocker Spaniel. Their main work was to catch small birds and animal which their masters would shoot. Before the 1900s, breeders decided to cross this dog with the Springer Spaniel, to give it better looks. Unfortunately, the experiment didn’t work as the results were unattractive and bulky. Their numbers dropped drastically even though they performed well in dog shows. During the early 19^th century, people crossed the Field with the Basset Hound, which gave the dog many genetic health complications. Currently, they are on the verge of extinction, which is evident from the fact that the Kennel Club registered only 51 of them in 2009.

Temperament & Personality

Field Spaniels are affectionate dogs who blend well with all members of the family. They remain loyal to their owners and amuse them by doing a lot of mischievous acts. The energy level of these dogs is quite high, which makes them efficient watchdogs. They behave nicely even with other pets and small children.

Exercise

The activity level for this breed must be high as these dogs are used for sports and hunting purposes. Daily walking and jogging for half-an-hour are necessary to keep it in shape and release excess energy. Take it to a fenced yard so that it can run without leash for some time.

Grooming

This average shedding dog needs its coat brushed 2-4 times a week. To protect the natural oils of the skin, bath it only when it’s dirty. Clip the long nails using the right tools or visit a groomer.

Health Problems

Common problems include retinal dysplasia, cancer, obesity, cataract and hip dysplasia. Ask for the parent’s health clearances from the breeder before buying the dog.

Training

Visit exciting places with them, like dog parks, so that they get enough exposure to other people and animals. Socialization is vital for them to prevent stress-related health issues. To curb its hunting instincts, make sure that it is leashed. Begin the obedience training during puppyhood and use positive methods throughout the training.