Field Spaniel

Breed Profile

Until 1892, both the English Cocker and the Field Spaniel were classified as “Field Spaniels,” divided by weight. Field Spaniels under 25 lbs were considered Cockers and Field Spaniels over 25 lbs were considered Field. In 1892, the two became distinct breeds under their present names.

The Field Spaniel is an independent, intelligent, and easygoing dog. He is fairly active, playful, friendly, eager to please, and of typical Spaniel type. The Field is generally excellent with children and other animals, but can be reserved with strangers. Fields like to be kept busy and are commonly seen in the show ring, competing in obedience, agility, tracking, and hunting. They can also be seen working as Therapy dogs.

The Field Spaniel’s coat is of medium-length, flat or slightly wavy, and sufficiently dense so as to be weather resistant. The coat is glossy and silky in texture, with setter-like feathering on the chest, belly and behind the legs. The most common colour is black, but can also be either liver, golden-liver, mahogany-red or roan, and may have tan markings.
 

Health Issues

If you are considering the adoption of a Field Spaniel puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the General Information page.)

Recommended Health Screening:

For the Field Spaniel, the CHIC^{NOTE 1} database includes health screenings for:

• Eye Examination by a board Ophthalmologist – recommend testing at 2, 4, 6, and 8 years of age
• Hip Dysplasia
• Autoimmune Thyroiditis
• Also listed as “Optional”: Elbow Dysplasia; Patellar Luxation; Congenital Cardiac Database

Additional Health Resources:

• Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
• Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
• OFA – Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
• Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
• University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
• HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
• Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.

Breed Standards

• CKC Breed Standard
• AKC Breed Standard
• UKC Breed Standard
• The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
• FCI Breed Standard No. 123

Grooming Information

• Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.

Training Resources

• Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Additional Information

• Breeding World Class Gundogs by Geoffrey A. English, as published at GundogsOnline.com
• Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
• Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.

*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org

*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.