Field Spaniel
Quick Glance
Group: Gundog Group
Size:
Character:
Grooming: Sheds? Yes
Exercise:
Lifespan:
Photo: Courtesy of Shula Shipton
The Field Spaniel - A Complete Anthology of the Dog
List Price: £14.45
Sale Price: £12.49
Used From: £21.02
The Field Spaniel - A Complete Anthology of the Dog
List Price: £19.95
Sale Price: £19.95
Used From: £42.35
History
The Field Spaniel, ironically, was the first spaniel developed specifically for conformation showing. The Field Spaniel 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 the myriad of 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 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.
Description
Height: approximately 46 cms (18 ins) at the shoulders.
Weight: between 18-25 kgs (40-55 lbs).
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