As there is no Field Spaniel club affiliated with DOGS Victoria, please direct all enquiries to the Victorian Gundog Club.
About Field Spaniel
Background
The Field Spaniel breed evolved about 150 years ago, developed in the English countryside. The Field is a true countryman. They are a very old breed, first known as the "Black Spaniel" or "Land Spaniel", but are now predominantly liver (brown) in colour, arising from crossing the Sussex Spaniel and after the Second World War with the English Springer Spaniel. Whilst there is no proof in writing it is generally accepted that in the late 1800s there was Basset blood "introduced" in to the breed (scenting ability). A NSW breeder reintroduced the Field Spaniel to Australia in 1989. The number of Field Spaniels are progressively increasing.
Average Lifespan
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. The Field Spaniels live up to 12-15 years of age.
Breed Personality/Characteristics/Temperament
This is a breed for the energetic! They are active, tireless and inquisitive and can be noisy; of course if not fully occupied can be destructive. The Field Spaniel is a loving and sensitive breed that adores being with people and involved in all the household activity. The Field Spaniel requires firm and consistent training but never harsh training. They enjoy travelling and car rides. Like most young gundogs they are very active (although quite sensitive), they are not a breed that will take kindly to being put in a crate or kennel and ignored. Field Spaniels have a great deal of working instinct and are very enthusiastic when out with the gun. They are much faster than the Sussex, with great scenting powers and a natural ability to retrieve. Field Spaniels coats should be silky, but weatherproof, with feathering on legs, ears and tummy, they are easy to maintain with far less feathering than most Spaniels. Many bitches (and a few dogs) carry very little feathering, much to the frustration of their owners! It is quite uncommon to see a Field Spaniel as well furnished as a Springer or Cocker. The Field Spaniel can be solid black or liver (brown). For the show ring the good ones are late starters, being immature at the puppy and junior stage but eventually turning to swans as their gawky frame fills out, they come up off their pasterns, the fronts tighten and the head matures into the noble edifice that is the hallmark of the breed. Let us hope it attracts patient and dedicated owners/breeders who are prepared to wait for the "swan" to arrive.
Compatibility with other pets
The Field Spaniel will enjoy other pets for company as they love to play all day. They should be familiarised with other household pets at an early age.
Care Requirements
One of the largest of the Spaniels, the Field Spaniel needs quality feeding at regular hours. The Field Spaniel is easy to maintain, with the removal of excess hair from under the ear, around the feet and from the hocks is all that is required to keep the dog smart and neat, the coat requires just a daily brush/comb to keep it shining and healthy.
Ideal Owner/s
The Field Spaniel is an active dog and tireless worker. Their docile, affectionate and friendly nature makes it an excellent companion and family dog. However, it is very much a working spaniel and, as such does require daily exercise and patience.
In Conclusion
Now you know a little about the Field Spaniel and have decided this is the dog for you or you want more information, make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.
