The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a compact body structure.
They have a thick, waterproof coat, ears are long and droopy, and eyes are dark and intelligent in expression.
In terms of temperament, Field Spaniels are intelligent, loyal and energetic dogs. They are good companions and working dogs. They have developed hunting instincts and are persistent in tracking and finding birds. They are also well adaptable and friendly in training.
Field Spaniels require plenty of exercise and activity. They are lively dogs that enjoy regular exercise and participation in hunts.Because of their working background, they like to work and are happy to be involved in various types of training such as obedience, agility or field trials (hunting dog trials).
If you are interested in a Field Spaniel, it is important to find a trustworthy breeder who specializes in this breed. As with any dog, it is also important to provide them with the right social interaction, training and care to keep them happy and healthy.
FIELD SPANIEL
ORIGIN : Great-Britain.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 28.07.2009.
UTILIZATION : Flushing and retrieving dog. Ideal for rough shooting or companion for the country dweller. Not suitable for city.
CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 8 Retrievers, Flushing
Dogs, Water Dogs.
Section 2 Flushing Dogs.
With working trial.
GENERAL APPEARANCE : Well balanced, noble, upstanding sporting Spaniel, built for activity and endurance.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : Unusually docile, active, sensitive, independent.
HEAD : Conveys the impression of high breeding, character and nobility.
CRANIAL REGION :
Skull : Well chiselled, occiput well defined, lean beneath eyes. A thickness here gives coarseness to whole head. Slightly raised eyebrows.
Stop : Moderate.
FACIAL REGION :
Nose : Well developed with good open nostrils.
Muzzle : Long and lean, neither snipy nor squarely cut. In profile curving gradually from nose to throat.
Jaws/Teeth : Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Eyes : Wide open but almond-shaped with tight lids showing no haw. Grave and gentle expression. Dark hazel in colour.
Ears : Moderately long and wide, set low and well feathered.
NECK : Long, strong and muscular enabling dog to retrieve his game without undue fatigue.
BODY :
Back and loin : Strong, level and muscular.
Chest : Deep and well developed. Ribs moderately well sprung. Length of rib cage is two-thirds of the body length.
TAIL : Previously customarily docked. Set on low. Never carried above level of back. Nicely feathered, with lively action.
Docked: Docked by one third.
Undocked: Reaches approximately to the hocks. Of moderate length in balance with the rest of the dog.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS : Legs of moderate length. Straight, flat bone.
Shoulder : Long and sloping and well laid back.
Forefeet : Tight, round with strong pads and not too small.
HINDQUARTERS : Strong, muscular.
Stifle : Moderately bent.
Hock : Well let down.
Hind feet : Tight, round with strong pads and not too small.
GAIT/MOVEMENT : Long, unhurried stride with great drive from the rear. Short, stumping action undesirable.
COAT
Hair : Long, flat, glossy and silky in texture. Never curly, short or wiry. Dense and weatherproof. Abundant feathering on chest, under body and behind legs, but clean from hock to ground.
COLOUR : Black, liver or roan. Any one of these with tan markings. In self-coloured dogs white or roan on chest permissible. Clear black/ white or liver/ white unacceptable.
SIZE AND WEIGHT : Approximately 45.7 cm (18 ins ) at the withers.
Weight: between 18-25 kg (40-55 lbs).
FAULTS : Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on its ability to perform its traditional work.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS :
• Aggressive or overly shy.
• Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.