Field Spaniel

The Field Spaniel was originally bred to be an all-black show dog. It is a product of crossing Sussex spaniels and cocker spaniels in the nineteenth century. However, the breed was unpopular due to its breeding methods that were severely criticised. It did not help that outside the show ring, the field spaniel was not a favourite sporting dog because of its dark colours and its short shape, which are deemed impractical for moving easily through cover during a hunt.

The show dog field spaniel was so unpopular that it was virtually close to being extinct. The breed was saved by a few breed enthusiasts who worked on redeveloping the breed to be longer-legged and more suitable for fieldwork. The field spaniel breed today is a result of several attempts at recreating the breed by mixing the basset hound and the English springer spaniel into its bloodline to introduce healthier elements into the breed.

In 1969, the Field Spaniel was once again recognised by the United Kennel Club. However, until today, the breed remains the most unpopular amongst the spaniel breeds. The field spaniel is rare with only a limited number of puppies registered per year. The breed has been registered under the Vulnerable Native Breed due to its low numbers. The breed is recognised by the Kennel Club in the UK.

The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized, well-balanced beauty and utility combined. It has a noble appearance and boasts of a handsome glossy coat. Its almond-shaped eyes, dark and hazel in colour and set moderately wide, reveal its intelligence and gentle, albeit grave expression. It has pendulous ears that are set low, well-feathered, and hang close to its head. The field spaniel has a lean muzzle and a strong jaw. Its neck is long, strong, muscular, and slightly arched and well set into the shoulders, sloping smoothly into the withers. It has a well-muscled back that is firm and strong. The field spaniel also has well-sprung ribs that curve gently into a firm loin.

The breed sports a moderately-long, silky single coat, meaning there is no undercoat. Because of its glossy characteristic, its coat is extremely weatherproof. Feathering appears on the chest, belly, ears, and on the back of the legs, but never from its hocks to the ground.

Although not as dense as that of the cocker spaniel, the Field Spaniel's coat will need regular brushing and occasional trimming.

The coat comes in various colours such as black, liver, roan, or any of these colours with tan points. Its nails should be regularly trimmed to avoid cracking. Ears must be cleaned on a regular basis, paying particular attention to any debris or excessive wax build-up that can lead to infection. Oral care is important as well, to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

The breed's desire to please its owners makes training easy. But then again, a field spaniel does not respond well to harsh correction, but instead will do well with positive reinforcements. The Field Spaniel is docile and independent, but not as edgy and excitable as the cocker spaniel. This temperament makes it a perfect companion dog for families with younger children. As always, it is best to make sure that interactive play is supervised to avoid accidents. It also pays to know that the field spaniel is not fond of rough and loud play, preferring a quieter activity.

When it comes to smaller animals, care should be taken. The field spaniel's hunting instinct can kick in anytime and it won't hesitate to give chase when the opportunity presents itself. Like humans, a lot of factors can shape any dog breed's temperament. It will depend on its early socialisation and the kind of environment it was raised.

• Senior and less active: up to 970 calories daily
• Typical adults: up to 1,110 calories daily
• Physically active/working dogs: up to 1,230 calories daily

There is considerable cost accompanying dog ownership. In the case of a field spaniel, the price of a well-bred pedigree puppy will set you back somewhere around £400 to £700. Aside from its initial purchase, pet insurance is another cost that you will have to shoulder on a monthly basis, ranging from £25 to £60, depending on the level of coverage you select.

Food is, of course, a no-brainer, but be prepared to spend about £30 to £50 for a high-quality dog food. Keeping your field spaniel happy and healthy is your top priority. Other than making sure that it is fed well, it should also be provided with veterinary attention. Veterinary consultations and other necessary procedures (e.g., vaccinations, boosters, neutering/spaying) will quickly cost you around £1,000 a year. To give you a rough idea of how much you'll likely spend month on month, set aside somewhere around £65 to £120 a month.