Field Spaniel

The Field Spaniel is an English gundog — a medium flushing and retrieving spaniel, docile and level-headed, and rarer today than its cousins.

History

It was developed in England as a working land spaniel to find and flush game and retrieve it to hand, and a spell of breeding for exaggerated looks nearly finished it before it was brought back to a sound working type. It remains an uncommon breed.

Temperament

The breed is known for being calm, affectionate and sensitive — steadier than many spaniels, devoted to its people and a little reserved with strangers. It is even-tempered and wants to be part of the household.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and enjoys work for its nose, and its sensitivity rewards gentle, positive training. The feathered coat needs regular brushing and the drop ears need checking to head off infection.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia, ear infections from the long ears, hypothyroidism and some inherited eye conditions. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.