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From: [email protected] (Jack Ryan)
Subject: rec.pets.dogs:  Field Spaniels  Breed-FAQ
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                              Field Spaniels

Author

  The Field Spaniel Society of America. Arrangements and permissions for
  electronic distribution handled by Jay Ryan, [email protected].

  Copyright 1995 by The Field Spaniel Society of America.

Table of Contents

    * History
    * General Appearance
    * Personality
    * Hunting and Hunting Trials
    * Breed Shows
    * Obedience Trials
    * Grooming
    * Health
    * Choosing a Puppy
    * Further Information
    * AKC Breed Standard
    _________________________________________________________________

History

  The Field Spaniel was developed in England during the latter half of
  the 19th century to fulfill the demand for an all black, medium-sized,
  well-boned dog adept either at working in dense cover or in retrieving
  from land and water. For a time there was considerable interbreeding
  among all varieties of spaniel, and the progeny that resulted were
  usually registered under the variety they most resembled. Eventually,
  with the advent of more formalized dog shows, spaniels under 25 pounds
  were recognized as Cocker Spaniels, large liver and white or black and
  white dogs became known as English Springer Spaniels, and the solid
  color dogs over 25 pounds retained the name Field Spaniel.

  The first Field Spaniels in the United States were listed with the
  American Spaniel Club in the 1880's and registered with the American
  Kennel Club (AKC) in 1894; by the end of the 1920's the breed had
  disappeared from the AKC registration books. Field Spaniels were
  returned to the United States in 1968 when R. Squire and C. Tuttle
  imported three from England. These three Fields and subsequent imports
  form the basis for the majority of Field Spaniels presently in the
  United States. The Field Spaniel Society of America was formed in
  1978, and is recognized by the AKC as the parent Club for the Breed.
    _________________________________________________________________

General Appearance

  The modern Field Spaniel is a sturdy, medium-sized spaniel averaging
  18 inches in height, and weighing from 40 to 55 pounds. Well balanced
  in bone and substance, the Field is larger than the English Cocker,
  yet smaller than the English Springer. Hair coat is long, flat,
  glossy, and silky in texture, with good feathering on the chest, body,
  and legs. Colors are Black, Liver, or Roan, or any one of these with
  tan markings.
    _________________________________________________________________

Personality

  An active, friendly dog, the Field is loving and eager to please. They
  are excellent with children and other animals, but can be somewhat
  reserved with strangers. Alert and able to bark an alarm, Fields are
  not guard dogs, nor are they dogs for those with "House Beautiful"
  aspirations. Though seasonal shedding is only moderate, their large,
  heavily webbed feet testify to the breed's fondness for water, and
  their drinking habits often leave the floor around their bowls
  swamped. True to their retrieving nature, Fields love to carry objects
  around in their mouths. They also like to travel, tend to snore, and
  can have a very diverse vocal range. To be at their best, young Fields
  should be trained and allowed to experience as many non-threatening
  situations as possible, including meeting a variety of people and
  animals.
    _________________________________________________________________

Hunting and Hunting Trials

  Although in recent years there has been virtually no selective
  breeding for hunting ability, the Field remains a fine working
  spaniel. When trained, the Field will quarter in dense cover to flush
  birds, such as pheasants, quail, and chukars, with ease and will
  retrieve them with a soft mouth. The excellent nose and independent
  spirit of the Field make them a joy as hunting companions. Fields
  currently compete in field and water tests, and tracking.
    _________________________________________________________________

Breed Shows

  Most Field Spaniels enjoy showing and are excellent for someone who
  wants an attractive medium-sized dog without a lot of grooming. The
  Field is also an excellent choice for owners who want to handle their
  dog themselves, since it is possible, if there are enough dogs in
  their region of the country, for an owner-handler to finish a Field to
  a championship. A number of Fields have placed in the Group Ring.
  Training a puppy for showing may begin as early as 8-12 weeks. As with
  any puppy training, care must be taken not to over-train or over-show.
    _________________________________________________________________

Obedience Trials

  Like many spaniels, Fields are very bright and active dogs and if not
  trained may well become bored and get into mischief. However, the same
  independent spirit that makes the Field a good hunting dog can make
  obedience training an interesting challenge. If trained with positive
  methods at the correct age, a Field can be a happy, high-scoring
  worker. The natural reserve and placidity of Fields also makes them
  excellent for therapy dog work.
    _________________________________________________________________

Grooming

  Fields are less coated than the majority of spaniels, and one kept as
  a pet requires little grooming. Besides being cleaned and brushed, all
  Field Spaniels need their toenails, the hair between the pads of their
  feet, and the hair inside their ears clipped. The pad and ear clipping
  is not only more attractive, but the shorter hair dries more quickly,
  which helps prevent the development of eczema.

  Field Spaniels that are shown require more grooming. When presented to
  the dog show judge, a well-groomed Field should look natural. Clippers
  are used only on the head and the front of the neck, and any other
  grooming is done with thinning shears and stripping knives.
    _________________________________________________________________

Health

  Overall, Field Spaniels enjoy very good health. When health problems
  do occur the two most common health problems encountered are hip
  dysplasia and thyroid disease.

  Of course, all dogs should be checked regularly by a veterinarian,
  kept up-to-date on all shots, including parvovirus, and kept on a
  heartworm preventative.

 Hip Dysplasia

  Hip dysplasia, the most common skeletal defect in dogs of all breeds,
  is an inherited condition that results from a poor fit between the
  ball and socket apparatus of the hip joints. Symptoms range from none
  to severely crippling and there is no cure. All Field Spaniels, but
  especially those used for breeding, should have their hips x-rayed.

 Thyroid disease

  Thyroid disease is not a life threatening condition, nor does it
  necessarily result in loss of quality of life. Symptoms can include
  weight gain, lethargy, poor coat, and/or scaly skin. Confirmation is
  made via a blood test and treatment requires daily medication.

 Other conditions

  Other conditions that occur occasionally in Fields are Progressive
  Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Sub-Aortic Stenosis (SAS). PRA is an
  incurable disorder that leads to blindness. Once again all Fields, but
  especially those used for breeding, should have a yearly eye exam by a
  canine ophthalmologist. SAS is a hereditary condition that causes the
  sudden death of a puppy or young dog; any Fields used for breeding
  should be examined and declared clear by a competent veterinarian.

  Ectropion, or loose eyelids, and the much less common entropion, in
  which the eyelid is turned in towards the eyeball, may also occur. If
  severe either condition might require surgery.
    _________________________________________________________________

Choosing a Puppy

  Ask the breeder as many questions as needed to help you make an
  informed decision as to whether the Field Spaniel is the breed for you
  and your family. At the very least request information about
  temperament, hips, eyes, and thyroid of both parents and any siblings
  of the puppy or dog you are purchasing. The absence of problems in the
  parents and siblings significantly increases your chances of
  purchasing a sound, normal dog.

  Look for a puppy that is outgoing and friendly, with an overall
  appearance of good health. If possible, try to visit the litter before
  making your decision. Always have a new animal examined by a vet
  within 24 to 48 hours to ensure its health.
    _________________________________________________________________

Further Information

  For the most current information, see the Field Spaniel Society of
  America: http://www.akc.org/clubs/fssa/. Another source of information
  on Field Spaniels is An International Association of Field Spaniel
  Enthusiasts: http://www.epick9.com/iffs/.

  Rescue
  http://clubs.akc.org/fssa/rescue.htm

  Breeder referral
  http://clubs.akc.org/fssa/breeder.htm
    _________________________________________________________________

AKC Breed Standard

  Please see the official (U.S.) standard at the AKC site:
  http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/fieldspa.cfm
    _________________________________________________________________


   Field Spaniel FAQ
   Jay Ryan, [email protected]

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