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                                FIELD SPANIELS
                                       
   
   
Author

   The Field Spaniel Society of America. Arrangements and permissions for
   electronic distribution handled by Jay Ryan, RyanJ@oplc.psb.bls.gov.
   
   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 information about breeders and recent litters from the FSSA:
   
     Sharon Douthit
     1905 Avenue J
     Sterling, IL 61081
     815-625-0467
     
   For information about the Field Spaniel Society of America:
   
     Win McCann
     7017 Parma Park Blvd.
     Parma Heights, OH 44130
     216-885-0332
     
   For information about rescue:
   
     (west coast) Pat Ramsey
     714-761-7144 (Orange County CA area)
     
     (east coast) Sarah Evans
     301-972-7117 (Washington DC area)
     
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
AKC Breed Standard

  GENERAL APPEARANCE
  
   The Field Spaniel is a combination of beauty and utility. It is a
   well-balanced, substantial hunter-companion of medium size, built for
   activity and endurance in heavy cover and water. It has a noble
   carriage; a proud but docile attitude; is sound and free-moving.
   Symmetry, gait, attitude and purpose are more important than any one
   part.
   
  SIZE, PROPORTION, AND SUBSTANCE
  
   Balance between these three components is essential. Size - Ideal
   height for mature adults at the withers is 18 inches for dogs and 17
   inches for bitches. A one-inch deviation either way is acceptable.
   Proportion - A well-balanced dog, somewhat longer than tall. The ratio
   of length to height is approximately 7:6 (Length is measured on a
   level from the foremost point of the shoulder to the rearmost point of
   the buttocks.) Substance - Solidly built, with moderate bone and firm
   smooth muscles.
   
  HEAD
  
   Conveys the impression of high breeding, character and nobility, and
   must be in proportion to the size of the dog. Expression - Grave,
   gentle and intelligent. Eyes - Almond in shape, open and of medium
   size; set moderately wide and deep. Color: dark hazel to dark brown.
   The lids are tight and show no haw; rims comparable to nose in color.
   Ears - Moderately long (reaching to the end of the muzzle) and wide.
   Set on slightly below eye level: pendulous, hanging close to the head;
   rolled and well feathered. Leather is moderately heavy, supple, and
   rounded at the tip. Skull - The crown is slightly wider at the back
   than at the brow and lightly arched laterally; sides and cheeks are
   straight and clean. The occiput is distinct and rounded. Brows are
   slightly raised. The stop is moderate, but well-defined by the brows.
   The face is chiseled beneath the eyes. Muzzle - Strong, long and lean;
   neither snipy nor squarely cut. The nasal bone is straight and
   slightly divergent from the plane of the top of the skull. In profile,
   the lower plane curves gradually from nose to throat. Jaws are level.
   Nose - Large, fleshy and well-developed with open nostrils. Set on as
   an extension of the muzzle. Color: solid; light to dark brown or
   black, as befits the color of the coat. Lips - Close fitting, clean
   and sufficiently deep to cover the lower jaw without being pendulous.
   Bite - Scissor or level, with complete dentition. Scissor preferred.
   
  NECK, TOPLINE, AND BODY
  
   Neck - Long, strong, muscular, slightly arched, clean, and well-set
   into shoulders. Topline - The neck slopes smoothly into the withers;
   the back is level, well-muscled, firm and strong; the croup is short
   and gently rounded. Body - The prosternum is prominent and
   well-fleshed. The depth of chest is roughly equal to the length of the
   front leg from elbow to ground. The length of rib cage is 2/3 of the
   body length. Ribs are oval, well-sprung, and curve gently into a firm
   loin. Loin - Short, strong and deep, with little or no tuck-up. Tail -
   Set on low, in line with the croup; at rest slanting downward. Should
   be docked to balance the overall dog.
   
  FOREQUARTERS
  
   Shoulder blades are oblique and sloping. The upper arm is close-set;
   elbows are directly below the withers, and turn neither in nor out.
   Bone is flat. Forelegs are straight and well-boned to the feet.
   Pasterns are moderately sloping but strong. Dewclaws may be removed.
   Feet face forward and are large, rounded, and webbed, with strong
   well-arched relatively tight toes and thick pads.
   
  HINDQUARTERS
  
   Strong and driving; stifles and hocks only moderately bent. Hocks well
   let down; pasterns relatively short, strong and parallel when viewed
   from the rear. Hips moderately broad and muscular; upper thigh broad
   and powerful; second thigh well-muscled. Bone corresponds to that of
   forelegs. No dewclaws.
   
  COAT
  
   Single; moderately long; flat or slightly wavy; silky and glossy;
   dense and water-repellent. Setter-like feathering adorns the chest,
   underbody, backs of the legs, buttocks, and the underside of the tail.
   Pasterns have clean outlines to the ground. There is short soft hair
   between the toes. Overabundance of coat, or cottony texture,
   impractical for work, are incorrect. Trimming is limited to that which
   enhances the natural appearance of the dog.
   
  COLOR
  
   Black, liver, golden liver, roan, or any of these with tan points. A
   small amount of white on the chest and/or throat is allowed.
   
  GAIT
  
   The head is carried alertly, always above the level of the back. There
   is good forward reach that begins in the shoulder, coupled with strong
   drive from the rear, giving the characteristic effortless, long, low
   and majestic stride. The legs move straight, with a slight convergence
   at increased speed. In action, the tail is carried inclined downward
   or level with the back, and with a wagging motion. Side movement is
   straight and clean, without energy wasting motions. Over-reaching and
   single tracking are incorrect. The Field Spaniel should be shown at
   its own natural speed in an endurance trot.
   
  TEMPERAMENT
  
   Unusually docile, sensitive, fun-loving, independent and intelligent,
   with a great affinity for human companionship. They may be somewhat
   reserved in initial meeting. Any display of shyness, fear or
   aggression is to be severely penalized.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   
    Field Spaniel FAQ
    Jay Ryan, RyanJ@oplc.psb.bls.gov
