Alt Names: None Country of Origin: England

History: The Field Spaniel, ironically, was the first spaniel developed specifically for conformation showing. The Field Spaniel developed at the time when dog showing was first coming into vogue. Show enthusiasts believed that a solid color spaniel would perform well in the ring and they were proved correct. The Field Spaniel enjoyed a burst of success quite early and quickly became a popular breed. The intense focus of show breeders on this breed led to a rapid demise of the original Field Spaniel. The dogs were bred to have long bodies and short legs leading to tremendous health problems. Just as quickly as the Field Spaniels star rose in the show world, it fell once the myriad of genetic problems emerged.

Fortunately for this breed, a few breeders conducted a series of outcrosses to bring the breed back to a more reasonable form. The Field Spaniel never achieved the same level of popularity and remains a rare breed. The majority of Field Spaniels are companion/pet animals or show animals. The breed is almost never used in the field despite its name.

Appearance: The Field Spaniel measures 17 to 18 inches at the withers. Its long, silky coat comes in solid liver, solid black, golden liver, liver and tan, black and tan, or roan.

Temperament: Unusually docile, sensitive, funloving, independent and intelligent, with a great affinity for human companionship. They may be somewhat reserved in initial meetings. Any display of shyness, fear, or agression is to be severely penalized.