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Field Spaniel

A product of crossing the one-time Sussex Springer and the Cocker Spaniel in the late nineteenth century, the Field Spaniel is somewhat longer in the back than his height at the withers. His muzzle is long and lean, which gives him a characteristic appearance. He can be black, liver or roan with tan markings, and his coat has a high gloss of real quality. It is interesting to note the very definite statement which his devotees have written into his breed standard to the effect that he is not suitable for the city. Not a popular breed by modern standards, he makes a good companion for the country dweller.

General Appearance *** Well balenced, noble, upstanding sporting Spaniel built for activity and endurance.

Characteristics *** Ideal for rough shooting or companion for the country dweller. Not suitable for city.

Temperament *** Unusually docile, active, sensitive, independent.

Head and Skull *** Conveys the impression of high breeding, character and nobility. Well chiselled, occiput well defined, lean beneath eyes. A thickness here gives coarseness to whole head. Slightly raised eyebrows. Moderate stop. Nose well devoloped with good open nostrils. Muzzle long and lean neither snipy nor squarely cut. In profile curving gradually from nose to throat.

Eyes *** Wide open but almond-shaped with tifht lids showing no haw. Grave and gentle in expression. Dark hazel in colour.

Ears *** Moderately long and wide, set low and well feathered.

Mouth *** Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i. e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set sqaure to the jaws.

Neck *** Long, strong and muscular enabling dog to retrieve his game without andue fatigue.

ForeQuarters *** Shouders long and sloping and well laid back. Legs of moderate length.Straight, flat bone.

Body *** Chest deep and well developed. Ribs moderately well sprung. Length. of ribcage is two-thirds of the body length. Back and lion strong, level and muscular.

HindQaurters *** Strong, muscular: stifles moderately bent. Hocks well let down.

Feet *** Tight, round with strong pads and not too small.

Tail *** Set on low and never carried above the level of the back. Nicely feathered, with lively action. Customarily docked by one thirtd.

Gait and Movement *** Long, unhurried stride with great drive from the rear. Short, stumping action undesirable.

Coat *** Long, flat, glossy and silky in texture. Never curly, short or wiry. Dense and weatherproof. Abundant feathering on chest, under body and behind legs, but clean from hock to ground.

Colour *** Black, liver or roan. Any one of these with tan markings. Clear black white or liver white unacceptable.

Size *** Height approximately 45.7 cms { 18 ins } at shoulders. Weight 18 - 25 kgs { 40-55 Ibs}.

Faults *** Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.