The Working Field Spaniel

by Shula M. Shipton

A Pocket Introduction to the Field Spaniel as a working gundog.

History

The Field Spaniel was created from repeated crosses of the Cocker and Sussex Spaniel. It was originated from  a desire to have a larger and more stylish black Spaniel.  This originally worked, and some competed well in  AV Trials. Unfortunately it was taken up by the show fraternity and was bred with shorter legs and a longer body, so that it resembled a caterpillar. This dog was unable to perform the job it was originally designed for. This has given the Field Spaniel a bad reputation with the working people.

Breeders have now moved away from the caterpillar outline, and have produced a spaniel that both can and will work. The standard height for a Field is 18 inches to the shoulder, weight between 45 and 55 lbs. It is also predominantly liver in colour, though black, roan and any of these with tan markings are acceptable.

StyleA Field Spaniel will work at a slower pace than the average working Springer or Cocker. It is extremely methodical, but this doesn’t mean that it is slow. A Field can be relied upon to find and flush game determined to sit tight.

 An excellent rough Shooter’s dog with a keen nose, willingness to face the heaviest cover, excellent in water and utterly tireless.  

TrainingTraining must begin at an early age. This does not mean that you take your 10 week old puppy to the nearest training club. It does however mean that basic obedience such as Sit, Stay, Fetch etc. can be taught almost immediately.

 Train to the whistle as soon as you can, as this can help when training begins. Use either favourite toys or a puppy dummy to make a game of retrieving. Fields  are eager to please and a few minutes each day is sufficient to ensure a good rapport.

Serious training can begin at 6 months. A Field will progress at a slower rate than a Springer or Cocker, and may require patience to train, but he is certainly capable of being a good working spaniel.

Keep the training sessions short and always finish on an activity you know he can succeed. All training must be fun, or your Field will not participate.

Training (Cont.)The Field Spaniel is not one you can easily send away to be trained for you. The rapport between dog and handler is very important, and the best dogs are owner trained. A basic refresher course at the beginning of each season will keep the responses sharp.

 Shouting, beating or any form of violence will get you nowhere with a Field. Stern looks, and harsh words when he has been naughty will work best.

Not natural retrievers they mostly have to be taught this young, but once learnt the lesson is never forgotten. They have tender mouths and are good on wounded birds.

UsesFields are regularly used for beating and picking-up on many shoots. There has been  an increase of Field Spaniels running in Tests and Trials for the Minority Spaniels, with great success. The Field is generally accepted as a calmer breed to that of the Springer Spaniel which makes them easier to live and work with. A Field is a true dual purpose spaniel, winning on the bench as well as in the shooting field.

 Contacts:

Breed Information

The Field Spaniel Society

Secretary      John Robertshaw

 Phone   (01282-859535)

Working Secretary   Russell Mosedale

Phone   (01283 819923)

Working Events & Field Notes

United Spaniel Association

Working Secretary      Shula M Shipton

 Phone   (01283 530408)