Golden working Cocker Spaniel puppies

• Height:17-18 inches
• Weight:37-45 pounds
• Lifespan:12-14 years
• Group:AKC Sporting Group

• Best suited for:Families with children, singles and seniors, houses with yards, hunters
• Temperament:Devoted, affectionate, independent, docile
• Comparable Breed:Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel

With a nickname like Fieldie, there’s no doubt that the Field Spaniel is a bird hunter’s dream. His agility and determination in the marsh as well as his ability to lure birds closer to the hunter’s blind make him a desirable hunting buddy. Although he has great flushing skills, the Field Spaniel is affectionate, loving and playful. His gentleness, patience and energy level make him a reliable playmate for kids of all ages. The Fieldie’s spunk and antics will keep the family entertained for hours.

Field Spaniels connect so strongly with their families that when it comes time to leave the dog, problems can arise. Separation anxiety is often an issue with Fieldies so he would do best with a stay at home parent or retired person. For more information on the Field Spaniel, please continue reading.

With a nickname like Fieldie, there’s no doubt that the Field Spaniel is a bird hunter’s dream.

Origin

Originating in England during the 1800s, the Field Spaniel was a favorite of bird hunters. His ability to zigzag through the dense brush and flush out prey was highly prized. Not only was he used as a tool for putting food on the table, the Field Spaniel was also a cherished companion for the hunter’s family. Today, they are rarely used for hunting but the breed has acclimated quite well to living life as a companion.

Pedigree

In the 1800s, there was no clear classification defining the difference between Field Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels before maturity. Back then, a Cocker Spaniel was an adult weighing less than 25 pounds while a Field Spaniel was an adult over 25 pounds. The pedigree of the parents was not taken into consideration which led to owners not knowing what breed they had until the puppy matured. In 1901, the distinction between the breeds was determined by the parent’s ancestry.

After some poor choices regarding the addition of other breeds into the bloodlines, the Field Spaniels popularity dwindled. It became way too long, had too much coat and an oddly large head. The Fieldie simply was not pleasant to look at, nor could it flush prey as well. Mortimer Smith, an English gentleman returned the breed to its original appearance and structure.

In 1909, a devastating fire swept through a kennel harboring the most of the Field Spaniels in the United States. From 1931 through 1967, there were no registrations of Field Spaniels with the American Kennel Club. Since that time, more Fieldies were imported to the U.S. Although not one of the most popular breeds, the Field Spaniel has a dedicated following of his own.

Food/Diet

It’s best to feed the Field Spaniel a diet of high-quality, dry kibble specifically formulated for his activity level. Of course, a Fieldie who is out hunting all day will require more food than the dog that is less active receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2011.