How to Identify a Field Spaniel

The Field Spaniel is a very docile and sensitive breed. It is independent and intelligent and has a lot of love for human companionship. Field Spaniels may be a bit reserved on an initial meeting, but should not show any shyness, fear or aggression. This medium-sized breed is built for activity and endurance, giving it free-moving style and grace.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look at the Field Spaniel’s size, proportion and substance. The balance between the three is essential to give this breed its style and grace. The males should be 18 inches at the withers, and the females should be 17 inches at the withers. The breed is well-balanced and is a bit longer than it is tall. Its length is measured from the foremost point of the shoulder to the rearmost point of the buttocks. This solidly built breed shows great substance with moderate bones and smooth, firm muscles.

2. Make sure the head conveys the impression of character and nobility. It must be in proportion to the size of the dog. The almond-shaped eyes are medium-sized and set moderately wide and deep. They should be dark hazel to dark brown with tight lids and no haw. The ears are long and wide. They hang close to the head and are well-feathered with a rather heavy leather. They are rounded at the tip. The strong muzzle should not be square. The nasal bone slopes downward toward the nose, and the lower plane makes a gradual curve from the nose to the throat. The large nose is well-developed, with open nostrils. The nose may be light to dark brown or black, depending on the color of the coat.

3. Look at the long, muscular neck. It is slightly arched and well-set into the shoulders. It slopes smoothly into the shoulders, leading to a level, well-muscled back. The chest is about equal to the length of the front leg from the elbow to the ground. The tail is set low and is just below the level of the back. It should be docked, but can also be natural.

4. Note the feet and hips. The large front feet should be rounded and webbed, with strong, tight toes and thick pads. The muscular rear hips are a bit broad, leading to a broad, powerful upper thigh and well-muscled second thigh.

5. Feel and pet the long, water-repellent coat. The Field Spaniel’s coat may be flat or a bit wavy. It is silky, glossy and dense. It has setter-like feathering on the chest, underbody, buttocks and backs of the legs. There may also be some feathering on the underside of the tail. The coat should not feel cottony. It can be black, liver, golden liver or various shades of those colors. If the dog is bi-colored, it must be roaned or ticked in the white areas.