Breed History
The Field Spaniel is closely related to the Cocker Spaniel, and at one time was considered nothing more than a larger version of that breed....
Descended from the Cocker, Sussex and English Water Spaniel, the Field Spaniel was the result of an attempt to create a darker colored and more rugged spaniel that would excel both in the field and the ring. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1894.During the late 19th century, breeders took the Field Spaniels distinct characteristics too far, creating a dog that was heavy boned, short of leg and long in spine. This new dog had neither the hunting nor show ability of its forebears, and quickly fell out of favor. By the beginning of the early 20th century the Field Spaniel was near extinction. Noting the animals peril, Field Spaniel proponents experimented with crosses with other spaniels, including the English Springer Spaniel, in an attempt to replicate the original Field Spaniel. These efforts were successful, and by the 1950s the breed had regained its regal appearance, and had attained a sustainable population. To this day, however, the Field Spaniel is rarely seen in North America.