Field Spaniel Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Facts & Traits
A Comprehensive Guide to the Beautiful Blue Roan Field Spaniel
When it comes to elegant sporting dogs, the field spaniel often flies under the radar. But anyone who‘s met one of these sweet-natured gundogs knows they‘re a hidden gem in the spaniel world. And when you encounter a rarer blue roan field spaniel, with their stunning marbled coat, you can‘t help but stop and stare in appreciation.
Whether you‘re already a spaniel fan or are looking to learn about a new breed, join us for an in-depth look at the blue roan field spaniel. We‘ll dive into this variety‘s history, traits, care needs, and what makes them so special.
The Fascinating Origins of Field Spaniels
While spaniels have existed for centuries, the field spaniel is a relatively new creation. In the mid-1800s, various land spaniels were bred together in England to develop a medium-sized hunting companion. The field spaniel emerged as a longer, lower dog well-suited to flushing and retrieving game birds.
By the early 1900s, the breed started splitting into the field spaniel and cocker spaniel varieties. Some breeders took field spaniels in an exaggerated direction, but this proved detrimental to their ability to work in the field. Thankfully, outcrossings with English springer spaniels brought them back to a more moderate and functional shape.
While field spaniels remain one of the rarer spaniel breeds today, they‘ve gained loyal followers who adore their mellow demeanor, trainability, and undeniable good looks – especially with the eye-catching blue roan coat.
Genetics Behind the Blue Roan Coat Color
What exactly is a blue roan coat and how do field spaniels get it? Roan is a coat pattern caused by a specific dominant gene. It manifests as an equal mix of white and colored hairs, producing a marbled or speckled effect.
In field spaniels, blue roan occurs when the roan gene acts on a black coat, lightening it to a blue-grey color mixed with white. The amount of roaning can vary from light to heavy. The head, ears and legs often remain a solid color.
Blue roan is an accepted color in the breed standard, alongside liver, black, roan, and tan points. While blue roan is less common than the solid colors, reputable breeders will occasionally have blue roan puppies in their litters.
It‘s a common misconception that blue roans are born that way. In fact, blue roan puppies often start out looking solid black. The roaning becomes apparent once their adult coat starts growing in at a few months of age. With each shed, the coat may become progressively more roan.
Gentle Temperament and Trainability
One of the most appealing traits of field spaniels is their gentle, affectionate nature. They are known for their even tempers and strong desire to please their people. Unlike some hunting breeds with a stubborn streak, field spaniels are quite biddable and easy to train.
As long as training is positive and reward-based, field spaniels catch on quickly. They can master basic obedience, house training, and tricks with consistency and repetition. Field spaniels also take readily to advanced training for hunting, agility, nosework, and other dog sports.
These sensitive souls respond best to praise, play and treats as rewards. Harsh corrections can damage their soft temperament. Field spaniels aim to be a partner and companion, so building a loving bond is key to training success.
Plenty of Exercise for This Sporting Breed
With their sleek, athletic build, it‘s no surprise that field spaniels need a good amount of daily exercise. Bred to spend all day working in the field, they have impressive stamina and can go for miles.
At minimum, field spaniels require an hour of exercise each day, broken up into a couple sessions. Long walks, hikes, runs, swims and retrieving games are all ideal activities. They are capable of being couch potatoes in between adventures, but shouldn‘t be expected to be sedentary all the time.
A fenced yard is ideal for giving a field spaniel a safe space to romp and play. They tend to have strong prey drive, so should be kept on-leash during walks to avoid chasing wildlife. Puzzle toys and interactive play also provide much-needed mental stimulation.
With proper exercise and enrichment, field spaniels make calm, agreeable companions. If left alone too much or deprived of activity, they can become anxious, vocal and destructive. Keeping their bodies and minds engaged is critical.
Caring for that Gorgeous Coat
The blue roan field spaniel‘s medium-length double coat is both beautiful and practical. A dense undercoat provides insulation while a soft, water-resistant topcoat protects from the elements. Feathering on the ears, chest, legs and belly adds to their elegant appearance.
While undeniably stunning, the field spaniel coat does require regular upkeep. Plan to brush thoroughly a few times a week to remove tangles, mats and debris. A detangling spray and tools like a pin brush and wide-tooth comb will make grooming easier.
It‘s also important to inspect the ears, between the toes, and under the tail regularly. These areas can trap dirt and moisture, leading to skin irritation. Keeping the coat trimmed to a medium length will minimize matting. Thankfully, field spaniels shed only moderately with some heavier shedding in spring and fall.
Along with coat care, don‘t neglect other grooming like tooth brushing, nail trims and occasional baths. Starting these routines early will get a field spaniel used to being handled. With proper coat maintenance, the blue roan coloring will stay vivid and striking.
Choosing a Responsible Field Spaniel Breeder
If you‘ve fallen in love with blue roan field spaniels, you‘ll need to do some searching to find a responsible breeder. With limited numbers, expect to be put on a waiting list and possibly travel out of state. Avoid pet stores, puppy mills and sketchy online sellers.
A good place to start your search is with the Field Spaniel Society of America breeder referral. Look for a breeder who does the recommended OFA health clearances on their dogs, especially for hip dysplasia, a concern in the breed. Dogs should have stable temperaments and be good examples of breed type.
Spend time talking extensively with breeders. The best ones will be happy to answer all your questions, let you meet the parents, and ensure a field spaniel is right for your lifestyle. They‘ll provide guidance on grooming, training, and health throughout the dog‘s life.
Expect to pay $1500-$2500 for a field spaniel puppy from a quality breeder, with prices on the higher end for rarer colors like blue roan. Consider it an investment in a healthy, well-socialized pup destined to be your devoted companion for the next 12+ years.
An Uncommon yet Charming Companion
For an active family looking for a mild-mannered, trainable companion, it‘s hard to go wrong with a field spaniel. And if you‘re lucky enough to find a blue roan, you‘ll have a dog that turns heads with its unique, marbled coat.
While no dog is right for everyone, field spaniels are a solid choice if you can meet their needs for exercise, training and grooming. In return, you‘ll be rewarded with a steadfast friend who aims to please and charms everyone they meet.
Their medium size, tolerant nature and moderate energy level make field spaniels fit readily into many households. They generally do well with children and other dogs if socialized early. Just ensure they get the physical and mental activity to keep them content.
So if a mellow, loving gundog with undeniable good looks sounds like your cup of tea, consider the blue roan field spaniel. These rarely seen gems of the spaniel world deserve a closer look by anyone wanting an intelligent, biddable companion bred for cooperation. Find a responsible breeder and prepare for many laughter and adventure-filled years with your speckled sweetheart.
