Blue Roan Field Spaniels are a unique and captivating breed, with a rich history that dates back to the 19th century.
They originated in England as a variation of the Field Spaniel, bred to excel in hunting and retrieving game. Their distinctive blue roan coat is a result of a genetic variation that affects the production of melanin, causing the characteristic mottled appearance.
One of the standout features of Blue Roan Field Spaniels is their friendly, outgoing personalities.
Physical Characteristics
The blue roan Field Spaniel is a well-balanced medium size dog built for high activity in both water and heavy cover. They are slightly longer than they are tall, allowing them to clear thick brush and terrain with ease.
Their expression appears gentle and grave, with almond-shaped eyes of dark brown to hazel. The muzzle is long and lean, with a large nose and close-fitting lips.
The Field Spaniel has a single coat of moderate length, which can be either flat or slightly wavy. This coat is silky, glossy, thick, and water-repellent, making them a great companion for outdoor activities.
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Appearance
The Field Spaniel's appearance is a perfect blend of function and form. They are a well-balanced medium size hunter and companion dog.
Their legs are built for high activity, able to clear thick brush and terrain with ease. This is due to their slightly longer length than they are tall.
Their expression is gentle and grave, with almond-shaped eyes that can range in color from dark brown to hazel. The eyes are a key feature of the breed.
The Field Spaniel's ears are long and wide, set below the eye level, and moderately feathered. They add to the breed's overall elegant appearance.
The muzzle is long and lean, with a large nose and close-fitting lips. This helps them sniff out game with ease.
Their bite can be either scissor or level, which is a testament to their adaptability.
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Standard Colours
Standard Colours are a crucial aspect of this breed's physical characteristics. They can be broken down into two main categories: Breed Standard colours and other colours.
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Breed Standard colours are those that are accepted within the breed standard and are traditional and well-known colours in this breed. These colours are specifically recognized by breeders and enthusiasts.
The Breed Standard colours in this breed include Black, Black & Tan, Blue Roan, Blue Roan & Tan, Liver, Liver & Tan, Liver Roan, and Liver Roan & Tan.
These colours are not only visually appealing but also play a significant role in identifying the breed.
Similarly Sized
The Field Spaniel's physical characteristics are quite unique, but did you know that there are other breeds that share similar sizes? The Finnish Lapphund is a great example, with a 98% similarity in size to the Field Spaniel.
If you're looking for breeds that are roughly the same size, here are a few options to consider:
- Finnish Lapphund (98% similar)
- Koolie (97% similar)
- Spantriever (97% similar)
- Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog (96% similar)
- Bodacion (96% similar)
These breeds all have similar height and weight ranges to the Field Spaniel, making them great options to consider if you're looking for a similar-sized companion.
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Care
The blue roan Field Spaniel is a beautiful breed that requires regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They need daily physical activity to expel their energy.
To keep their long, dense coat looking its best, brush them often, ideally two to three times a week, to prevent matting and tangling. Regular brushing is a must to prevent knots and tangles from forming.
Bathing should be done as needed, but be sure to use a gentle leave-in conditioner spray to help with tough tangles. If your dog develops knots, gently remove them with your fingers and brush them out with a pin brush.
Daily brushing is ideal for their teeth, but a few times a week can still help protect their teeth and gums from oral disease and plaque buildup. Don't rely solely on dental chews, as they should be used in moderation.
Check your dog's ears weekly for build-up and debris, as they are prone to ear infections due to their long, feathered ears. Clean their ears as needed with a pet-safe ear cleaner and a cotton ball.
Regular nail trimming is a must, but be sure to check their nails twice a month to ensure they're not too long or torn.
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Health and Wellbeing
As a Field spaniel owner, you'll want to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your beloved pet. Field spaniels are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain conditions.
Ear infections are a common problem in Field spaniels, so it's essential to keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or an unusual odor. Regular ear cleaning and inspections can help prevent these issues.
Hip dysplasia is another condition that can affect Field spaniels, causing pain, weakness, or lameness when walking. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult with your veterinarian to determine a treatment plan.
Here's a list of potential health issues to be aware of:
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Epilepsy
- Ear infections
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Heart defects
They Love to Swim
The Field Spaniel is a natural-born swimmer. They love to spend their time in the water, and it's not just for fun - it's also a valuable skill for hunting.
Their excellent swimming abilities make them well-suited for flushing and retrieving birds from the water with ease.
In fact, they're so good at swimming that they can keep up with family outings to lakes, rivers, or other bodies of water for some great exercise and mental stimulation.
If you're looking to take your Field Spaniel on a swimming adventure, consider the following:
Health
Field spaniels are generally healthy dogs, but like most purebreds, they're still susceptible to a few inherited health problems.
Ear infections are a common issue in Field spaniels due to their floppy ears, which trap in moisture, making them more prone to infections.
Redness, swelling, or an unusual odor in your dog's ears are signs of infection that need to be addressed by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that affects the hip joints, causing pain, weakness, or lameness when walking.
If your dog experiences any of these symptoms, talk to your veterinarian to determine a treatment plan, which may include surgery for severe cases.
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Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures in dogs, and it can usually be treated with medication in mild to moderate cases.
Autoimmune thyroiditis, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and heart defects are other health issues that Field spaniels may be prone to.
Here's a list of common health issues in Field spaniels:
- Ear infections
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Heart defects
Diet and Nutrition
Feeding your Field spaniel high-quality dog food is essential for maintaining their health and wellbeing. Feed them one and a half to two cups of high-quality dog food divided into two meals each day.
Since Field spaniels are highly active, they can usually have a few extra treats, but be sure to monitor their weight and avoid overfeeding to prevent canine obesity.
Dogs need different nutrients at different stages of life, so it's best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best meal plan for your Field spaniel based on its age, weight, and activity level.
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To keep your Field spaniel's coat luxurious, feed them high-quality dog food that's complete and balanced with all necessary nutrients and approved by the AAFCO.
Ensure the food is age-appropriate, and consider enlisting your veterinarian's help if you're making homemade meals to ensure they provide all the necessary nutrients.
Feed your Field spaniel twice a day, divided into morning and evening feedings, and make sure the food contains quality protein as the first ingredient listed.
Limit treats to 10% or less of their daily intake and only provide treats with quality ingredients without artificial fillers or preservatives.
Avoid giving your Field spaniel table scraps, as they're prone to weight gain and are extremely food-motivated.
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Sources
- Field Spaniel Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Field Spaniel | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
- Field Spaniel Society of America Rescue (fieldspanielsocietyofamerica.org)
- Field Spaniel Society of America Breeder Referral (fieldspanielsocietyofamerica.org)
- Spaniel (Field) | Breeds A to Z (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- A post shared by Una 🐶 (@una_field_spaniel) (instagram.com)
- https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/what-to-know-about-field-spaniels (webmd.com)
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_field_spaniel (petmd.com)
- https://www.ukcdogs.com/field-spaniel (ukcdogs.com)
- https://www.fieldspanielsocietyofamerica.org/ (fieldspanielsocietyofamerica.org)
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