After its unfortunate decline in the 19th century due to the selective breeding that resulted in an extreme version of the breed, the Field Spaniel made its comeback when it began to grow again in numbers. This dog breed almost saw extinction right after it was recognized as a separate breed from the English Cocker Spaniel. It was just fortunate that there were several breeders who made efforts to revive this popular breed which was a cross between the Springer and the Cocker Spaniels.
The comeback of the once-famed Field Spaniel was noted in the late 1950s in England. In the United States, it was not until the late 1960s when the dog breed reemerged after its last recorded registration in 1930. At that time, only three Field Spaniels were imported to the US so that the breed could be re-established from the small number of them that remained in England.
Although the so-called modern rebirth of the Field Spaniel basically happened on American soil, its roots really began in England in December 1966. It was only a year later that three pups were brought to the US to start the American breed of Field Spaniels. These Field Spaniels were known as Brig, Mac and Twiggy. While they were owned by people based in Virginia and Ohio, their breeder was a Mrs. A.M. Jones from England. These first Field Spaniels that started the line of their breed up until this day were liver-colored.
About 50 years after the last Champion Field Spaniel was recorded in the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1916, another dog of the Field Spaniel breed was recorded in the annals of the history of the AKC. This just goes to show that even if the breed went through a tough time, it can still make a comeback. Despite being a winner in the show ring, The Field Spaniel is still the rarest Spaniel breed today.
Although the Field Spaniel never got back the same kind of popularity it had when it first emerged as a show dog as well as a work dog, when it returned into the limelight, it held its own spot. It gained the championship status that it lost at the end of the World War II and it is now a favorite breed in the hearts and homes of both the English and the Americans.
Since the Field Spaniel is still considered a rare breed these days, most dog lovers who wish to own this dog are put on a waiting list. Many people want a Field Spaniel because of its inherent talents and abilities as a sporting and hunting dog. This is especially true at present when more and more people are leading active lifestyles. So, one could really say that this dog certainly has what it takes to overcome the difficult times in its history.
|
