Field Spaniel history starts with the history of spaniel type dogs. This history is rich and varied, tracing back centuries across different regions of the world. Spaniels are believed to have first originated in Spain, hence their name, but their development and refinement occurred in England.  The earliest records of spaniel-like dogs date back to medieval times, where they were depicted in artwork and literature. However, they likely existed before that. Spaniels are believed to have been first brought to England from Spain by the Romans.

These early spaniels were likely versatile hunting companions, assisting hunters in flushing out small game such as rabbits, small fowl, and birds from dense cover. Hunters could then take down their quarry with nets and later with guns. Spaniels were also used in conjunction with falconers and coursing greyhounds, where spaniels would flush out the game and the hawks or hounds would pursue. Throughout history, spaniels were always prized for their versatility, endurance, and keen sense of smell in the field.

 

As the sport of hunting evolved, so did the role of spaniels. Different varieties of spaniels emerged, each specialized for specific tasks in the field. For example, Water Spaniels were adept at retrieving game from water, while Land Spaniels excelled at flushing game on land.  Field Spaniels get their name as the original "land spaniel" type.

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 During the Renaissance period, spaniels gained popularity among the nobility for their hunting prowess. They were often depicted in paintings alongside their aristocratic owners, highlighting their status as valued companions.  At this time, types of dogs were not codified into formal purebred registries. Instead, there were general types of dogs that fulfilled a specific function, or developed from a particular area or noble estate. Unlike today, interbreeding between different types of dogs or landraces was not uncommon.

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The development of modern spaniel breeds began in earnest in the mid to late 1800s with the establishment of kennel clubs and the standardization of breed characteristics. Breeders begin more selectively crossing various types of spaniels to produce specific traits such as coat type, size, and temperament. 

 

Land spaniels diverged into Springer spaniels (used to "spring" game and larger birds), Field Spaniels (medium sized, used for a variety), and Cocker Spaniels (used primarily with smaller birds and woodcock, from which they take their name). At this time, all 3 types of Land Spaniels were essentially the same breed, born into the same litters and only distinguished by size and color. Springers were the largest of these three, and always came in a spotted pattern of black or liver. Fields were the original land spaniel of medium size and able to work different sizes of game, more prized for the show ring because of their solid black or liver color (though there were also some roans of these colors). Cockers were the smallest (around 25 lbs) and often solid red or buff (cream) and more often came in various roan or spotted patterns. 

 

Other types of spaniels developing at this time formed the basis for today's modern breeds, such as the Clumber Spaniel, which takes its name from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, owned by the Duke of Newcastle, who first developed the breed. The Sussex Spaniel originated with the aristocracy around Sussex County, and the Norfolk Spaniel (which would provide the foundation for the Springer Spaniel) arose from dogs kept by the Duke of Norfolk. Ancient breed types also developed more organically in the rural countryside such as the Irish Water Spaniel and Welsh Spaniel (now known as the Welsh Springer Spaniel). 

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Springers and Cockers split off into separate breeds from Field Spaniels in the 1890s and early 1900s as they each became more specialized in type and purpose and purebred studbooks closed. Field Spaniels unfortunately took a turn toward the extreme, as breeders developed them from a versatile, moderate dog, into a long-bodied, short legged, and overly heavy dog that lost its use in the field and strongly diverged from its Springer and Cocker cousins. With these exaggerations, the Field Spaniel begin to decline in popularity just as Cocker and Springer Spaniels begin to gain.

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Spaniels gained popularity and international recognition during the 20th century, as they transitioned from working dogs to beloved family pets. Their friendly demeanor, intelligence, and adaptability endeared them to households worldwide. Cocker Spaniels reached peak popularity in the United States during the 1930s-1950s, becoming the essential family dog, just as popular as Labrador Retrievers are today.  

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Meanwhile at this time, the Field Spaniel  was all but lost due to dwindling popularity from exaggerated breeding and a huge loss of the breed's population in the devastation of World War II. The breed became extinct in the United States. However, a small group of English breeders in the 1950s and 1960s begin to work to bring the Field Spaniel back from extinction and restore the breed to its original moderate and utilitarian form. The first Field Spaniels since the early 1900s returned to the US in the 1960s and 1970s, and have steadily risen in numbers since, though never achieving the widespread notoriety of their Cocker and Springer cousins.

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Today, all spaniels continue to be cherished companions, excelling in a variety of roles including hunting, therapy work, and competitive dog sports. While their primary function may have shifted over the centuries, their innate hunting instincts and affectionate nature remain ingrained in their genetic makeup, ensuring that the legacy of spaniels endures for generations to come. As the original land spaniel, the Field Spaniel remains the foundational model of spaniel type: an elegant and stylish family companion, a versatile hunter, and a loyal friend. We hope to help preserve this hidden gem for many generations to come.

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