Judging the Field Spaniel

This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, March 2013 issue.

Judging the Field Spaniel

Judges have the unique opportunity to make an impact on a breed’s progress by being diligent in learning and applying the standard to dogs they reward. What is most challenging in a rarer breed, such as the Field Spaniel, is applying “type” to this equation as well. Considering that Field Spaniels have always been on AKC’s “low entry breed” list, it is reasonable to assume that many judges have not had the privilege of viewing a large entry for the breed, or have had that opportunity on multiple occasions. That said, it is of utmost importance for judges to know and understand what makes a Field Spaniel unique, regardless of the limited opportunity that prospective and current judges may have to evaluate the breed in person.

History

While the Field Spaniel was one of the earliest registered breeds in the United States, dating back to the 1880s, it is in reality a breed with a young history from a conformational standpoint. Due to a decline in both the U.S. and the home country of England, and near extinction, the breed had to be reintroduced to the U.S. in the late 1960s by way of three littermates imported from the UK. The breed has come a long way since that time due to the commitment of diligent breeders. While this lovely breed continues to grow and improve, breeders have also proved and maintained the breed’s natural working ability. It is very important that the breed remains one that can stand up to the requirements of a day in the field.

Beauty, Balance & Type

What three things should you as a judge keep in mind when evaluating a Field Spaniel? The answer is simple: Beauty, Balance, Type. But how are these reflected in individual dogs? How would you go about judging the breed? How do you define and recognize these qualities in the breed? What about movement? What makes the Field Spaniel head distinctive? Are there any hallmarks of the breed? The most significant line from the Field Spaniel standard is, “Symmetry, gait, attitude, and purpose are more important than any one part.” You will want to remember this as you continue reading.

The Field Spaniel is described in the standard as a combination of beauty and utility, a well-balanced, substantial hunter-companion of medium size, built for activity and endurance in heavy cover and water. It has a noble carriage; a proud but docile attitude; it is sound and free-moving. Symmetry, gait, attitude, and purpose are more important than any one part. The Field Spaniel is a breed in which there is no division between bench and working dogs. Since they are bred with this in mind, it is imperative they be judged with this in mind as well.

Your judging begins the moment the dogs walk in the ring. Watch them as they enter. There are many owner-handlers in this breed, and they are usually handling inexperienced dogs. Keep this in mind as you move through your assignment. This breed can be reserved at first meetings and may be unsure of the goings-on. This is especially true if the dog is young and the handler is inexperienced. However, this is not an excuse for an overly shy or timid dog, particularly in the open or bred-by class. As the standard says, “They may be somewhat reserved in initial meetings. Any display of shyness, fear, or aggression is to be severely penalized.”

Proportion

“A well-balanced dog, somewhat longer than tall. The ratio of length to height is approximately 7:6.”

Look at your entry of exhibits in line and take a moment to assess the overall outline of the dogs. The front of the dog should be in balance with, and not heavier than, the rear. Front and rear angles should be both moderate and balanced as well. The initial appearance should be neither coarse nor weedy but have adequate bone and substance. There should be no extreme exaggerations in any direction. The Field should be longer than it is tall in a ratio of 7 to 6, with the length measured from the forward-most point of the shoulder to the rear, and the height from the withers to the ground. The depth of chest should be roughly equal to the length of the front leg from elbow to ground. The rib cage should be long and extending into a short loin with little to no tuck-up in mature dogs. The upper thigh should be broad and powerful; the second thigh well-muscled. A key point to remember when viewing the outline of a Field Spaniel is that it is incorrect for this breed to have a sloping topline. The neck should smoothly slope into the shoulders, followed by a strong level topline. Overextended or, worse, over-angulated rears are also not desirable. Overall balance is of utmost importance. The front must be in balance with the rear, with a deep loin connecting the two! It is essential that there is balance between size, proportions, and substance.

Head

Look down the line and view the head and expression. Per the standard, expression should be “grave, gentle, and intelligent.” The head should convey the impression of high breeding, character, and nobility, and must be in proportion to the size of the dog. Eyes should be almond-shaped and a dark hazel to dark brown color. A round eye and/or light eye is incorrect and likely to express a harsh or hard expression, instead of the grave and gentle expression the standard requires. Adding to the distinctive head and expression is an ear set slightly lower than the level of the eye, a moderate stop, and a strong, long muzzle—neither snipey nor squarely cut, with flews covering but not extending beyond the lower jaw. The nasal bone should be straight and slightly divergent from parallel with the plane of the top skull. While the breed should have a distinctive head, we are NOT a head breed. Please do not judge the head first and foremost or put primary importance on the head.

Movement & Gaiting

When moving your entry together or individually, it is important to ensure they are gaited at the proper speed for the breed. The Breed Standard reads, “The Field Spaniel should be shown at its own natural speed in an endurance trot, preferably on a loose lead, in order to evaluate its movement.” A natural speed in an endurance trot is appropriate for the breed.

They should not be shown charging out and pulling at the end of the lead or zipping around the ring at top speeds. While there is good forward reach from the shoulder, coupled with strong drive, proper Field Spaniel movement should remain effortless in a long and low majestic stride. Fast, tight, and strict movement is incorrect. A loose lead is best to appropriately evaluate movement.

While the standard allows for some convergence in front at higher speeds, there should not be extreme toeing in. When gaiting a dog to assess front and rear movement, elbows and hocks should move parallel, just as they should be when standing still. Pay attention to this. You will be hard-pressed to find a specimen that moves in parallel that does not stand in parallel, especially in the rear.

Dogs that are cow-hocked but move straight may reflect weakness in the second thigh. The legs move straight, with slight convergence at increased speed; however, single tracking is incorrect. Please watch for toeing in frontward movement as this may reflect a lack of forechest or depth of chest. Lifting from the pastern is common in younger dogs; however, mature dogs should be reaching beginning at the shoulder if moving correctly. Energy-wasting movement is incorrect. Specimens should not be throwing out elbows or hocks, and the down-and-back exercise is the best opportunity to judge this. Movement in this breed should be very clean and fluid.

Substance

“Substance—Solidly built, with moderate bone, and firm, smooth muscles.”

Upon examination, the bite should be scissors or level, with scissors preferred. While a good dog should not be totally overlooked for an incorrect bite, a correct bite is not insignificant to type. The forelegs are straight and well-boned to the feet. As you move along, this is your opportunity to let your hands be your eyes.

The neck should be well set into the shoulder. The prosternum should be prominent and well-fleshed. Elbows are closed-set directly below the withers and turned neither in nor out. The ribcage should be long and extend into a short loin. (The 7:6 length in this breed is to be picked up in the rib, not the loin.) Ribs should be oval and well-sprung, but not overly round or barrel-chested. These dogs should not be narrow from any angle.

The loin should be deep with little to no tuck-up. The croup should be short and gently rounded. Hocks should be well let down and parallel when viewed from the rear. The tail should be set on low, in line with the croup, just below the level of the back with a natural downward inclination. Docked tails are preferred, but natural tails are allowed.

Coat

The coat should be single and moderately long, flat or slightly wavy, and silky. It should be dense and water-repellent. “Amount of coat or absence of coat should not be faulted as much as structural faults,” according to the breed standard.

Moderate, setter-like feathering typically adorns the chest, underbody, backs of the legs, buttocks, and may also be present on the second thigh and underside of the tail. Overabundance of coat or a cottony texture impractical for fieldwork should be penalized. Colors are black, liver, and golden liver. Golden liver is generally considered the color of a Sussex Spaniel. Tan points are acceptable on any of the aforementioned colors and are the same as any tan-pointed breed (e.g., Gordon Setters, Dobermans).

The breed is either self-colored or bi-colored. Bi-colored dogs MUST be roaned and/or ticked in white areas. White is allowed on the throat, chest, and/or brisket and may be clear, ticked, or roaned on a self-colored dog.

Always remember that this is a sturdy hunting companion. Symmetry, gait, attitude, and purpose are more important than any of the parts. Look at the whole dog in this light. Fault judging does a disservice to the breed. Applying personal preference above all else to one area of the dog is also not in the breed’s interests. Look at the whole dog and then weigh each dog’s faults and attributes from there in order to make your selections. Type and purpose should go hand in hand.

There are no disqualifications in the Field Spaniel standard. Remember that the breed has had only a few decades to hone conformation here in the United States, and your selections can either help or inhibit a breed’s path in the future. The search for breed type and proper structure, one that can stand up to the requirements of a day in the field, should always be at the forefront of your judging process.