Page 243 - Showsight March 2013

Judges have the unique oppor-
tunity to make an impact to
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 within reason
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 the
utmost importance for you to know and
understand what makes a Field Spaniel
unique regardless of the limited opportu-
nity 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 1880’s, it is in
reality a breed with a young history from
a conformational standpoint. Due to a
decline in both the US and the home
country of England, and near extinction,
the breed had to be reintroduced to the
US in the late 1960’s by way of three litter-
mates 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 work-
ing ability. It is very important that the
breed remain 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 easy: Beauty. Bal-
ance. Type. But how are these reflected in
individual dogs? How would you go about
judging the breed? How do you define
recognize in the breed? What about move-
ment? 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 impor-
tant 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 activ-
ity and endurance in a heavy cover and
water. It has a noble carriage; a proud but
docile attitude; it is sound and free mov-
ing. 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.
Considering that 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
is a breed that can be reserved at first meet-
ings and may be unsure of the goings on.
This is especially true if the dog is young
and the handler is inexperienced. How-
ever, this is by 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 being measured
from the forward most point of the shoul-
der 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 smooth-
ly slope into the shoulders, followed by a
strong level topline. Over extended or,
worse, over angulated rears are also not
desirable. Overall balance is of the utmost
importance. The front must be in balance
with the rear with a deep loin connecting
to the two! And it is essential that 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
shape and a dark hazel to dark brown col-
or. A round eye and/or light eye is incor-
rect is 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, a strong long muzzle
neither snipey nor squarely cut, flews cov-
ering but not extending beyond the lower
JUDGING THE FIELD SPANIEL
By Nicole Dooley
S howS ight Magazine, M arch 2013 • 243