Origin: Finland
Origin of Name: The Finnish Hound was a result of a breeding programme in the 1800s, which involved French.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Medium | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
|
Well into the 1800s, many British Spaniards that were used by hunters for flushing gamebirds were not classified by breed, as they are today. Rather, they were organized by size and job description. This changed at the turn of the century, with the arrival of the Dog Show in England. Suddenly, it became important to establish definite types and breeds, and a particular type of spaniel, born of Cocker, named English Springer and Sussex Cross as field spaniels. These early territories were an immediate hit in the show ring, but also capable hunters.
Breed's success in the ring encouraged breeders to produce a spectacular field spaniel, which takes its long, diminutive shape to the extreme - the ""grexic caricature"" of a spaniel, as one commentator put it. Such short-sighted breeding practices denounced the value of the area as goons and introduced health problems to the breed. The field's popularity declined as its boom, and the breed soon reached the brink of extinction.
Nevertheless, the permanent properties of the field make it too good to dismiss. Dedicated radicals of the 20th century worked to rehabilitate the field. By the late 1960s, enthusiasts got back to basics and with the re-introduction of Cocker and Springer Blood, the dog was remodeled along its original lines. In the decades since, the rise and fall and re-rise of field spaniels have served as a cautionary tale for breeders of dogs.
The Finnish Hound does not require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is required, but a dog's shearing by a professional groomer is not necessary. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infection. The Finnish Hound is a great choice if you don't have the time, skills or money to care for a high-maintenance dog. Recommended for beginners.
The Field Spaniel is an intelligent problem-solver who is trained and can excel in any sport if he is highly motivated. These "thinking dogs" seem best on clear communication and reward, with minimal improvement. They require early socialization and a family sensitive to their needs. Fields loves his people and tends to be serious. Once they understand the expectations, they are solid in training, and excel at the breed in many canine sports and activities. Fields is a wonderful, soft breed that is not for everyone, but owners think their occasional oafish habits such as snoring, lingering alcohol, and frequent shedding coats deserve their companionship.
An active sports breed, Fields possesses an energetic spirit that does best with regular exercise and mental stimulation. They are suitable for many canine sports and activities and enjoy brisk activity, as well as downtime at home with their families. Fields are found in many lifestyles, from the city to the countryside, but challenges are given to both mind and body.
Field Spaniards consider their food and behavior. "Owners often joke that we have Food Spaniels," says devotees of one breed. Areas in training may be heavily inspired by their drive for food. It is generally agreed that the breed will thrive on a good quality, balanced diet that is bio-accessible from nutrition. Give very little to table scraps, if not at all, especially avoid cooked bones and foods with high fat content. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not.
A generally healthy breed, field spaniels have seen some issues that affect other breeds as well. Screen for breeders responsible for genetic disease and select for health-clear stocks. Breeders are urged to follow the recommended test and consider orthopedics, thyroid, eyes, heart, and late onset seizures when planning intercourse.
Temperament, structure and health are all very important in creating this breed which is a ""combination of beauty and utility"" in an enthusiastic dog companion.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: