A close relative of the English Cocker Spaniel, the Field Spaniel is lesser known but every bit as sensible and talented as his gundog relative. A fun-loving and active sporting dog, the Field Spaniel makes an intelligent and loyal companion for owners living in a country or suburban setting. Equipped with patience and a merry good nature, this little dog is at once energetic, funny, industrious, and delightfully mischievous, a handsome addition to every home he enters. Author Becki Jo Hirschy, a well-known Field Spaniel breeder, has written a concise and accurate history of the breed in England and America, which serves as an apt introductory chapter to this Comprehensive Owner's Guide. The breed's special characteristics are discussed in the second chapter, painting an entertaining portrait of this fun-loving and sensitive breed. The complete AKC breed standard along with illustrations are presented in the third chapter.
New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.
