poocow

Don't forget there are shows at EPIC this weekend too! Being a dog show tragic I have the dates with me. 24-26 October inclusive and 30 Oct to 1 November. I'll hopefully be coming down for the Goulburn shows! And doing Berrima too

Glad to hear he is improving. They drop weight so quickly don't they. He'll be back and fighting fit in no time.

I know for a fact Darcy loves to stress me out. My vet thinks the last time I took him in (just last week) was him just doing it to get attention.

Shmoo. At least you know whats wrong now and how to proceed. I know what you mean about the age thing, my aim is to get Darcy to 10 and anything beyond that is a bonus. Hes already going grey around his muzzle and hes only 6.5yrs

Oh no poor Sweep. I hope the tests are able to provide some answers for you. If you need anything just call.

They flush and retrieve both on land and in water. When I was researching Fields I found it interesting that they were developed for the show ring - as well as the Field. They require similar attributes for both the field and the ring apparently. I know the breed was very popular in America when they first became recognised by the AKC but this declined when they started being bred too much and ended up very long in the body and short in the leg. They infused cocker and springer blood into the breed to get the Field back to what it originally was. The breed originated in England in the 1800s

Yes they were/are still used in the field, used with shooters for retrieving game. They've also been used for truffle work.

I've got Darcy on Artemis Maximal Grain Free and hes doing really well on it. He can't tolerate grains in his diet and I've been really happy with how hes going on the Artemis. Hes the heaviest hes ever been on it - which is a good thing because he used to look anorexic!

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) First time owner, exhibitor 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? The Field Spaniel is descended from the Cocker, Sussex and English Water Spaniel in an attempt to create a more rugged spaniel that would excel both in the field and the ring. The Field Spaniel was one of the first breeds developed specifically for the show ring. During the late 19th century, breeders took the Field Spaniel’s distinct characteristics too far, creating a dog that was heavy boned, short of leg and long in spine. This new dog had neither the hunting nor show ability of its forebears, and quickly fell out of favor. By the beginning of the early 20th century the Field Spaniel was near extinction. Noting the animal’s peril, Field Spaniel proponents experimented with crosses with other spaniels, including the English Springer Spaniel, in an attempt to replicate the original Field Spaniel. These efforts were successful, and by the 1950s the breed had regained its regal appearance, and had attained a sustainable population. 3. How common is it in Australia? Field Spaniels are a rare breed. 4. What is the average lifespan? Teens 5. What is the general temperament/personality? Happy, independent, love to please, sensitive. Some Field lines do have a tendency to be timid, so socialisation with people and other dogs is essential. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? 30min-1 hour daily 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? Yes provided they are willing to spend the time grooming and exercising them. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? Yes they have an independent nature. I often find Morgan just poking around the garden on her own when the other dogs are inside. 9. How much grooming is required? Regular brushing/trimming. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? As a puppy, most likely but adults are very calm and laid back. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? PRA, hip dysplasia Also need to monitor pups during the teething phase as they can go down on their pasterns. 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) Their history with Field Spaniels etc Have the parents been tested for PRA. What were the parents hip scores (need to be below 16 - breed average) What grooming is required (if not familiar with grooming spaniel breeds). My baby - Wintergem Flyin Nuhrizn

I would just ring them and ask, have entries closed by mail? If they haven't, mail it in

I wouldn't touch either. Both my adult dogs get Artemis Maximal Grain Free - Darcy isn't allowed grain and I refuse to buy 3 different types of food so Top gets what Doog gets. My pup came to me on Advance but it mucked up her growth as it had too high of a protein content. I moved her on to Artemis but she didn't react well to the lack of beet pulp in the diet. I've now got her on Nutro Puppy and while she is doing well I have a niggling feeling about it because I'm not sure if the pre-mix comes from the US or not. Final stop is Eagle Pack.

Thanks - she showed her little butt off!

Morgan won Baby of Breed today against competition! She beat her half sister Didn't get anything for group but the judge did look long and hard at her.

Morgie was born March 24 :D

I'll be up at Hillsborough in the first week of September!

Only a couple of weeks from memory. What show were you planning on doing?

Whats your first show going to be? Norwest? We are entered in Campbelltown on Sunday 23rd August at Erskine Park. Great! We will be there too - Freckles and I are normally camped out near the gundog ring. I'm pretty sure I'll have the only Field pup so I won't be hard to find - and Freckles has a Pointer. Come say hi :D Norwest is the day before at Castle Hill - we will be there too.

Welcome :D I would dry brush Please head over to the cocker thread and introduce yourself and your cocker!

Whats your first show going to be? Norwest?

I've changed her over to Nutro Puppy, the poo is firm but still the stink persists. I have to take Top for a vax on Friday so might bring her along too. Having another moral dilemma too - have just heard of all the Nutro issues in the US and although it says its Australian made the premix may come from the US. Why can't there just be a good food to feed

Thanks - was so proud of her, especially in the group line up she behaved so well. Another Field breeder was really taken with her. Have Saturday off and Junior KC on the Sunday with International judges.

Last one:

Some photos from today - scuse fat ol me in them!

Morgan won Baby Puppy of Breed by default. Went in for the group line up and she was solid as a rock - stacked perfectly and everyone commented how well she looked after we got out. Sammy B can attest to it that the Wei pup literally took two steps into the ring and was awarded the sash. Thems the breaks of showing a rare breed.

I show tomorrow. Morgan is bathed and just have to neaten up her feet a bit later. Morgie will free stand for me just doesn't like holding a stack in the line up - too many other pups to play with.