The Animal Shelter web site was created in an effort to place homeless animals throughout the United States. These animals are often located in one of thousands of animal shelters and rescue’s throughout the Country which offer a temporary placement while a loving family is found. At the Animal Shelter we provide a database of animals which will allow you to search for your next pet based on animal type, breed, size, gender and location. You can also search through our growing directory which now includes, animal shelters, lost, found or adoptable pets, pet meds, dog parks, and hundreds of frequently asked questions. If you would like to make a gift or support our cause please purchase a ribbon from our animal shelter support page. Remember adopting a pet is saving a life.

Animal Shelters Daily Pet Tips & Info...

The Field Spaniel

The Field Spaniel - A Gentle, Friendly, Sensitive and Affectionate Show and Working Dog

The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized breed originating in England, where it was developed in the late 19th century in an attempt to create an all-black, Spaniel-type show dog; the breed was created by crossbreeding the Sussex Spaniel, the English Water Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel.



Nowadays, this breed is quite rare and the Kennel Club registers it as a vulnerable native breed even in the UK. They are the ancestors of the modern English and American Cocker Spaniels, but much bigger in size. Though still a hunting breed, it was not popular among hunters due to its black colored coat, and it was originally intended for show purposes only. However, this eclectic breed is appreciated nowadays for its hunting, tracking and retrieving abilities as a working field dog, as well as for being an excellent watchdog and loyal family companion. In a study conducted on working intelligence, this breed came above average.

The standard weight of the Field Spaniel is 37 to 50 pounds and its standard height is 17 to 18 inches at the withers. Its long-haired, silky coat, flat or wavy, ranges from black, golden liver (brown) and blue roan to bi-colored, like liver and tan, black and tan, with or without white markings on the chest. The tail can be docked or left as it is. Its body is solidly built, athletic, well-muscled and well-proportioned, being as long as it is tall. Its keen sense of smell is used for scenting trail when hunting birds.

This energetic and agile dog needs a large space where it can run freely on a daily basis. It should not be confined to a small apartment, nor left in a kennel, as it would not feel at ease, it would become stressed and refuse to eat. A fenced backyard is more appropriate for it, so as to avoid picking up a scent and running off. Thus, plenty of regular exercise will keep it in shape and prevent it from getting overweight, which would put pressure on its joints. They prefer living indoors, close to their family, but enjoy playing and running outdoors for hours. They love the company of other dogs and other small animals. They are sociable, playful and faithful to their family, with a mild disposition and well-balanced temperament.

Despite its long, beautiful coat, it requires little maintenance, no professional grooming and it is an average shedder. Brushing it once or twice a week will keep its coat clean and will get rid of the mats. Its ears, however, require special care to keep them clean at all times, because, being quite long and furry, they can pick up bacteria and get infected. In terms of health, they are usually predisposed to eye disorders (atrophy of the retina, cataract) and also to hip dysplasia; therefore to prevent the latter, an optimum body weight should be maintained.

The Field Spaniel loves water, so, if you have a pond nearby, take it for a swim. Obedience training is done quite easily, but remember that they are extremely sensitive and commands should be given in a gentle and calm tone, or they can become withdrawn and suffer a great deal. They also get very bored with repetitive commands, which they understand from the start anyway, being highly intelligent. This breed of noble descent is very docile, friendly and gentle and loves the company of children. Equally loving, attached and devoted to all family members, they are pretty weary of strangers, unlike the Cocker Spaniels. Constant attention from the family is not necessary, because they are quite independent dogs. They are also used as therapy dogs and agility dogs. They can adapt very well to any climate and familial environment.

By adopting a rare Field Spaniel, in addition to its remarkably elegant appearance, you can discover a gentle, sensitive, intelligent, loving and playful furry friend.

Check out our new Google Toolbar Buttons recieve alerts on adoptable pets, and lost pets..
The Animal Shelter now has a new Twitter account, please setup a Twitter account and follow us for up to date pet tips and information Our goal is to have 20,000 people following us by the end of the year, please help us out, its free and will only take about 3-5 minutes of your time. www.twitter.com/animalshelter.
Find a Veterinary here. Make sure your pet gets the medical care he or she needs.
In Memory Of. After many requests we have added an In Memory Of page to our site. A gift can be given here and we will add your name, the amount, and any message you would like to our page of memories. Click In Memory Of to see what memories and stories have been added.
Search for local dog parks.Our dog park directory is new and growing, Dog parks are an excellent place to take your dog for exercise or fun.
You can now lookup some of the most common pet meds, how they should be used, stored, and potential side effects. Click now to get a list of common medical conditions, and treatments.
You can now add your shelter or rescue organization If your shelter or rescue is not listed you can now add it to our directory of nearly 6000 organizations .
State based search for animal shelters and rescues is now available You can now click on your state and view all shelters and rescues.
Zip Code search for Pets is now available You can now enter your zip code and a range in miles to determine which pets are in your area.
Zip Code search for Animal Shelters is now available You can now enter your zip code and a range in miles to determine which organizations are in your area.
You can now place a quick search link to our site using the code available on this link.

Not sure where to start in your search for a pet? Click below for details.
Dogs: Get advice
Cats: Get advice


We enjoy reading about your experience and sharing your thoughts with our visitors.
Send us your adoption story!