Description
This is a beautiful spaniel with very long hanging ears, a rounded head, and a profuse, silky, feathered, medium-length coat. The head is chiseled with an abrupt stop. The muzzle is wide, deep and broad with a square jaw.
The upper lip hangs down, covering the lower jaw completely. The teeth are strong and should meet in a scissors bite. The nose is always black on black dogs, but may be brown on other dogs.
The eyes are round, set on so they look straightforward. The eye rims are slightly oval.
The body is compact, with a short back. The topline should slope gently downwards from front to back. The front legs are straight, with good bone. Dewclaws on front and rear legs should be removed.
The coat comes in buff, black, and other solid colors, black-and-tan (like a Rottweiler or Doberman Pinscher), parti-color (white with black, white with buff or red, white with black and tan points)
Some requirements for correct markings are specified in the standard. The tail is docked to 2/5 its original length and is carried on a line with its back; it is constantly in motion.
Field lines generally have shorter coats which are better suited to work in brush. They also have better hunting instincts. Both types make very good pets.