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Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
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Sussex Spaniel
| Nicknames | Sussex |
| Country of Origin | Great Britain |
| Weight | 40 - 44 lbs. (18 - 20 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 15 - 16 inches (38 - 40 cm) |
| Coat | The fur also shows a slightly wavy and flayed look, but they are not woolly. A Sussex spaniel is basically quite furry throughout the body, from the head with soft hair to back of the legs and the tail where the fur is a little feathered. It also has a good undercoat to provide warmth during the cold seasons. |
| Colour | The coat of a Sussex spaniel is golden-red in colour, and the tips of the furs tend to be more golden compared to the rest of the body. |
| Litter Size | 4 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 12 - 14 years |
| Origin & History | In 1795, Mr. Fuller of Rosehill Park, Hastings in East Sussex, England began breeding gun dogs to work in districts where the terrain was rough and the undergrowth very dense which meant that a spaniel was needed which could give tongue or to alert the hunter on his quarry. Fuller crossed various breeds such as the liver and white Norfolk Spaniel (now extinct), the Field Spaniel, and possibly some early English Springer Spaniels. The Sussex was bred specifically to inherit the barking ability that was not common in most Spaniel breeds during this era. The Sussex Spaniel was one of the first ten breeds admitted into the stud book by the American Kennel Club in 1884, but lost what little popularity it had achieved in the 1940s. During World War II, breeding was discouraged but the Sussex saved from extinction by English breeder Joy Freer. All modern Sussex Spaniels are descended from the dogs she saved. In 1947, only ten Sussex Spaniels were registered in the English Kennel Club. In 2004 the breed was identified as a vulnerable native breed by Kennel Club of Great Britain which are described as having annual registration figures of less than 300 per year. In 2008, only 56 puppies were registered. In 2009 a Sussex Spaniel named "Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee," call name "Stump," won best in show at the 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. At 10 years old, Stump is the oldest dog to win this title. The breed is more popular in the United States than any other country. It is recognised by the Continental Kennel Club, Fédération Cynologique Internationale, American Kennel Club, Kennel Club of Great Britain, Canadian Kennel Club, National Kennel Club, New Zealand Kennel Club, and the American Canine Registry. |
| Personality | With enough exercise the Sussex Spaniel is stable and calm inside the house. It is not very outgoing compared to other spaniels. It works very enthusiastically. On the hunt in the field it barks continuously, moving with a characteristic swinging gait. This breed adapts well to hunting and retrieving small game, especially in wooded areas. This dog sometimes bays when it is hunting. The Sussex Spaniel is the only Spaniel that does this. It is also a good companion dog. This breed loves everyone and is charming, gentle and loyal. These are very sociable dogs, which usually get along well with cats and are excellent with children. A well-socialized Sussex with a true pack leader will get along with other dogs. They tend to be less playful and demonstrative than other Spaniels, with a lower energy level. The Sussex Spaniel is a quick learner, but it is important to be consistent with them. They need firm leadership and patient training. This breed likes to bark. You should teach them, one bark, for instance when the doorbell rings, is sufficient. Owners need to make clear who runs the home, needing to be stronger minded, in a firm but calm way, than the dog or it can become snappish if annoyed, along with other behavior problems. |
Care Requirements
| Health | A number of medical concerns are commonly associated with Sussex spaniels. For having ears that are rather large and close to the body, Ear infections often occur in this breed. It is important that you check the ears regularly for ticks and other insects. Sussex spaniels are also known to gain weight very fast, and a good Diet is required to keep them at a good fitness level. Health Problems are also likely to occur in the hearts, eyes and spines of these dogs, and such afflictions should be treated at the veterinarian. If left unattended, these problems may develop into serious medical conditions, such as cardiomyopathy, Cataracts, Entropion or retinal dysplasia which can result in heart failure or blindness. |
| Grooming | The soft, medium-length, golden-red coat of the Sussex Spaniel should be brushed and combed regularly. Keep the ears clean and trim excessive hair between the pads on the bottom of the feet, but leave the tuft growing between the toes on the upper part of the feet. If necessary, have the older and lighter hair removed by plucking. Too much hair beneath the ears should be trimmed at regular intervals. The teeth should be checked in a puppy when new teeth emerge to make sure they do not push existing teeth aside, resulting in crooked teeth. This breed is an average shedder. |
| Exercise | The Sussex Spaniel needs to be exercised regularly by taking it on a daily walk, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way and that leader needs to be the human. Not only does the dog need a walk to satisfy its natural migration instinct, but it will quickly put on weight if it gets too little exercise. It enjoys retrieving and swimming and being outdoors in the woods and fields, but bear in mind it has a tendency to follow its nose. This breed may howl if not properly exercised and left alone. |
| Other Considerations | The Sussex Spaniel will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient. This breed can live outdoors in temperate climates as long as it has warm shelter, but it generally does better as a house dog that also has access to a yard. |
