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Sussex Spaniel

Sussex Spaniel
History:

Country/Date of Origin: Great Britain/1700s

A member of the British Spaniel family, the Sussex is the breed that stands lowest to the ground. It is heavyset and slow, bred during a time when men still hunted on foot. Its name comes from the county of England where it was developed. Said to have a good nose, the Sussex may become more popular as game preserves and foot hunting become the hunting mode of necessity.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

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None

AKC Group: Sporting

Breed Club: Sussex Spaniel Club of America

Rescue Club: Sussex Spaniel Rescue

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Body Type:

  • A spaniel but massive, long, low and muscular
  • Height: 15-16 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: 40-50 pounds
  • The low-set tail is always docked to between 5" and 7"
  • The hanging ears are fairly large and lie close to the head
  • They are never altered
  • Heavily wrinkled face gives the breed a scowling look

Personality:

  • Gentle and cheerful
  • Not as intelligent as some of the spaniels but willing to please and can be trained
  • Noisy
  • Can be unpredictable with other dogs
  • Slow moving due to its bulk and short legs

Coat:

  • Abundant, flat, slightly waxy. Moderate in length except for long feathering on ears, legs, tail and chest
  • The only allowed color is rich golden-liver
  • Moderate grooming required

Health Concerns:

  • Very healthy
  • Ears should be checked routinely
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Tasty Tidbits:
  • The only spaniel that gives "tongue" on the trail. It has a clear bell like voice and talks to the gunners repeatedly as it hunts
  • A very rare breed in England and in America. A puppy will be difficult to find in either country
  • Puppies are unusually fragile. The mortality rate, especially in females, is high
  • Called a self-colored dog, the Sussex has a coat, eyes and nose that match