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Rescue a
Sussex Spaniel
Sussex Spaniel Puppies for Sale
Sussex Spaniel
Berlottan Amadeus in Budapest 1996. Photo courtesy of Kennel Berlottan Field and Sussex Spaniels.
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Sussex Spaniel Breeder
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Sussex Spaniel
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Pronunciation |
Sussex
Spaniel |
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Description |
The Sussex Spaniel is a strong,
massive dog with a long, low body with a level topline. The skull is wide, broad and somewhat heavy, moderately long with a full stop. The muzzle is square in profile and is about 3 inches long (7.6 cm.). The nose is liver colored. The large eyes are hazel in color. The large, low-set ears are long and hanging, covered
with soft, wavy hair. The neck is slightly arched. The chest is deep and well developed. The legs are very short. The tail is customarily docked to 5-7 inches in length (12.5-17.5 cm.). Note: docking tails is illegal in most parts of Europe. The coat is either flat or slightly wavy. There is feathering on the neck, legs, tail and feet. The coat comes in a rich golden liver color. |
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Temperament |
With enough exercise the Sussex Spaniel is stable and calm
inside the house. They are not very outgoing compared to other
spaniels. They work very enthusiastically. On the hunt-field
they bark continuously, moving with a characteristic swinging gait. They adapt 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. They are also a good
companion dog. This breed loves everyone and are 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 they can become snappish if annoyed along with other behavior problems. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: 15-16 inches (38-40 cm.)
Weight: 40-44 pounds (18-20 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
Prone to ear infections; the ears
should be cleaned regularly. Some minor concerns are intervertebral disc syndrome, otitis
exerna, heart murmur and enlarged heart. Gains weight easily, do not over feed. |
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Living Conditions |
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. |
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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 it's 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. They may howl if not properly exercised and left alone. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 12-15 years. |
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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. |
| Origin |
The Sussex Spaniel is a fairly rare
breed. They were developed in the 1800's in Sussex, England. It is
a small game hunter and companion dog, originating in the 18th century in Sussex, England. The breed was probably developed
from crosses of spaniels with hounds. The dogs were used as field hunting dogs. Their slow pace along with their fine nose, good strength and stamina made them popular for hunters on foot flushing and retrieving upland game. The breeds numbers plummeted during World War II. An English breeder by the name of Joy Freer is credited for saving the breed. Joy owned eight of these dogs which she saved and fed during the war. Most of today's Sussex are direct descendants from her dogs. The Sussex Spaniel was recognized by the AKC in 1884. It was one of the original nine breeds recognized by the AKC. Some of the
Sussex Spaniel's talents include: tracking, hunting, retrieving and watchdog. They are the only spaniel to bay while hunting. |
| Group |
Gun Dog, AKC Sporting Group |
| Recognition |
APRI, CKC, FCI, AKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC,
ACR, DRA, NAPR |
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APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc. |
""Rusty" my Sussex Spaniel. Born about 1948. Picture taken about 1952 in Ashland Oregon. Mary Oliver Conner."
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World Winner 2000 and 2002 etc. Berlottan Amanda, bitch, 11 years old - Photo by Sanna Korpela FIN.
Meet Happy Go Lucky (Lucky) - Photo Courtesy of Sussex Spaniel Club of America, Inc.
Tootsie at 2 years old.
Tootsie at 5 years old.
Oliver, the Sussex Spaniel at 5 years old.
Hunting Dogs
Understanding Dog Behavior
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