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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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Pronunciation |
Sussex
Spaniel |
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Description |
The Sussex Spaniel is a strong,
massive dog. Its stand demands a well-balanced head which is broad and somewhat
heavy. The chest is deep and well developed. It has a liver-colored nose,
scissors bite, and a well-marked frontal stop. The dog has a golden-liver
colored coat that is flat or slightly wavy without being curled. The legs,
undersides and tail are feathered. The loose skin and heavy long ears are
somewhat reminiscent of a Basset Hound. The eyes
are hazel and fairly large with a sweet expression. The tail is docked to 5-7
inches (12˝-17˝ cm). The ears are rather large, tight to the head, covered
with soft, wavy hair. The neck is slightly arched. The golden-liver color of its
coat, especially at sunset, blends with the color of the trees and game, so
hunters using Sussex Spaniels need to be very careful not to shoot their dog
accidentally. This may be why the breed is not widespread. |
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Temperament |
The Sussex Spaniel is steady and calm
around the house. They are not very outgoing or demonstrative compared to other
spaniels. It reaches the enthusiasm of a warrior in its work. On the hunt-field
it barks continuously, moving with a characteristic swinging gait. It is adapted
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 may also howl a lot when they are left alone. It is also a good
companion dog. This breed loves everyone and they are sweet, gentle and devoted.
These are very sociable dogs, which usually get along well with cats and are
excellent with children. Most get along with other dogs, but some can be
aggressive with unfamiliar dogs. It tends to be less playful and demonstrative
than other Spaniels, with a low energy level. The Sussex Spaniel is a quick
learner but has a mind of its own. It is therefore important to be consistent
with them. It needs firm and patient training. This breed likes to bark. You may
want to teach them when they are young that one bark, for instance when the
doorbell rings, is sufficient. Novice owners should be willing and able to
assert their dominance. It can be snappish if annoyed. |
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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. Do not overfeed this breed, as it tends to gain
weight easily. Some minor concerns are intervertebral disc syndrome, otitis
exerna, heart murmur and enlarged heart. |
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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. 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. |
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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. The breed was developed in the 1800's in Sussex, England. It is
a small game hunter and companion dog. The breed was probably developed
from crosses of spaniels with hounds. This breed survived World War II through
the efforts of an English breeder named Joy Freer. Most of today's Sussex
Spaniels are descended from the eight dogs she saved and fed during the war. The
Sussex hunts slowly, but has a fine nose, and very good strength and stamina in
the field. It is best at flushing game for hunters on foot, the Sussex Spaniel
can also be taught to retrieve. Official recognition came in 1885. Some of the
Sussex Spaniel's talents include: tracking, hunting, retrieving and watchdogging. |
| Group |
Gun Dog, AKC Sporting Group |
| Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC,
ACR |
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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 |
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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
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