Sussex Spaniel

Taking its name from the county in which it was popular, the Sussex spaniel was developed in England during the late 1700s. The huntsmen of Sussex utilized the dog’s abilities to track and flush out quarry. In 1884, the American Kennel Club recognized the Sussex spaniel as a member of the sporting group. The Sussex spaniel was one of the first 10 breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club.

The Sussex Spaniel is a strong, stocky spaniel with short legs. It has a deep chest, is set low to the ground and has a broad, square muzzle. Its ears are low-set, large and pendant. The coat of the Sussex Spaniel is medium in length and flat or wavy. The coat should be brushed regularly. The ears should be checked regularly to prevent infections.

Personality

Sussex Spaniels are calm, gentle and patient dogs. They are calmer than other Spaniels, but are very enthusiastic when they get to trail and hunt. They need plenty of exercise outdoors. Not only may they become stubborn and strong-willed if they don't get enough exercise, they also have a tendency to become obese. Sussex Spaniels are very good with children and other pets. They are very sociable but still need consistent training. Excessive barking is often listed as a breed-specific problem.

Breed Characteristics

Sussex Spaniel Build Information

The compact and muscular Sussex spaniel stands at a height of 13 to 15 inches at the shoulders and weigh between 35 and 45 pounds. The coat is long in length and golden liver in color. The hair may be wavy or straight, and feathering appears on the neck, chest, abdomen, legs and paws. The long earflaps hang downward, and the tail is typically docked to a length of five to seven inches.

Behaviour and Personality

The Sussex spaniel is one of the calmer breeds of hunting dogs, and its overall disposition is usually cheerful and friendly. The breed loves children and gets along with other dogs. Although intelligent, the Sussex spaniel can be stubborn and challenging to train. The Sussex spaniel thrives on the company of its family and is eager to participate in such outdoor activities as hiking and hunting. The Sussex spaniel is the only spaniel that communicates on the hunting trail by baying.

Appearance

To keep the coat of a Sussex spaniel free of tangles and mats, weekly brushing or combing is recommended. Sussex spaniels are prone to ear infections, so inspect the ears at least once a week. If they appear dirty, clean them to reduce the risk for ear infections. Brush the teeth three times a week to maintain good health and prevent periodontal disease.

Sussex Spaniel Common Health Conditions

Sussex spaniels live average lifespans of 10 to 15 years. Some health conditions to be aware of in the breed include hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, heart murmurs, entropion, retinal dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, pulmonic stenosis and pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Sussex Spaniel Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

The Sussex spaniel may appear melancholy and slow, but underneath that demeanor is a cheerful soul that is happy to join the family on hikes and play with the kids in the backyard. The Sussex spaniel originated in England. The Sussex spaniel is a happy family dog and a skilled hunter. The Sussex spaniel stands 13 to 15 inches tall and weighs 35 to 45 pounds. The Sussex spaniel has a moderate energy level. The Sussex spaniel requires moderate grooming. The average lifespan for a Sussex spaniel is 10 to 15 years.