breed of sporting dog developed in Great Britain in the late 18th century; like other land spaniels, it flushes game from cover and retrieves it. Its earliest proponent had his seat in the county of Sussex, giving the breed its name. Hound ancestry is suggested by the Sussex spaniel’s long ears, loose skin, heavy build, and tendency to give tongue when tracking. Its flat, feathered coat is a unique shade of brown described as golden liver.
Temperament
The Sussex Spaniel has a lower energy level than most spaniels, making it a slow and easygoing companion. Even with its calm demeanor, the Sussex is still quite cheerful and friendly, although it maintains a somber and serious expression. It is quite skilled at hunting, however it tends to bark which makes it less popular among serious hunters. It is smart and determined, but not outgoing. It tends to howl or bark, especially if left alone for a long time. The Sussex spaniel loves everyone and does well with children, especially if raised with them. It is also good with other pets, however it may be bossy.
History and Origins
In 1795, Mr. Fuller of Rosehill park, Hastings in East Sussex, England began breeding dogs for a special purpose-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. This was a trait not desirable in any other spaniel. So Mr. Fuller decided to cross various dogs like the now extinct liver and white norfolk, the Field Spaniel and possibly some early springer spaniels.
The Sussex Spaniel was one of the first breeds admitted into the stud book by the American Kennel Club in 1884. As the name implies, the breed originated in Sussex, England in the 18th century where it was used as a hunting dog. Because of its short legs and narrow body the breed could easily maneuver through the undergrowth, which made it the ideal hunting companion.
The breed lost what little popularity it had in the 1940's. In 1947, only 10 sussex spaniels were registered in the English Kennel Club.
Today this breed is more common in the United States than even in England.
Size & Weight
Height: 15-16 inches (38-40 cm.)
Weight: 40-44 pounds (18-20 kg.)
Grooming Requirements
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 Needs
Sussex Spaniels were developed to run through the fields seeking game birds. An occasional walk around the block, isn't enough. They MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy with a vigorous romp. Otherwise they will become bored -- which they usually express by barking and howling and becoming destructive.
Health Issues
The most serious health concerns are heart-related: pulmonic stenosis, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and tetralogy of fallot. In addition, hypothyroidism, prostrate disease, and some deafness and eye-related problems exist. Hip dysplasia is common in this breed (42%) but most often not debilitating. Other potential health concerns are allergies and buildup of excess tartar resulting in tooth loss. Females often experience difficulty whelping (c-sections are common) and Sussex pups, in general, are slow developing.
Trivia
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