Sussex Spaniel

Though small in size, the Sussex is one of the most dignified of spaniels. He has a serious but soft and contented expression. He moves slowly and deliberately, with a gentle rolling gait, his head held low. Like all spaniels, he enjoys the close companionship of his family. He loves them dearly, and is especially fond of children.

Sussex Spaniel breed facts

The Sussex Spaniel is named after Sussex, England, where the first and most important kennel of these dogs was established.

Specimens of the breed competed in Britain as far back as 1862.

The rich golden liver color is unique to the breed.

Information you should know before owning a Sussex Spaniel

The Sussex Spaniel's coat requires a fair amount of grooming every week.

The Sussex Spaniel loves the freedom of the country, but will easily fit in as a city dog as long as he is given plenty of exercise.

The Sussex Spaniel is a loving devoted companion especially for families with children. The Sussex Spaniel places his family and friends first and is somewhat cautious with strangers. But, once you are accepted as the Sussex Spaniel's friend you will have a friend for life.

The Sussex derives his name from Sussex, England, where the first and most important kennel of these dogs belonged to a Mr. Fuller. Fuller is credited with developing the rich, golden liver color that has long distinguished the breed. Phineas Bullock, of Field Spaniel fame, also did notable work in furthering the best interests of the Sussex. Specimens of the breed competed in Britain as far back as the 1860s.

During his early days, the Sussex was used for certain types of rough shooting in England, where an abundance of game, together with the custom of hunting on foot, rendered the dog satisfactory as a sporting companion. He has not been imported to any great extent to this country, however, probably due to the fact that he has not sufficient speed for the average sportsman, who faces conditions far different from those abroad.

Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No	Yes
What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large	Medium
How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day	Over 2 hours a day
How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long	Medium
How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day	More than once a week
Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed	Does shed
What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either	Country
What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House	Small House
What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden	Large garden

	General Appearance Massive, strongly built. Active, energetic dog, whose characteristic movement is a decided roll, and unlike that of any other Spaniel.
	Characteristics Natural working ability, gives tongue at work in thick cover.
	Temperament Kindly disposition, aggression highly undesirable.
	Eyes Hazel colour, fairly large, not full, but soft expression and not showing much haw.
	Mouth Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
	Neck Long, strong, and slightly arched, not carrying head much above level of back. Slight throatiness, but well marked frill.
	Forequarters Shoulders sloping and free; arms well boned and muscular. Knees large and strong, pasterns short and well boned. Legs rather short and strong.
	Body Chest deep and well developed; not too round and wide. Back and loin well developed and muscular in both width and depth. The back ribs must be deep. Whole body strong and level with no sign of waistlines from withers to hips.
	Hindquarters Thighs strongly boned and muscular; hocks large and strong, legs short and strong with good bone. Hindlegs not appearing shorter than forelegs or over angulated.
	Feet Round, well padded, well feathered between toes.
	Tail Customarily docked. Docked: Set low and never carried above level of back. Lively actioned. Customarily docked to a length from 13-18 cms (5-7 ins). Undocked: Set low, of medium length, and not carried above the level of the back. It should taper gradually to a point and be moderately feathered.
	Gait / Movement Massive, strongly built. Active, energetic dog, whose characteristic movement is a decided roll, and unlike that of any other Spaniel.
	Coat Abundant and flat with no tendency to curl and ample undercoat for weather resistance. Ears covered with soft, wavy hair, but not too profuse. Forequarters and hindquarters moderately well feathered. Tail thickly clothed with hair but not feathered.
	Colour Rich golden liver and hair shading to golden at tip; gold predominating. Dark liver or puce undesirable.
	Size Ideal height at withers: 38-41 cms (15-16 ins). Weight: approximately 23 kgs (50 lbs).