This is a medium-sized spaniel always ready to outsmart your or embarrass you. He would love making you laugh but at the same time will also test your patience. He has a reputation of being slow and steady but once he gets the scent of his prey, there is no stopping him.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: United Kingdom
Used for: Hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, companion
Average Life Span: 12-15 years
Color: Golden red or liver
Coat: Soft and medium-length, flat or wavy
Average Height: 15-16 inches
Average Weight: 40-44 pounds
Group: Sporting
History and Domestication
Sussex Spaniel originated in the county of Sussex, England in the 18th century. It was bred to be field dog and flush birds. During that time, hunting on foot was a custom and this dog being a popular hunting companion proved to be useful in flushing and retrieving game.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The Sussex Spaniel is a massive dog with a long body and a level topline. The moderately long skull is wide and heavy and has a full stop. The square muzzle is about 3 inches long. The large eyes are hazel and the nose is liver colored. The long and large ears are hanging and low-set and covered with wavy and soft hair. The chest is deep and wide with a slightly arched neck. The legs are short and tail is generally docked.
Care, Grooming and Health
The Sussex Spaniel has a medium-length liver colored coat which needs to be brushed and combed regularly. Keep his ears clean and trim the hair beneath the ears. Excessive hair between pads of the feet must also be trimmed down. The breed sheds moderately.
This breed needs to be exercised regularly and taken on long walks daily. If he is not properly exercised or left alone, he tends to howl. These dogs also put on weight very easily if not exercised well. He also enjoys swimming and retrieving. These dogs are prone to ear infections, heart murmur, enlarged heart and intervertebral disc syndrome. They gain weight very easily so do not overfeed.
Living Conditions
If exercised well, the Sussex Spaniel will do okay in an apartment. He is best suited for indoor living but a securely fenced yard must also be available for him where he can keep an eye on birds and squirrels.
Temperament
The Sussex Spaniel is gentle and affectionate and makes an excellent family companion. Even though he is not as fast as other sporting breeds but he does have great energy and endurance when he is in the field. This friendly and cheerful dog can often be stubborn especially during training. These dogs are intelligent and learn quickly but have a mind of their own. They need consistent and patient training. Barking may be problem with this breed as this dog bays when it hunts. This problem comes home with him. He needs to be taught not to bark excessively.
