Sussex Spaniel
A rare, golden-livered spaniel from the Sussex Weald - slow, steady and devoted, with a distinctive rolling gait and rich coat.
Personality Traits
History and Origins
The Sussex Spaniel was developed in the early 19th century at Rosehill Park in Sussex by Augustus Elliott Fuller. They were bred as a slower, heavier spaniel suitable for the dense undergrowth of the Sussex Weald, where a steady, thorough hunting dog was more effective than a fast, ranging one. Their characteristic tongue-giving (barking while hunting) helped shooters follow their progress through thick cover.
The breed nearly became extinct during both World Wars and was saved largely through the efforts of a single breeder, Joy Freer, who maintained a small population through the difficult years. Today the Sussex remains one of the rarest of all KC-recognised breeds, with very few puppies registered annually.
Appearance
The Sussex Spaniel is a low, long-bodied dog standing about 38-41 cm at the shoulder. The rich, golden-liver coat is unique among spaniels - a warm, burnished colour that gleams in sunlight. The coat is flat or slightly wavy with good feathering on the legs, ears and tail. The head is broad with large, hazel eyes and heavy, pendulous ears. The expression is gentle and somewhat serious. The body is muscular and built close to the ground with a distinctive rolling gait.
Is a Sussex Spaniel Right for You?
Sussex Spaniels suit patient owners who appreciate a calm, devoted companion. They are not the spaniel for those wanting high-energy retrieving and agility - the Sussex is a gentle, steady dog that prefers a moderate pace. They are excellent for less active owners or those who enjoy gentle countryside walks.
Their rarity means finding a puppy requires patience and a relationship with breed club breeders. They are worth the wait for those who fall in love with their gentle, warm personality.
Living with a Sussex Spaniel
Sussex Spaniels are devoted, gentle companions that bond deeply with their families. They are calm indoors and affectionate without being demanding. They have a cheerful, sometimes clownish side that emerges during play. They are good with children and other pets.
They can be vocal and may howl or bay, a legacy of their tongue-giving working heritage. They are stubborn about training at times but respond well to patient, reward-based methods. They are not watchdogs and greet most visitors with friendly interest.
Training Tips
- Be patient with training - they are willing but can be slow to respond
- Use high-value food rewards - Sussex Spaniels are food-motivated
- Provide moderate daily exercise - they are not high-energy dogs
- Keep ears clean and dry - their heavy ears are prone to infection
- Consider supporting the breed club to help preserve this rare breed
Temperament
Sussex Spaniels are gentle, devoted and calm. They are among the most laid-back of all spaniel breeds, lacking the frantic energy of the Springer or the intensity of the Working Cocker. They bond deeply with their family and are loyal, affectionate companions.
They have a cheerful, easy-going nature but can be stubborn about training. They are not aggressive or territorial and are generally sociable with people and other animals. Their calm, steady temperament makes them easy to live with.
Exercise Needs
Around 45 minutes to one hour of moderate exercise daily. Sussex Spaniels enjoy gentle walks at a steady pace. They are not fast dogs and prefer to amble and explore rather than gallop. They enjoy nose work and tracking activities that use their excellent scenting ability. They are content with less exercise than many sporting breeds but should not become couch potatoes - regular moderate activity keeps them healthy.
Grooming
The flat, golden-liver coat needs brushing two to three times a week. The feathering on ears, legs and belly requires regular attention to prevent matting. They shed moderately. The heavy, pendulous ears need weekly cleaning to prevent infection. Regular dental care and nail trimming are standard. The coat's unique colour should be maintained naturally - the golden-liver shade is one of the breed's most distinctive features.
Health
Sussex Spaniels can be affected by intervertebral disc disease due to their long backs. Hip dysplasia is screened for in breeding dogs. Heart conditions including pulmonic stenosis have been reported. The small gene pool means genetic diversity is a concern. Ear infections are common due to the heavy ear leather. Obesity must be carefully managed as excess weight stresses the long spine and can worsen disc problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Sussex Spaniels rare?
Very rare. They are listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed by the Kennel Club with extremely low annual registrations. Finding a puppy typically requires joining a waiting list through the breed club.
Are Sussex Spaniels lazy?
They are calm and low-energy compared to other spaniels, but they still enjoy and benefit from daily exercise. They are happiest with moderate activity and plenty of family companionship.
What colour are Sussex Spaniels?
Only one colour is accepted: rich golden-liver. This distinctive, warm burnished colour is unique among spaniels and one of the breed's most recognisable features.
Do Sussex Spaniels bark?
They can be vocal. Their working heritage involved giving tongue (barking) while hunting, and some retain this tendency. They may howl or bay, particularly when left alone.
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