Origin and Recognition

The Sussex Spaniel hails from Sussex, England, and was first recorded in 1795 in East and West Sussex, particularly at Goodwood and Rolvenden. This breed was among the first to be recognized by the UK Kennel Club in 1872 and was also one of the first breeds eligible for registration by the American Kennel Club. Despite nearly becoming extinct during World War II, the breed was saved and is now more popular in the United Kingdom and the United States than in any other country.

It was bred at Goodwood, West Sussex, in 1792, and by Augustus Elliot Fuller of Rose Hill, now known as Brightling Park in East Sussex, England. The Sussex Spaniel is a native breed to the county and was specifically bred to inherit the barking ability, or "giving tongue," which was not common in most Spaniel breeds at the time.

In 2004, the breed was identified as a vulnerable native breed by the Kennel Club of Great Britain, with annual registration figures of less than 300 per year. However, in 2009, a Sussex Spaniel named "Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee," or "Stump," won best in show at the 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, becoming the oldest dog to win this title at 10 years old.

Physical Description

The Sussex Spaniel is a low, compact spaniel, similar in appearance to the Clumber Spaniel but with a distinctive rich golden liver coat. It stands no taller than 38 cm at the withers and weighs between 16-20 kg. The breed has a rectangular appearance and a thick, weather-resistant coat with a silky outer layer and feathering on the chest, legs, and ears. The eyes are hazel, and the ears are lobe-shaped, typical of the Spaniel breed.

Historically, there have also been examples of black, black and tan, and golden liver and white Sussex Spaniels. The coat is thick, sometimes with a slight wave, and consists of a weather-resistant undercoat with a silky outer coat. The long silky ears are lobe-shaped and set moderately low, contributing to the breed's distinctive look.

Temperament and Behavior

The Sussex Spaniel is known for its calm and affectionate nature, with temperament tags including calm, gentle, friendly, loyal, and alert. This breed is slow-paced and can exhibit somewhat clownish behavior, keeping its energy and enthusiasm in check. They are eager to be around people, making them excellent candidates for therapy dog work.

They are friendly and excellent around children, often protective of the family. While they are competent enough to aid a hunter, they can be quite stubborn to train. Most Sussex Spaniels are primarily family pets but have a natural ability to quarter in the field and can be trained to retrieve, given proper training. The breed is the only spaniel to howl once a game's scent is picked up, a unique trait among spaniels.

Health Considerations

While the Sussex Spaniel is a robust breed, it is prone to certain health conditions. Hip dysplasia, a genetic malformation of the hip joint, may be a concern, but due to the breed's compact nature, it is not often seriously debilitating. The Orthopaedic Foundation For Animals reported that 41.5% of Sussex Spaniels were affected by hip dysplasia, ranking the breed 9th worst out of 157 breeds.

Otitis externa, or outer ear infections, is another common condition in the breed, often caused by mites, ear fungi, and general dirt and germs. The long, floppy ears of the Sussex Spaniel trap moisture, making them more prone to recurrent infections than dogs with more upright ears. Treatment can range from prescribed antibiotics to over-the-counter ear cleaning liquids.

Heart conditions are also a concern, with pulmonary valve stenosis being the most common congenital heart defect. This condition can lead to heart failure due to the improper formation of the pulmonary valve. Patent ductus arteriosus and tetralogy of Fallot are also seen in the breed, with symptoms ranging from heart murmurs to reduced activity levels to death.

Intervertebral Disc Syndrome

Intervertebral disc syndrome, also known as spinal disc herniation, is a common condition in the Sussex Spaniel. This occurs when the intervertebral disc bulges or ruptures into the vertebral canal, where the spinal cord resides. Symptoms can range from mild back or neck pain to paralysis of limbs, loss of sensation, and loss of bladder or bowel control. Treatment can include medical confinement, pain medication, and surgery, with the success rate depending on the severity of the herniation.

History and Popularity

The Sussex Spaniel is one of the oldest spaniel breeds, with a history dating back to 1795. It was bred to work in dense undergrowth, requiring a spaniel that could give tongue or alert the hunter on his quarry. The breed was recognized by the UK Kennel Club in 1872 and by the American Kennel Club in 1884. Despite losing popularity in the 1940s, the breed was saved from extinction during World War II by English breeder Joy Freer.

Today, the Sussex Spaniel is more popular in the United Kingdom and the United States than in any other country. It is recognized by all major kennel clubs, including the Continental Kennel Club, Fédération Cynologique Internationale, American Kennel Club, Kennel Club of Great Britain, Canadian Kennel Club, National Kennel Club, New Zealand Kennel Club, and the American Canine Registry.

Buying a Sussex Spaniel

Look for a reputable breeder who can provide health clearances and ensure that the puppies come from healthy parents. It is also crucial to be prepared for the potential costs associated with veterinary care, especially for conditions like hip dysplasia and heart conditions.

Ensure that your home and lifestyle can accommodate a large, energetic dog with a moderate shedding coat. Consider joining a local Sussex Spaniel club or association for support and resources.