Sussex Spaniel Dog Breed Profile

by Luke Blaise

AKC Group: Sporting Group

The Sussex Spaniel is a dog breed established in Sussex, Southern England. It's a small lightweight spaniel and is identical in features to the Clumber Spaniel. Although short, this dog has a strong body, and an even stronger sense of smell.

History

The Sussex Spaniel was most likely developed from the mixing of spaniels with hounds. The dog was bred particularly to inherit the barking potential which was not typical in the many Spaniel breeds of this time. The Sussex Spaniel was among the first ten breeds admitted to the stud book by the AKC in 1884. But since that time the breed confirmation has changed quite a bit.

Physical Features

The dog is a small compact spaniel, similar in appearance to a Clumber Spaniel. It is commonly not higher than 13-15 inches at the withers and typically the weight is between 35 and 45 pounds. Their bodies have a rectangle or appearance. In comparison, the Clumber Spaniel is between 17 and 20 inches high, and weighs between 55 and 95 pounds.

One of many obvious characteristics of the Sussex Spaniel is the coat color of golden liver that is exceptional. In the past there have been other colors like either sandy or black. The dog's coat is dense, feathering at the ears, chest and legs and has a weather proof undercoat with a silky external coat.

Personality

The Susses Spaniel is a calm, slow paced dog with a relatively clownish attitude that normally keeps his strength and eagerness under control. He's always eager to be with people and is great around kids. They are outstanding dogs for therapy work. Most Sussex Spaniels are mainly family pets, but they're skilled enough to help a hunter. They have outstanding noses, and are useful to retrieve things.

Common Health Problems

Vulnerable to ear infections; the ears must be cleaned often. Some minor issues are heart murmurs, enlarged heart, intervertebral disc syndrome and otitis externa. Gains weights very easily, don't over feed.

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