Sussex Spaniel

Size
Medium (11kg - 27kg)
Exercise
20 min/day
Training
Puppy school only
Size of home
House with garden
Time at home
Often alone
Grooming
Weekly
Barking preference
Low
Personality
Independent + affectionate

History

The Sussex Spaniel is a breed of dog developed in Sussex in southern England. It is a low, compact spaniel and is similar in appearance to the Clumber Spaniel.(1)

In 1795, Mr. Fuller of Rosehill Park, Hastings in East Sussex, England began breeding gun dogs to work in districts where the terrain was rough and the undergrowth very dense which meant that a spaniel was needed which could give tongue or to alert the hunter on his quarry. Fuller crossed various breeds such as the liver and white Norfolk Spaniel (now extinct), the Field Spaniel, and possibly some early English Springer Spaniels. The Sussex was bred specifically to inherit the barking ability that was not common in most Spaniel breeds during this era.(2)

Appearance

Strongly built. Active, energetic dog, whose characteristic movement is a decided roll, and unlike that of any other Spaniel.(3)

One of the noticeable features is their golden liver-coloured coat which is unique to the breed. (4)

Historically however, there have also been examples of both black and sandy coloured Sussex Spaniels. (5) The coat is thick (sometimes with a slight wave to it), feathering on the chest, legs and ears (6) and consists of a weather-resistant undercoat with a silky outer coat. The eyes are hazel in colour. The silky ears are lobe-shaped typical of the Spaniel, and set moderately low. The Sussex is a short, stocky kind of dog.

Temperament

The Sussex Spaniel is a slow-paced, calm breed with somewhat clownish behaviour that normally keeps his energy and enthusiasm in check. He is always eager to be around people, is excellent around children, and can be quite protective of the family. They make excellent candidates for therapy dog work. Most Sussex Spaniels are primarily family pets, but they are competent enough to aid a hunter though quite stubborn to train. They tend to have a natural ability to quarter in the field, have excellent noses, and can be used to retrieve, given training. The breed is the only spaniel to howl once a game's scent is picked up.[6]

Sizes

Ideal Height: 38-41 cms (15-16 ins) at withers

Ideal Weight approx. 50 lbs (3)

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Sussex Spaniel, you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Sussex Spaniel and its needs, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References

Wikipedia.org
"Sussex Spaniel Information". Sarah's Dogs.
DOGS AUSTRALIA.org.au
"Sussex Spaniel: AKC Breed Standard"
Lee, Rawdon B. (2008). A History And Description Of The Modern Dogs (Sporting Division) Of Great Britain And Ireland.
Smith, Steve (2002). The Encyclopedia of North American Sporting Dogs: Written by Sportsmen for Sportsmen.

Image: worlddogshow2018

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 05 Aug 2009)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

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.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Skull wide, showing moderate curve from ear to ear, neither flat nor apple headed, with centre indentation and a pronounced stop. Brows frowning; occiput decided, but not pointed. Nostrils well developed and liver in colour. Well balanced head.
Eyes	Hazel colour, fairly large, not full, but soft expression and not showing haw.
Ears	Thick, fairly large and lobular, set moderately low, just above eye level. Lying close to skull.
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, pastern 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	Previously customarily docked to 13-18cms (5-7ins)Docked: Set low and never carried above the level of the back. Tail thickly covered with hair but not feathered.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.Lively tail action is typical of the breed.
Gait/Movement	True fore and aft with distinctive roll.
Coat	Abundant and flat with no tendency to curl and with ample undercoat for weather resistance. Ears covered with soft, wavy hair, but not too profuse. Forequarters and hindquarters moderately well feathered.
Colour	rich golden liver and hair shading to golden at tip; gold predominating. Dark liver or puce undesirable.
Size	Ideal Height: 38-41 cms (15-16 ins) at withersIdeal Weight approx. 50 lbs

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog, and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.