<b>History:</> The Sussex Spaniel is a small-game hunter and companion dog, developed in Sussex County, England. The breed was probably developed from crosses of spaniels with hounds. The Sussex is very rare, and only survived World War II through the efforts of English breeder Joy Freer. Most of today's Sussex spaniels are descended from the eight dogs she saved and fed during the war. The Sussex hunts slowly, but has a fine nose, and very good strength and stamina in the field. Best at flushing game for hunters on foot, the Sussex spaniel can also be taught to retrieve.
<b>Description:</> A hefty, strong golden-liver colored spaniel with a flat or slightly wavy, thick coat. The legs, undersides and tail are feathered. The loose skin and heavy long ears are somewhat reminiscent of the Basset Hound. The eyes are hazel and fairly large, and the nose is brown. The head is broad and somewhat heavy. The tail is docked and the thick ears are fairly long, pendant and hair-covered.
<b>Notes:</> Bays sometimes when hunting (this is the only spaniel to do so). May howl a lot when left alone. Prone to ear infections, so the ears should be cleaned regularly. Do not overfeed as this breed tends to gain weight easily. The coat blends into a wooded landscape near sunset, so hunters using Sussex Spaniels need to be very careful not to shoot their dogs accidentally!
<b>Personality:</> Steady and calm around the house, not very outgoing or demonstrative compared to other spaniels. Sweet, gentle and devoted. May be pretty willful, needs firm, patient training. Novice owners should be willing and able to assert their dominance. Can be snappish if annoyed. Tends to be aggressive with unfamiliar dogs.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Excellent with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Loves everyone.
<C>Trainability:</C> somewhat difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Needs people a lot.
<C>Dominance:</C> High.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Tends to be fairly dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Likes to howl.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Regular grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Feathered coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Docking:</C> The tail is customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A fair jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Moderately active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> A small yard is sufficient.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, retrieving, and watchdog.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> SUSSEX SPANIEL
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
