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Sussex Spaniel

The Sussex Spaniel is very much a dog bred for a purpose; the breed was developed by Mr Fuller of Brightling in Sussex to work the heavy clay soil and dense cover on his Rosehill Estate. He worked on developing his ideal for fifty years. The Breed Standard describes him as "Massive, strongly built. Active, energetic dog ..." and he certainly is a highly distinctive dog. Close to the ground, measuring 41cm and weighing 50lbs he is built to plough through any cover. Unlike most gundogs the Sussex Spaniel gives tongue when working.

The Sussex Spaniel has had some low points during the last hundred years. The two wars in Europe caused problems in most breeds as maintaining a kennel was considered frivolous and unpatriotic. However, it was fortunate enough to have a strong champion in Mrs Joy Freer of the Fourclovers affix; she devoted six decades to the Sussex, and though it reached a real low after the 1939-45 war with only 5 known dogs, with the help of an outcross organised by the Sussex Spaniel Association in the 1950s the fortunes of the breed revived.

He is a well-natured breed who would make a good addition to a country family who can offer him the exercise he needs; don't be misled into thinking that his heavy build indicates a lazy dog. The Breed Association is keen to help owners retain their dogs working abilities, and it must be borne in mind that these qualities that have been worked at and bred for cannot just be turned off.

The Sussex Spaniel has an unusual coat; the colour is described as "rich golden liver" which makes a lovely picture on a sunny day; there is quite a lot of it with good feathering, which means that he is likely to bring a fair bit of the outside back into the house with him. Not a dog for the excessively houseproud. His heavy bone does mean that careful rearing is vital, but the Sussex Spaniel Association would certainly give all the guidance you need, as would any breeder. 

Click here to read the Sussex Spaniel Breed Standard.

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Selected Books

The time to make sure that this is the right breed for you is before you bring him home; if you and Sussex Spaniel are to be happy together there is plenty of research to be done.  Even if you do not intend to work him, having an appreciation of Gundog Training will help you understand why he behaves as he does. 

In addition to learning what kind of behaviour is specific to Gundogs, understanding your dog, and what his motivations are on a more general level can save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties.  It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy.  For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation.  The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.

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SUSSEX SPANIEL ASSOC        Mrs Sheila Appleby 023 80 283712

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Contact the Sussex Spaniel Association. They should be able to give you information about dogs requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own dog, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.

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Sussex Spaniel Breeders

• Quarr 
• Sovaroma

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If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.