Sussex Spaniel
Sussex Spaniel is a breed of dog which was developed in Sussex (a historic county in South East England). Sussex Spaniels can be slow-paced but have an energetic temperament. They are similar to a small, dark ‘Clumber Spaniel’ in appearance. Sussex Spaniels suffer from health conditions similar to the spaniels and other large dogs.
Sussex Spaniel was first bred in 1795 in Hastings (East Sussex) for specific hunting purposes. They became nearly extinct during World War-II. Sussex Spaniels are now more popular in the United States and also accepted by all major kennel clubs. Sussex Spaniel also won the best in a show in 2009 held by the Westminster Kennel Club.
Lifespan
The average life of Sussex Spaniel is expected to be 12 to 15 years.
Weight and Height
Sussex Spaniel is a low compact spaniel, similar to ‘Clumber Spaniel’ in appearance. The usual weight of Sussex Spaniel ranges between 16 to 20 kg (35 to 45 lb) with a roughly rectangular appearance, and the height should be 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm) at the withers.
Clumber Spaniel is normally weighing between 25 to 39 kg (55 to 85 lb) and 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) tall at the shoulder.
Coat and Colors
Golden liver-colored coat is one of the perceptible features of Sussex Spaniels, which is unique to the breed. Historically, Sussex Spaniels have also been found in black and sandy colors. The coat is thick (sometimes little wavy), feathering on the chest, legs, and ears. The coat contains a weather-resistant basecoat with a silky outer-coat. The eyes of Sussex Spaniel are hazel-colored and the silky ears are lobe-shaped and set moderately low. Sussex Spaniels are short and stocky dogs.
Sussex Spaniel Temperament
Sussex Spaniel is a slow-paced and tranquil dog breed with slightly clownish behavior that usually keeps the dog energetic and enthusiastic. They are always eager to be around people. They are excellent with the children and can be quite protective of their family. They are excellent for therapy-dog work. Sussex Spaniels are mostly family pets, but they are accomplished to aid a hunter. They tend to have a natural skill to quarter in the field. They have wonderful noses and can be used to retrieve games.
Sussex Spaniel is suitable for apartment life if properly trained and socialized. It is abstemiously active inside the house, but a small yard will be sufficient.
Grooming and Training
Moderate but regular grooming is required to keep its fur in a good shape. Random trimming or stripping is required. Sussex Spaniel is an easily trainable dog so training would not require undue attention and efforts. Sussex Spaniel needs regular exercises of daily walks but it should be accompanied with the owner. The dog enjoys retrieving and swimming and being outdoors in the woods and fields. The breed may howl if not properly trained or left unaccompanied.
History
Mr. Fuller of Rosehill Park, Hastings in the East Sussex (England) started breeding gun-dogs in 1795 to work in the districts where the land was rough and the bushes were very dense. Sussex Spaniel was required to give tongue or to alert the hunter on his quarry. Mr. Fuller crossed many breeds, for instance, liver and white Norfolk Spaniel, Field Spaniel, and perhaps some early English Springer Spaniels. The Sussex Spaniel was bred specifically to get barking ability which was not common in most Spaniel breeds during this epoch.
Sussex Spaniel was one of the first 10 breeds, acknowledged at American Kennel Club in 1884. But the breed lost the little reputation it had achieved in the 1940s. During Second World War, the breeding was discouraged but Sussex Spaniel was saved from extinction by English breeder “Joy Freer”. All the existing Sussex Spaniels are descended from the dogs she saved. In 1947, only 10 Sussex Spaniels were listed at the English Kennel Club.
In 2004, the breed was recognized as a susceptible native breed by the Kennel Club (UK) with an annual registration number of less than 300 per year. In 2008, only 56 puppies were recorded.
In 2009, a Sussex Spaniel named ‘Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee’ call name ‘Stump’ won best in the show at 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Ten years old Stump was the oldest dog to win this title.
The breed is more popular in the United States than other countries. Now the breed is recognized by Continental Kennel Club (CKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), American Kennel Club (AKC), Kennel Club of UK, Canadian Kennel Club, National Kennel Club, New Zealand Kennel Club, and American Canine Registry.