Sussex Spaniel: signals the hunter with a distinctive bark

An affectionate and protective dog in everyday life and a great companion for hunting. This long-bodied, short spaniel is particularly rare, but it can be a working dog, a show dog and a family pet.

The Sussex Spaniel is the smallest of the hunting Spaniels. Its body is also slightly longer than its relatives. But what makes it special is that it makes a distinctive clucking sound to let the hunter know what is happening. This some say because it boasts a bloodline. In everyday life, the Sussex Spaniel does the same thing to signal important events to his owner, but does not bark at every little thing that happens. Although it has a lot of good qualities, it is unfortunately a very rare breed, with 34 puppies registered in 2018 in its home country, England.

History

The Sussex Spaniel was established in the United Kingdom in the 1800s. Evolution of Augustus Elliott Fuller a Sussex landowner who bred the breed for 50 years. He used them primarily as working dogs for hunting on his vast estate, Rosehill. The breed owes its present form to Moses Woolland and Campbell Newington. Woolland acquired his first Sussex Spaniels in 1882 and his dogs were very similar to those of today. He successfully bred both show and working spaniels. Campbell Newington started breeding the breed in 1887 and his dogs were similar to Woolland’s.

After Woolland’s death, Newington alone tried to preserve the Sussex Spaniel, and then J. E. Kerr became interested in the breed and more litters were born. After the First World War, however, the breed declined. By 1945, only 7 known Sussex Spaniels remained. The survival of the breed is mainly due to the efforts of Joy Freer, who bred and perfected her stock for 60 years. Today the breed is rare worldwide, with only 34 puppies registered in the UK in 2018.

Breed standard

A Sussex Spaniel has a strong and compact build. It is a lively, active dog with a distinctive, distinctly jerky movement unlike any other spaniel. The head is of proportionate size. The skull is broad with a moderate slope from one ear to the other. Not flat, not apple-shaped, with a small depression in the middle. The stop is well defined, as is the occipital crest. The nostrils are well developed, liver-coloured. Eyes large, hazel in colour. Friendly expression. Ears thick, large, lobed, moderately deep set, but above the eye line. They hang close to the head and have a fine, wavy coat, but not too abundant. Bite scissor-like, mouth strong. Neck long, strong, not too much down, but well defined collar. Limbs short, strong and moderately flagged. Paws are rounded, well padded, with well bristled around the fingers. Chest deep, well developed; back and loins muscular. Tail deeply set on, not carried above the backline. Light, free moving, well furred but not flagging. Coat abundant, smooth, not curly. With plenty of undercoat to withstand the elements. Colour deep golden liver brown, tending to golden on the limbs. Mares 38-40 cm tall. Males weigh about 20 kg, bitches 18 kg.

Expected lifetime 12-15 years.

Character of the Sussex Spaniel

He is a loving and loyal companion, who is also a family pet. Very attached to his owner, he is almost always on his heels, a true four-legged companion. He is very easy to get along with other dogs and children. Demands attention and is sensitive to his owner’s mood swings, and if ignored can become lethargic, anxious and and destructive. He is a people person, especially when it comes to his own family. He tends to be protective of them and sometimes dominant with other dogs, so proper and early socialisation is essential, otherwise he can become overprotective. Although his energy levels are not particularly high, he does well in dog sports, such as agility, but he also enjoys swimming. His training requires understanding, patience and a touch of humour, as the Sussex Spaniel tends to be stubborn at times. Despite this, he is intelligent, but prefers to do only what makes sense to him. He is also a great signal dog, barking to let his owner know that something is happening around the front door.

Ideal environment

The Sussex Spaniel is most at home in a house with a garden in the countryside, but city life can also suit him if he can be taken for frequent walks. To avoid any excessive barking should be curbed as early as possible, otherwise relations with the neighbours will not be good. As he is very attached to his owner, he does not tolerate loneliness and should not be left alone for long hours. He typically gets on well with other dogs and children. His exercise needs are average and he does not need to be jogged for long hours, but remember that he is a hunting dog and therefore active and lively, even if he may seem a little sluggish at first glance. He loves swimming and taking part in dog sports such as agility. For car rides as he adapts easily to different situations.

Care

It’s a good idea to comb through the coat once or twice a week to prevent tangles. It is not necessary to trim the coat, but the hair between the pads should be trimmed short from time to time. To keep his ears clean should be kept clean, as they are floppy and hairy, which is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Claws should be trimmedif they become too long.

Common health problems

A Sussex Spaniel are most affected by the health problems typical of a typical spaniel. They may have hip joint dysplasia, heart problems and sometimes spinal problems. Pregnant bitches often have need a caesarean section.

Literature: János Szinák – István Veress: A világ kutyái II., David Alderton: Dogs, Dr. Pál Sárkány: International Dog Encyclopedia, Sarah Whitehead – Beverly Cuddy: Dogs