Spaniel (Sussex)

The Sussex Spaniel is one of the oldest established spaniel breeds in Britain, developed in the county of Sussex in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries by a breeder named Fuller of Rosehill Park who worked for many years to establish a distinct and capable flushing spaniel suited to the particular conditions of the Sussex countryside - heavy, wet clay soil, thick hedgerows and dense woodland that required a dog with stamina, a good nose and the characteristic Sussex trait of giving tongue freely when working, allowing the hunter to follow the dog's progress through dense cover by sound. The breed was among the first registered with the Kennel Club at its foundation and was shown at the earliest British dog shows, but numbers declined sharply over the twentieth century to reach its current status as one of the UK's most endangered native dog breeds, appearing on the Kennel Club's Vulnerable Native Breeds list with very low annual registrations. The Sussex Spaniel is registered by the Kennel Club in the Gundog Group.

The Sussex Spaniel is a low-slung, long and heavily built spaniel of considerable solidity and substance. The coat is the most immediately recognisable feature - a rich, golden liver colour that is unique to the breed, flat and slightly wavy with generous feathering on the ears, legs and tail. The expression is grave, somewhat sad and earnest, and the characteristic rolling, low gait when moving is specific to the breed. The ears are large and lobular. Adults typically stand 33 to 38 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 16 to 23 kilograms.

The character is calm, loyal and gentle - somewhat more deliberate and less excitable than the Cocker or Springer Spaniel, with a measured, determined quality that reflects the Sussex working style of methodical, thorough coverage of ground. The breed is good with children, devoted to its family and generally sociable. The characteristic Sussex voice - a free and musical giving of tongue when working - is a deeply ingrained trait and prospective owners should consider this.

Health testing for Hip Dysplasia, cardiac conditions and eyes is essential for responsible breeders, and choosing a breeder who health tests actively also supports the preservation of this rare and historically important breed.

Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £700 to £1,500. Monthly running costs average £65 to £110. The Sussex Spaniel Association is the primary resource for breed information, health testing, responsible breeders and rescue contact.

Calm, loyal, gentle and determined. Good with children and generally sociable with other dogs. Less exuberant and drivey than many spaniel breeds. Devoted to its own family. The characteristically low, rolling gait and the deep, melodious voice are distinctive breed traits. A gentle, unhurried companion of considerable warmth and charm.

Intelligent and willing but characteristically determined and unhurried in the Sussex way. Responds well to patient, positive training. Less biddable than Cocker or Springer Spaniels but capable of good behaviour with consistent training. Early socialisation is important. The breed's natural voice - it gives tongue freely when working - should be managed if noise is a concern.

Needs 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. The Sussex Spaniel is less energetic than other spaniel breeds - a moderate exercise requirement suited to less active owners. It is still a working spaniel with a nose for scent and benefits from off-lead sniffing opportunities in secure areas.

Hip Dysplasia testing of both parents is strongly recommended. Cardiac assessment is recommended - the Sussex Spaniel Club advises cardiac screening given the documented incidence of heart conditions in the breed. Eye testing is recommended. The small population limits comprehensive health data but the Sussex Spaniel Association provides health guidance. Supporting the breed through health-tested breeding is important given the Vulnerable Native Breed status.

Feed a high-quality complete food for a small to medium active breed. Two meals daily. Monitor weight - the low-slung build and dense coat conceal weight gain. The breed is prone to obesity and food intake should be carefully managed.

The dense, flat, rich golden liver coat requires brushing two to three times weekly to maintain condition and prevent tangles in the feathering. The ears require regular cleaning and checking. Professional grooming several times yearly is standard. The coat is not excessively high maintenance for a spaniel.

Purchase price from a KC-registered, health-tested breeder: £700 to £1,500. The breed is very rare. Monthly running costs: £65 to £110.

Suits calm, patient owners who appreciate a loyal, unhurried companion with gentle working spaniel character. Good with children. Less energetic than Springer or Cocker Spaniels. Rare - expect a waiting list. An excellent choice for those who want a quieter spaniel and wish to support a British native breed in need of preservation.