The Sussex Spaniel, also known as the Sussex, is a specialized hunting dog known for its low profile, short legs, golden-liver color and massive head. The Sussex was developed specifically as a field hunting dog that was particularly adept at penetrating thick, heavy undergrowth to reach and flush game birds. The Sussex Spaniel has an especially keen nose for finding upland game. One of its more unusual traits is “giving tongue” – or “baying” - while on the hunt, keeping the hunter informed about the type and location of quarry being flushed. According to one author: “He is a noisy, babbling sort, that will rouse a cock from the densest covert. So natural does this babbling seem… that no matter how young, down go their heads and out comes the music.”
His expression is somber and serious, but in temperament he is friendly and tractable. This is one of the rarest of all English spaniels. The Sussex Spaniel was accepted into the Stud Book of the American Kennel Club in 1884 – one of the original ten breeds to be so recognized - as a member of the Sporting Group. The mature Sussex Spaniel stands from 13 to 15 inches at the withers and weighs between 35 and 45 pounds. He is longer than he is tall and is a characteristic rich golden-liver in color.
The Sussex Spaniel reportedly originated on the Rosehill Park estate in Brightling, Sussex County, England, in the 1850s. Augustus Elliot Fuller, the owner of Rosehill, is credited with developing the breed as a field dog built to easily penetrate dense brush and flush game. It is thought that Fuller crossed a variety of spaniel breeds, including the Springer, with hounds to create the Sussex. In 1882, Moses Woolland became involved with the breed and within
Sussex Spaniels are gentle, easy-going, affectionate dogs who enjoy being active participants in family life. They are happy to be lazy on the couch for a relaxing Sunday afternoon, but when they are outdoors the Sussex springs to life, running, leaping and playing like a puppy. These hunting dogs were designed to withstand long days in the field, working in rough terrain and all types of weather. This background gives the Sussex energy to spare,
The Sussex Spaniel is a muscular, golden-liver colored dog with a thick wavy or flat coat. The broad head is slightly heavy. The muzzle is long and wide with an indentation in the middle and a full stop. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. Sussex Spaniels sport loose skin and long, heavy ears that are covered in thick, soft, wavy hair. The hazel eyes are large and expressive and the nose is brown.
The saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Check out the many different Sussex Spaniel Pictures and Sussex Spaniel images. Get an in depth look at the Sussex Spaniel and see the many things that this breed has to offer.