Sussex Spaniel
Group: Sporting Dogs
Origin: Great Britain
Height:
– Males: Approximately 14 to 16 inches (35-51 cm)
– Females: Approximately 13 to 15 inches (33-38 cm)
Weight:
– Males: 45 lbs (20 kg) or more
– Females: 40 lbs (18 kg) or more
CLICK HERE to View Breeder Listings
Breed Profile
The Sussex Spaniel was developed in Sussex County, England as a working spaniel. He was used there since the 18th century as a field dog, with his job being to force his way under low and dense undergrowth to flush out game. The breed was among the first ten breeds to be recognized and admitted to the Stud Book when the American Kennel Club was formed in 1884.
In appearance and character, today’s Sussex Spaniel is essentially unchanged from those of the 19th century. He is long, low to the ground, massive, energetic and strong. He has a cheerful and affectionate temperament but with a somber and serious expression.
The Sussex Spaniel is a loyal, devoted dog who enjoys constant companionship. If raised with them, the Sussex is also generally very good with children and other pets. The Sussex is an active breed who enjoys many sports and activities, including conformation shows, obedience trials, hunting, tracking, agility, as well as working as a Therapy Dog.
His coat is flat or slightly wavy, fine in texture, abundant and with an undercoat that is weather resistant. His colour is a rich golden liver with golden shading toward the tips of the hairs and is unique to the breed.
Health Issues
The Sussex Spaniel has relatively few health concerns with the most serious being heart related. In addition, Hypothyroidism, prostate disease, deafness and some eye problems do exist.
If you are considering the adoption of a Sussex Spaniel puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main General Information page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Sussex Health — From the Sussex Spaniel Club of America
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
- Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.
Grooming Information
- Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
Breed Listing
*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org
*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
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