Sussex Spaniel Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Sussex Spaniel?

Originally bred as a hunting dog, the Sussex Spaniel originated from southern England, in Sussex County. The breeding of the first of this breed probably occurred during the mid-nineteenth century, but then World War II almost drove many breeds to extinction. However, the breeding standards that were available before came into effect again after the war.

From then, these dogs started getting traded in the U.S., where they got recognized by the American Kennel Club. On the American Kennel Club ranking, these Canines of English origin hold 154th position amongst other dogs recognized by this body. They were one of the first ten breeds recognized and ranked by the AKC back in 1884.

Also, in the U.S., adult Sussex Spaniels began participating in different dog sports competitions. This breed is a very energetic dog, and it has good agility, endurance, and high mental stimulation making it the perfect participant to compete against other sporting breeds.

Who are Sussex Spaniel dogs best for?

If you have enough love and time to care for a dog, the Sussex hound could be the best pup for you. The relationship between a Sussex puppy and an owner is straightforward, and a deep affection for one another bonds it. However, pet owners with busy lifestyles might struggle with keeping up with their pups.

Being too busy to spend some time with this hound could lead to separation anxiety symptoms. Fortunately, the Sussex hound can adapt to apartment living, but it will need physical exercise outdoors frequently.

How much grooming does a Sussex Spaniel need?

Grooming requires a little more effort for the Sussex Spaniel puppy because of the dog hair this breed sheds. The thick, rich golden liver coat causes heavy shedding that requires attention. However, you can take your pup to a professional groomer who can trim the fur around the paws and ears.

Alternatively, you can go with the shaggy look but don't forget to brush off any excess hair frequently. Sussex Spaniels shed more than other dog breeds and must get brushed at least two or three times a week.

Do Sussex Spaniel bark much?

This breed uses its voice to aid hunters on their expeditions. Even domesticated Sussex hounds can get vocal, especially when it comes to strangers that seem to be suspicious. Although this breed is a friendly one, it will bark and howl when given a chance as a watchdog.

Although the barking could be a good deterrent, it can also annoy neighbours or other family members. Therefore, you should try to manage your pup's barking through proper training techniques for this breed. The training is most effective at a young age since it allows your hound to learn when its brain is still mouldable and most agile.

Do Sussex Spaniel bite?

As your hound grows older, its jaws will get stronger, which could cause some severe damage. Luckily, Sussex hounds don't tend to bite their owners even during playtime. However, when left to their own devices for more extended periods, they can cause some considerable damage to property.

Often a symptom of separation anxiety, it's important that you don't encourage this biting behaviour.

What is the temperament & personality of a Sussex Spaniel?

The most fundamental concept to grasp about this breed's personality is that it is very affectionate and sensitive. Due to its emotional sensitivity, this pup does not do well with being left alone for long periods. Giving a Sussex's attention is the key to its heart, and you can be sure it will reciprocate the love it receives.

Additionally, the Sussex Spaniel's temperament allows it to play well with other dogs and young kids. However, you have to ensure that other pets or your kids are not prone to rough handling due to the Sussex's physical sensitivity.

What is the weight & size of a Sussex Spaniel?

The average size of a Sussex hound ranges between 33 cm to 38 cm. A healthy weight range for this height is 15 kg to 20 kg. You can contribute to maintaining this healthy weight and size by taking your pup out for long walks or other forms of physical exercise.

How much training does a Sussex Spaniel need?

Any training offered to Sussex pups has to be done earlier in their life. The main reason is that this hound can manifest a stubborn streak after 8-12 weeks. In addition, as adult dogs, Sussex Spaniels begin being more strong-willed and physically robust, making it harder to train this breed.

Your puppy can be a very compelling sports participant with patience and dedication as it competes with other dogs in various sports categories. Alternatively, you can settle for obedience training to make the pup perfect for apartment living and playing nicely with other dogs.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Sussex Spaniel?

Like other dogs, Sussex pups tend to suffer from hip dysplasia, amongst a few health problems. Other conditions might develop genetically depending on the environment under which it was bred and any genetic health problems the puppy's parents had.

Common genetic health issues that could plague the Sussex breed include ear infections, Patent Ductus Arteriosis, and Pulmonic Stenosis. The latter two are heart conditions that could also affect other breeds. However, depending on the severity of the conditions, these health issues can get corrected by treatment or surgery.

What is the lifespan of a Sussex Spaniel?

The life span of Sussex hounds depends on factors such as health, environment, and treatment. A caring, loving home that attends to all medical concerns and offers a healthy lifestyle for this breed can improve its life span.

With a good family, the Sussex Spaniel pooch can live for as long as 15 years. The general life expectancy for these dogs ranges from 12 to 15 years, meaning they have one of the most extended lifespans amongst spaniels.

How much should you feed a Sussex Spaniel?

You should feed this breed high-quality dog food. You can opt for raw dog food that is either homemade or manufactured by a reputable manufacturer. The servings should be according to your dog's metabolism and weight.

However, try to spread daily meals to two times a day instead of one large meal within 24 hours.

What is the price of a Sussex Spaniel in Australia?

You can get your hands on Sussex hound puppies from responsible breeders across the country. Although the search might take a while, you can find a reputable breeder with extensive Sussex hound breeding experience.

These pups are very rare, and their price is hard to estimate, but some breeders offer them at around $3,800. Check with the breeder if they have clearance from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation before purchasing your Spaniel.

You can also check with the local rescue shelter if they have any Sussex Spaniel pups so that you can claim ownership and give this cute pup a home.