SUSSEX SPANIEL Breed Standards
The Sussex Spaniel holds the proud distinction of being one of the first ten breeds admitted to the American Kennel Club Stud Book in 1884, and the dubious distinction of being one of the rarest AKC breeds in the United States today. The dog originated in Sussex County, England late in the 18th century where it was popular as a slow-moving and methodical working dog with a good nose, capable of bird flushing as well as retrieving.
This popularity was short lived, however, and by the early 20th century tastes had clearly moved toward swift and agile sporting dogs, especially in America. Though the breed’s future was fairly secure in its native England, numbers had dropped so low in the Untied States by 1954 that crosses with the Clumber Spaniel were necessary to ensure its continuation. The Sussex Spaniel still struggles to amass much of a following today.
SKILLS: The Sussex Spaniel was among the first ten breeds to be recognized and admitted to the Stud Book when the American Kennel Club was formed in 1884, but it has existed as a distinct breed for much longer. As its name implies, it derives its origin from the county of Sussex, England, and it was used there since the eighteenth century as a field dog. During the late 1800's the reputation of the Sussex Spaniel as an excellent hunting companion was well known among the estates surrounding Sussex County. Its short legs, massive build, long body, and habit of giving tongue when on scent made the breed ideally suited to penetrating the dense undergrowth and flushing game within range of the gun. Strength, maneuverability, and desire were essential for this purpose. Although it has never gained great popularity in numbers, the Sussex Spaniel continues today essentially unchanged in character and general appearance.
The Sussex Spaniel presents a long and low, rectangular and rather massive appearance coupled with free movements and nice tail action. The breed has a somber and serious expression. The rich golden liver color is unique to the breed. Size - The height of the Sussex Spaniel as measured at the withers ranges from 13 to 15 inches. Any deviation from these measurements is a minor fault. The weight of the Sussex Spaniel ranges between 35 and 45 pounds. Proportion - The Sussex Spaniel presents a rectangular outline as the breed is longer in body than it is tall. Substance - The Sussex Spaniel is muscular and rather massive.
SIZE: The body coat is abundant, flat or slightly waved, with no tendency to curl. The legs are moderately well-feathered, but clean below the hocks. The ears are furnished with soft, wavy hair. The neck has a well-marked frill in the coat. The tail is thickly covered with moderately long feather. No trimming is acceptable except to shape foot feather, or to remove feather between the pads or between the hock and the feet. The feather between the toes must be left in sufficient length to cover the nails.
Color - Rich golden liver is the only acceptable color and is a certain sign of the purity of the breed. Dark liver or puce is a major fault. White on the chest is a minor fault. White on any other part of the body is a major fault.
COAT: The soft medium-length, golden-red coat of the Sussex Spaniel should be brushed and combed regularly. Keep the ears clean and trim excessive hair between the pads on the bottom of the feet, but leave the tuft growing between the toes on the upper part of the feet. If necessary, have the older and lighter hair removed by plucking. Too much hair beneath the ears should be trimmed at regular intervals. The teeth should be checked in a puppy when new teeth emerge to make sure they do not push existing teeth aside, resulting in crooked teeth. This breed is an average shedder.
CARE REQUIRED: Despite its somber and serious expression, the breed is friendly and has a cheerful and tractable disposition.
EXERCISE: The Sussex Spaniel needs to be exercised regularly. It will quickly put on weight if it gets too little exercise. It enjoys retrieving and swimming and being outdoors in the woods and fields, but bear in mind it has a tendency to follow its nose.
TRAINING: The Sussex Spaniel will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient. This breed can live outdoors in temperate climates as long as it has warm shelter, but it generally does better as a house dog that also has access to a yard.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Sussex Spaniel is a quick learner but has a mind of its own. It is therefore important to be consistent with them. It needs firm and patient training. This breed likes to bark.
