Sussex Spaniel
Also known as: Sussex
Energy Level
Apartment Friendly
Weight (Male)
35–45 lbs
Height (Male)
13–15 inches
Quick Facts
Coat Colors
Breed Summary
The Sussex Spaniel is a rare, low-slung sporting breed with a distinctive golden liver coat and a calm, cheerful disposition. One of the original AKC breeds, they are slow-paced hunters with an endearing, clownish personality.
History
Developed in Sussex, England in the 1800s by Augustus Fuller for hunting in the dense hedgerows of the region. One of the original nine AKC breeds in 1884. They nearly went extinct during World War II.
Appearance
Long, low body with short legs and a massive, serious-looking head. Their rich golden liver coat is unique among spaniels. Despite their somber expression, they are cheerful dogs with wagging tails.
Temperament
Calm, friendly, and sometimes clownish. Sussex Spaniels have an easygoing nature that belies their hunting heritage. They are content, undemanding companions.
Personality Around Others
Friendly with everyone and rarely aggressive. Good with children, other dogs, and pets. Their calm nature makes them easy to live with.
Exercise Needs
Low to moderate exercise needs. Daily walks of 30–45 minutes with some play. They are not high-energy dogs and are content with leisurely activity.
Training
Can be stubborn but respond to patient, positive methods. Food motivation helps. They learn at their own pace and shouldn't be rushed.
Grooming
Moderate grooming. Brush 2–3 times weekly. Their long coat can pick up debris. Regular ear cleaning. Professional grooming occasionally.
Health
Common Health Conditions
Their long, low body puts them at risk for back problems. Otherwise generally healthy with good longevity for a spaniel.
Recommended Health Tests
- Hip Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Average Annual Vet Cost
$300–$800
Nutrition
Feed a quality food with controlled portions. About 1.5–2 cups daily in two meals. Prone to weight gain if overfed.
Living Environment
Adaptable to apartments due to low energy. They are calm indoor dogs. A yard is nice but not required.
Ideal Family
Great for less active families, seniors, and those wanting a calm companion. Excellent for apartment living.
Intelligence
Moderately intelligent with a practical approach. They think things through and prefer not to be rushed.
Barking
Frequency
Alert
Separation
Quiet Indoors
Moderate barkers. They have a distinctive, musical bark. Not excessive but may vocalize when bored.
Shedding
Year-Round
Seasonal
Vacuum Factor 🧹
Hypoallergenic
Moderate shedding with seasonal increases. Regular brushing manages their long coat.
Weather Tolerance
☀️
Heat
❄️
Cold
🌧️
Rain
🌨️
Snow
💧
Humidity
Breed Ratings
Fun Facts
Sussex Spaniels are one of the rarest AKC breeds with fewer than 100 registered annually.
They were one of the original nine breeds recognized by the AKC in 1884.
Only eight Sussex Spaniels survived World War II, saving the breed from extinction.
They are the only spaniels that vocalize while hunting, giving tongue on the trail.
A Sussex Spaniel named Stump won Best in Show at Westminster in 2009 at age 10.
Famous Dogs
Stump
Won Westminster Best in Show in 2009 at 10 years old, the oldest dog to win
Bridge
One of eight Sussex Spaniels that survived WWII, helping save the breed
Common Myths
"Sussex Spaniels are too slow for anything."
While deliberately paced, they are effective hunters in dense cover. Their stamina and persistence make up for their lack of speed.
"They are always sad."
Despite their serious expression, Sussex Spaniels are cheerful, happy dogs. Their face just naturally looks somber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Sussex Spaniels so rare?
Their population never fully recovered after WWII when only eight survived. Limited breeding stock and lower demand for slow-paced hunting dogs kept numbers small.
Are they good apartment dogs?
Yes! Their low energy, calm nature, and moderate size make them one of the better sporting breeds for apartment living.
Puppy Guide
Sussex puppies are calm for sporting breed puppies. Start training early with positive methods. Protect their developing backs from jumping.
Senior Care
Senior Sussex may develop back problems. Maintain healthy weight. Provide ramps instead of stairs. Continue gentle daily walks.
Ownership Costs
Estimated Lifetime Cost
$15,000–$24,000
Pros and Cons
Pros
Calm, easygoing temperament
Good apartment dog
Friendly with everyone
Long lifespan
Low exercise requirements
Cons
Extremely rare and hard to find
Can be stubborn
Prone to back problems
Moderate shedding
Not widely recognized