| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
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The Sussex Spaniel is native of Great Britain and is in danger of extinction. It is one of the rarest breeds of Spaniels recognized nowadays.
The Sussex Spaniel is one of the least known types of Spaniels worldwide. It is a remarkable flushing dog; it can detect its prey when it is hurt using their well-developed sense of smell.
Despite its size, it is a robust dog. It has a natural working ability, since it is extremely active and vigorous.
Sussex Spaniel: Origins
This flushing dog was used during the XVII century for hunting partridges and pheasants in Sussex County, England. It was created by crossing different types of Spaniels and in 1862, due to its beauty and charm, it became popular in London.
It is said that Mr. Fuller, a landlord at Sussex County, had many Spaniel breeds, including the Sussex Spaniel, and it was him who bred them as hunting and flushing dogs.
During World War II, this breed was on the edge of extinction in its country of origin, until a group of enthusiasts saved it and started breeding these dogs. These people managed to save them from extinction, even though nowadays there are only a few specimens.
Sussex Spaniel: Appearance
The Sussex Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a solid constitution. An adult Sussex Spaniel may be between 14 and 16 in (38 to 41 cm) tall and weight approximately 50 lb (ca. 23 kg). Their body is similar to the body of a Dachshund, long with short limbs, which gives them a characteristic gait.
The Sussex has fairly big hazel eyes and a loving and soft look. Their ears are thick, long, and soft; set moderately low, they fall softly over the head of this magnificent animal. In general, its body is robust and strongly built. It has a wide skull and perfectly rectangular jaws. The nose is liver and the nostrils are wide, typical of a flushing dog gifted with an excellent sense of smell.
Maybe, the most distinctive characteristic of the Sussex Spaniel is its soft and shiny coat. It has abundant wavy rich golden liver hair, shading to golden at tips, which covers all its body and becomes fringed on its legs.
Sussex Spaniel: Temperament
The Sussex is an adorable dog, which can interact with children and adults, a perfect companion dog for a family. However, it tends to be less playful than other Spaniels because it has a calm, balanced temperament and a unique sweetness.
Unlike other hunting dogs, the Sussex has a low level of energy, but it is actively engaged with its job, and it will do anything to fulfill its owner’s needs. It only barks when hunting or when it warns about something suspicious or the presence of a stranger. This is why it can also be a great guardian dog.
It is suitable for a life in the city or in the county. It is a calm dog, and although it stays alert when it comes to strangers, it will not be aggressive.
The Sussex is an independent working dog, which usually is possessive of its owner. Although it may be stubborn, it is intelligent and astute like no other dog. It should be properly raised since puppyhood to be obedient and not to rebel or be mischievous.
Sussex Spaniel: Health
This breed enjoys excellent health; it could be said that they are as strong as an ox. They rarely get sick and can live many years. The only disease that they may develop is hip dysplasia, which can be detected at an early age and treated by a vet.
As we already mentioned, it is a dog that can adapt to different lifestyles, but its soul prefers the country. If it lives in an apartment or in the city, it should be regularly stimulated with walks and games so as not to get bored and have a healthy physical condition. If you satisfy all its needs, regarding nutrition and exercise, it will not get overweight or obese.
As regards grooming, it will have to be brushed and bathed several times a week, and you should check its ears which should be clean to prevent infections or fungus. The hair on the limbs should be trimmed regularly, as well as the hair on its pads.
Sussex Spaniel: Diet
It is said that these dogs are slow growing; it may grow for 2 or 3 years. This is why nutrition during this period is critical to raise a healthy dog. Dog food, like kibbles, are ideal for this breed; you should always talk to your vet about the good quality brands of food that have the nutrients, proteins, and minerals that your puppy needs to grow strong and healthy. Two daily meals are recommended, plus some treats during training.
In some cases, this breed, like all the hunting and flushing dogs, may suffer from gastric torsion or abdominal bloating caused by eating excessively and quickly. Ideally, you should wait a few minutes after exercising or playing; to relieve the dog’s anxiety, you should give it a bowl of fresh water before the meal.
Sussex Spaniel: Puppies
Usually, a Sussex Spaniel puppy is very stubborn, so it needs training from a young age to learn discipline and obedience.
If you want to raise it as a hunting dog, you should remember that positive reinforcements are highly effective, especially if you add a treat to which this little furry animal cannot resist.
Sussex Spaniel: Price, Breeders, and Puppies For Sale
A Sussex Spaniel may cost between 1000 and 1700 dollars, or 900-1500 English pounds. You should remember that there is a small number of specimens around the globe and because it is one of the rarest Spaniel breeds, they are highly expensive.
You can find the best-registered breeders in countries such as The United States, England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, South Africa, India, Australia, among others, from whom you can request all the information you need.
Furthermore, you must buy a dog from a reliable breeder so that you can be sure that your puppy has been:
- Bred for good health and temperament;
- Well-selected (this means that its parents were chosen without genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too fearful or too aggressive;
- Vaccinated and well-groomed.
If you adopt a puppy, the reliable breeder will provide you with a veterinary certificate that states that the animal has been dewormed and is completely healthy.
Now that we have mentioned the most important aspects, you can go searching for your new 4-legged friend, who is certainly waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Caucasian Shepherd
- Bullmastiff
- Newfoundland
- Irish Wolfhound
- Havanese
- English Mastiff
- Scottish Deerhound
- Vizsla
- Weimaraner
- Kai Ken
