Friendly, sociable and lively, the Sussex Spaniel is a hunting breed turned loyal companion. Active and energetic, they get along brilliantly with older children, other canines and benefit from running around a large yard.

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While your Sussex Spaniel might seem slow and lazy, when they get on the scent of a bird they become lightning fast. They are a long, low and heavyset dog with a somber expression. They are laid back, happy and friendly dogs with a cheerful disposition but are also very wilful. Consistent training is key as they aren’t as quick to learn as other breeds. Happy and loyal, your Sussex Spaniel is an ideal family pet however they need extensive socialisation from a young age, especially with other animals and young children. A Sussex Spaniel will be as loud and vocal as an opera singer and will make an excellent watchdog. They tend to bark when anyone approaches the house and bond very strongly to their family. They can become anxious if left alone for too long and are best suited to a home with their family.

Fun fact: They are one of the earliest Spaniel breeds, being recognised

as early as 1790. At the end of World War II there were only eight

registered dogs of this breed in England.

Don’t plan any vigorous exercise regimes as Sussex Spaniels have moderate energy needs. A daily run off the leash is ideal. They are country dogs and fare best in a large dwelling with yard space. They need daily stimulation or they’ll become bored and destructive. Be careful not to over exercise them as a puppy. Sussex Spaniels shed little but check their ears regularly and brush their coat daily. Trim the hair between their pads often. Sussex Spaniels live for approximately 12 years.

Scheduled six-monthly health checks and visits to the vet are important to ensure your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. It’s important that together with your vet a preventative healthcare program is determined and maintained based on the individual needs of your canine companion. Sussex Spaniels suffer from few ailments. However, hip dysplasia and ear infections can occur.

Size

A medium-sized breed with an average weight of 23kg and an average height of 38-41cms.

Space

A large dwelling with yard space is ideal.

Energy Levels

They have moderate energy levels. A daily run and lots of games will keep this dog happy.

Difficulty Of Training

They are intelligent dogs but wilful and need consistent training to learn obedience.

Family suitability

Great family pets for older children and loyal companions. 

Suitability to other pets

If socialised from a young age, your dog will befriend other pets.

Need for company

They have a high need for company and enjoy being by their human’s side at all times.

Hypoallergenic dog breed?

No 

Coat and grooming needs

This breed requires low to moderate maintenance. Brush their coat daily, check their ears and trim the hair between paws regularly. They have a short medium coat in a rich golden liver colour shading to gold at the hair tips. 2

Shedding

They shed little.  

Tendency to bark

They have a moderate tendency to bark.

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