Dog Breeds - Sussex Spaniel

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed tends to exhibit towards family members and familiar individuals can vary. Certain breeds may display a more reserved or aloof demeanor primarily towards people other than their owner, while some breeds exhibit a friendly and affectionate attitude towards everyone they know, treating them as their closest companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience that a breed displays towards children's behavior, as well as its overall family-friendly nature can vary among different breeds. It is important to emphasize the need for supervision when dogs are around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. It is important to always supervise and carefully manage interactions and introductions between dogs. However, certain breeds tend to have a more innate inclination to get along with other dogs both within their home environment and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair that a breed is prone to shed can vary. Breeds with high shedding tendencies will typically require more frequent brushing to manage loose hair. It is important to note that breeds with high shedding can potentially trigger certain types of allergies in sensitive individuals. Additionally, expect to engage in more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness when sharing a living space with a breed that sheds more.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming, or other types of coat maintenance required can vary among different breeds. When considering the grooming effort needed, it's essential to take into account the time, patience, and budget available for such care. Keep in mind that all breeds necessitate regular nail trimming for proper maintenance.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency for a breed to drool can vary. If you prefer a neat and clean environment, it's important to consider that some dogs may leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create big wet spots on your clothes. If this is not something you are comfortable with, it may be best to choose a breed that is less prone to excessive drooling.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The degree of welcoming behavior a breed typically exhibits towards strangers can vary. Some breeds tend to be more reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, certain breeds are generally more amiable and enthusiastic about meeting new people whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play can vary. While some breeds maintain their desire to engage in interactive play, such as tug-of-war or fetch even into their adult years others may prefer a more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with their owners. It's important to consider the energy levels and play preferences of a breed when selecting a companion that aligns with your own activity level and lifestyle.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Certain breeds are more prone to alerting their owners of the presence of strangers. These breeds tend to be vigilant and responsive to potential threats, whether it be the arrival of the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, it's important to note that while they may initially be wary of strangers entering the house, they can warm up to them if they are accepted by the family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. Some breeds are more flexible and capable of handling changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life with relative ease. These breeds tend to adjust well to new situations and environments. However, other breeds may be more sensitive to change and may require more time and support to adapt to new circumstances. When considering a breed, it can be helpful to assess their general temperament and adaptability to determine if they would be a good fit for your lifestyle and the potential changes you may encounter.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness to learn new things can vary among different breeds. Some breeds are generally more eager to please their owners and are quick learners making training sessions relatively easier. They are often motivated by praise or rewards. Conversely, other breeds may display more independence and may require extra patience and consistency during training. These breeds may have a stronger inclination to do what they want, when they want and where they want, which can make training a bit more challenging. It's important to consider your own training style, experience and the level of dedication you are willing to invest when selecting a breed that aligns with your training expectations.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise and mental stimulation requirements greatly vary depending on the breed. High energy breeds exhibit a remarkable readiness for action, eagerly indulging in activities like running, jumping and playing during most hours of the day. Conversely, low energy breeds possess a more laid-back demeanor, similar to couch potatoes happily lounging and enjoying frequent naps.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
Understanding the frequency of vocalization in a specific breed, encompassing barks and howls is essential. While certain breeds tend to bark or howl at every passer-by or even a bird at the window others reserve their barking for specific circumstances. Additionally, some breeds that may not bark still find alternative methods to vocalize and communicate their emotions through various sounds.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The level of mental stimulation necessary for a breed to maintain happiness and overall well-being is significant. Purpose-bred dogs in particular often have specific responsibilities that demand decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. When deprived of adequate mental exercises, these dogs can resort to creating their own activities to occupy their minds. However, these self-created projects may not align with the activities that you would prefer them to engage in.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed tends to exhibit towards family members and familiar individuals can vary. Certain breeds may display a more reserved or aloof demeanor primarily towards people other than their owner, while some breeds exhibit a friendly and affectionate attitude towards everyone they know, treating them as their closest companions.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The level of tolerance and patience that a breed displays towards children's behavior, as well as its overall family-friendly nature can vary among different breeds. It is important to emphasize the need for supervision when dogs are around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. It is important to always supervise and carefully manage interactions and introductions between dogs. However, certain breeds tend to have a more innate inclination to get along with other dogs both within their home environment and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair that a breed is prone to shed can vary. Breeds with high shedding tendencies will typically require more frequent brushing to manage loose hair. It is important to note that breeds with high shedding can potentially trigger certain types of allergies in sensitive individuals. Additionally, expect to engage in more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness when sharing a living space with a breed that sheds more.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming, or other types of coat maintenance required can vary among different breeds. When considering the grooming effort needed, it's essential to take into account the time, patience, and budget available for such care. Keep in mind that all breeds necessitate regular nail trimming for proper maintenance.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency for a breed to drool can vary. If you prefer a neat and clean environment, it's important to consider that some dogs may leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create big wet spots on your clothes. If this is not something you are comfortable with, it may be best to choose a breed that is less prone to excessive drooling.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The degree of welcoming behavior a breed typically exhibits towards strangers can vary. Some breeds tend to be more reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, certain breeds are generally more amiable and enthusiastic about meeting new people whenever the opportunity arises.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play can vary. While some breeds maintain their desire to engage in interactive play, such as tug-of-war or fetch even into their adult years others may prefer a more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with their owners. It's important to consider the energy levels and play preferences of a breed when selecting a companion that aligns with your own activity level and lifestyle.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Certain breeds are more prone to alerting their owners of the presence of strangers. These breeds tend to be vigilant and responsive to potential threats, whether it be the arrival of the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, it's important to note that while they may initially be wary of strangers entering the house, they can warm up to them if they are accepted by the family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. Some breeds are more flexible and capable of handling changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life with relative ease. These breeds tend to adjust well to new situations and environments. However, other breeds may be more sensitive to change and may require more time and support to adapt to new circumstances. When considering a breed, it can be helpful to assess their general temperament and adaptability to determine if they would be a good fit for your lifestyle and the potential changes you may encounter.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and the willingness to learn new things can vary among different breeds. Some breeds are generally more eager to please their owners and are quick learners making training sessions relatively easier. They are often motivated by praise or rewards. Conversely, other breeds may display more independence and may require extra patience and consistency during training. These breeds may have a stronger inclination to do what they want, when they want and where they want, which can make training a bit more challenging. It's important to consider your own training style, experience and the level of dedication you are willing to invest when selecting a breed that aligns with your training expectations.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The exercise and mental stimulation requirements greatly vary depending on the breed. High energy breeds exhibit a remarkable readiness for action, eagerly indulging in activities like running, jumping and playing during most hours of the day. Conversely, low energy breeds possess a more laid-back demeanor, similar to couch potatoes happily lounging and enjoying frequent naps.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The level of mental stimulation necessary for a breed to maintain happiness and overall well-being is significant. Purpose-bred dogs in particular often have specific responsibilities that demand decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. When deprived of adequate mental exercises, these dogs can resort to creating their own activities to occupy their minds. However, these self-created projects may not align with the activities that you would prefer them to engage in.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Golden Liver	097

PATTERNS

About The Breed

Descriptive terms such as "placid," "affectionate," "even-tempered," and "loyal" aptly capture the essence of the Sussex Spaniel, a breed known for its gentle and steady hunting skills as well as its congenial nature as a housedog. Despite its typically cheerful disposition, the Sussex Spaniel's charmingly frowning expression provides a delightful contrast.

Resembling a delightful blend of a Cocker Spaniel and a torpedo, Sussex Spaniels possess a distinctive appearance. They are characterized by a long and low-built body structure, exhibiting remarkable strength and endurance. Although standing at a modest height of merely 15 inches at the shoulder, the Sussex Spaniel's overall build is often described as "massive," featuring a deep chest and sturdy bones. Their most recognizable feature is their luxuriant coat, which is abundant and feathery, boasting a captivating shade of rich golden-liver. With their classic spaniel head adorned by wavy-coated ears and expressive hazel eyes, these dogs naturally project a somber and frowning expression, which paradoxically adds to their inherent cheerfulness.

What to Expect When Caring for A SUSSEX SPANIEL

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Sussex Spaniel: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Sussex dogs pose challenges when it comes to breeding, as female dogs often experience irregular seasons, re-absorb puppies and require caesarean sections. Puppies need special care and attention until they reach approximately two weeks of age. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: No recommended health tests

Grooming

	Regular grooming for Sussex dogs involves bathing, brushing and combing. It is important to trim the hair on the feet to prevent slipping. Neutered Sussex dogs may develop a fuzzy cotton-candy-like coat, which can be more challenging to manage. Shaving the coat should be avoided unless it is absolutely necessary, as it takes a long time for it to fully regrow. Additionally, like all breeds regular nail trimming is necessary for Sussex dogs.

Exercise

	To ensure the healthy development of the Sussex Spaniel, it is advised to refrain from subjecting them to strenuous exercise before reaching the age of one year. Sussex dogs have a slower growth rate and engaging in excessive physical activity too early may result in damage to their growth plates. Nevertheless, it is important to provide puppies ample opportunities for self-exercising through play. Once the Sussex Spaniel matures into an adult, it exhibits a fondness for swimming and long walks. However, it is crucial to postpone activities involving jumping and agility-type work until the dog is at least 18 months old.

Training

	Sussex dogs are known for their stubborn nature, as they possess long-lasting memories and hold on to past experiences of rough handling. Therefore, it is essential for Sussex owners to effectively communicate their expectations to their dogs and provide ample praise when their furry friends behave correctly.

Nutrition

	The growth of Sussex Spaniels is characterized by its gradual pace setting them apart as a breed with a modest development rate. To nourish Yorkshire Terriers effectively, providing a high-quality dog food is paramount be it commercially formulated or diligently prepared at home under the watchful eye and approval of your trusted veterinarian. Selecting an appropriate diet tailored to your dog's life stage, whether they are a curious puppy, an energetic adult or a seasoned senior, is essential. It's noteworthy that intact Sussex seldom struggle with excess weight, as they inherently possess the ability to self-regulate their food consumption eating just enough to meet their needs. Acquiring knowledge on the safety of human foods for dogs identifying what's permissible and what's not is essential for pet owners. Whenever questions arise regarding your dog's weight or diet, consulting with your veterinarian is highly recommended. Lastly, never forget to provide a constant supply of fresh and clean water, ensuring your furry companion remains hydrated throughout the day.

Historiography

In the 1700s, sports enthusiasts in Sussex, a county in England created a unique breed of spaniel. These spaniels possessed short legs and a sturdy physique making them perfectly suited for hunting birds in the challenging terrain characterized by heavy clay soil, dense underbrush and thick hedgerows. Due to their low-built stature and the towering cover, these spaniels developed a remarkable way of communicating their whereabouts to human hunters through an array of barks and vocalizations. Interestingly, even today Sussex spaniels continue to exhibit a more vocal nature compared to other spaniel breeds.