The Sussex Spaniel is an uncommon breed with a long and low appearance and a gentle and sweet temperament. A good hunting companion, the Sussex is also a good family pet.

History

As his name implies, the Sussex Spaniel originated in Sussex England to assist in hunting of small game and as a companion. He is particularly good at flushing game for hunters but can also retrieve. The Sussex has a very good nose but is a slow dog compared to other spaniels, which may be why the breed has not become popular among hunter in the United States. It is thought that this breed was developed in the 1700s by breeding various spaniel and hound breeds. During World War II, the breed almost became extinct but was saved by a breeder in England. This is a rare breed with a very loyal following. In 1884, the Sussex Spaniel was one of the first breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the sporting group.

Appearance and Size

The Sussex Spaniel is a long and low dog with short legs and a massive appearance. The facial expression is serious and somewhat somber. The muzzle is about 3 inches long and broad. The neck is short and the ears are large and hang. The legs are short and strong, some may bow a little. The tail of the Sussex Spaniel is typically docked to about 5 to 7 inches. The coat of this spaniel is flat or slightly wavy but not curly. There is some feathering. The color of the coat is unique to the breed and is a rich golden liver. The adult Sussex Spaniel stands around 15 to 16 inches at the shoulder and weighs about 40 to 45 pounds.

Personality

The Sussex Spaniel is a gentle and loving dog. He tends to be calmer than other spaniels but does enjoy retrieving and swimming. Some may be head-strong and some may not get along with other dogs.

Wikipedia and GNU

The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "Sussex Spaniel" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.