Group: Sporting
Weight: 40-44 lbs
Height: 15-16 inches
History Sussex Spaniels are originally from Sussex, England. The Sussex spaniel is known to be rarest of all the spaniel breeds. These dogs were originally developed for the hunting of pheasant and partridges.
Characteristics
The Sussex spaniel should be socialised well from an early age onwards in order for them to get along with other dogs later on. These dogs make wonderful family companions, and do very well with cats and other smaller animals. They can however become aggressive toward other unknown dogs. This can be prevented by introducing them well to the other dogs.
Temperament
Sussex Spaniels are very warm and easy-going dogs, with a very good nature. These dogs also possess a certain charm, which makes them very popular. They are suited to both experienced and inexperienced dog owners. These dogs can be very obstinate and wilful at times, and therefore their owners have to be assertive. The Sussex spaniel has a very protective nature, and therefore they can raise alarm by barking quite a lot – thus making them very effective watchdogs. These dogs are very quick to learn, seeing that they are quite intelligent. Training can still be difficult because of the stubborn streak these dogs has. This can also make housebreaking fairly difficult at times.
Care
These dogs’ grooming needs are fairly moderate, which means their coats should only be brushed about twice during the week. The hairs on their feet should also be trimmed and kept neat. Also check the ears of these dogs to make sure that they are clean and dry, which will in return reduce the risk of infections. It is also a good idea to trim the nails of these dogs. These are medium shedding dogs, and for that reason they might not work well with allergy sufferers. For more detailed info, take a look at the Sussex Spaniel Grooming page.
Training
Sussex Spaniels are mainly used for hunting and sport purposes, where they do extremely well. Training of these dogs should be conducted in a consistent manner; otherwise they can become very lazy and passive. These dogs are very quick learners, although they have a tendency to be wilful. Firm training is therefore very important.