Sussex Spaniel
Complete Breed Guide
"I may have sad eyes, but trust me, I’m super happy!"
Quick Facts About Sussex Spaniels
Sporting
35–45 lbs
13–15"
No
Overview
The Sussex Spaniel is a friendly hunting dog with a calm personality. They love bird hunting or going on hikes with their owners. Sussex Spaniels may look like sad, but they have a joyful approach to life.
The Sussex Spaniel is a people-loving dog originally developed for hunting. They have a keen sense of smelll that helps them find any feathered quarry—or doggie treats—in their path. Sussex Spaniels are extremely motivated by food, so if you ever need help convincing them to do something, a little treat won’t hurt. They are enthusiastic about whatever they do but a little more subdued than many other sporting dogs. They have a sort of “slow and steady wins the race” attitude when it comes to life but will provide any owner with a joyful and comedic pal.
Temperament and Behavior
Sussex Spaniels may be calm, but they are full of joy and emotion. They love people and are protective of their families, especially children. They can be strong-minded, but rewarding them with food is one way to overcome their strong will. Sometimes Sussex Spaniels, especially females, can take longer than the average breed to become house trained, so patience is necessary. They are very sensitive, so a light touch is necessary when training them or correcting their behavior.
Coat & Grooming
Sussex Spaniels have a beautiful, liver-colored coat with feathering on their legs and tail. Their hair is slightly long and prone to matting and tangling, but a weekly brushing will help prevent this from becoming a problem. They do shed, so brushing will also help cut back on the amount of hair you find around your house.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Sussex Spaniels don’t need to live on a farm, but they do best when they have easy access to a good play space. At the end of the day, a Sussex Spaniel needs to live inside the house with you, or they will become lonely and destructive. They can get along with cats and other dogs, especially if they are raised together. Sussex Spaniels generally like children, but if they have never encountered them before, they can be a little shy.
Exercise & Activity
Sussex Spaniels are not quite as full of energy as many other sporting dogs, but they do need an above average amount of exercise. They enjoy every minute of a hunt and will keep at it for as long as you stay out. Sussex Spaniels also enjoy longer, slower walks or hikes through the woods but don’t pair well with joggers. You should expect to give them around an hour of exercise a day to keep them happy and healthy.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Sussex Spaniel FAQs
Common questions about the Sussex Spaniel breed, answered by our editorial team.
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