Sussex Spaniel
About Sussex Spaniel
Meet the Sussex Spaniel, a charming and congenial breed with an infectious zest for life. Clad in a lush golden-liver coat, this sturdy yet compact spaniel is the epitome of elegance. Don't let their noble bathrobe-like appearance fool you; beneath it lays a heart teeming with affection and cheerfulness.
A Sussex Spaniel fills your life with an outpouring of love and steady companionship. They're ready to flop down for a cozy evening by your feet or enjoy a leisurely stroll around the block. Even though they're known for their endearing 'Sussex Slap,' - a friendly tail wag that might send small items flying - their tolerance for children's antics is exceptionally high, making them perfect for families.
Life with a Sussex Spaniel requires commitment; their lush coats demand regular grooming and their love for snacking requires careful diet control. Also, they promptly turn BFFs with almost everyone, including other pets! So a loving household that can provide care, affection and introduce them to friends will suit these happy-go-lucky roly-polies the best. With a Sussex Spaniel, you're not just getting a dog, but a radiating beacon of affectionate companionship. Don't forget those expressive hazel eyes—an adorable bonus!
Interesting Facts
Known as a 'Velcro dog', the Sussex Spaniel is renowned for its high level of devotion and attachment to its owners, often refusing to leave their side; this breed needs constant companionship and interaction.
The Sussex Spaniel has an unusual, distinctive bark that has a musical quality often referred to as a 'dolphin bark,' setting them apart from other dog breeds in terms of vocal communication.
Unlike many other breeds, Sussex Spaniels were monitored and protected during World War II by the Kennel Club of Britain due to their scarcity, a cherished representation of the nation's historical lineage of selective dog breeding.
The Sussex Spaniel's long, low set ears are more than just adorable, they help to stir up and catch scent while the dog is on a hunt, honing their exceptional tracking skill.
The Sussex Spaniel made history in 2009 when a remarkable representative of the breed named 'Stump' came out of retirement at the age of 10 to become the oldest dog ever to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Bred in 18th-century Sussex by Mr. Fuller of Rosehill, Sussex Spaniels were designed to work slowly through dense cover with low, heavy bodies.
Unusual among spaniels, Sussex give voice on the hunt (giving tongue) so hunters could track them by sound when undergrowth hid their progress.
They come only in a rich golden-liver coat and move with a characteristic rolling gait, a product of their short legs and long backs.
After World War II, the breed nearly vanished; British breeder Joy Freer rebuilt Sussex Spaniels from a handful of dogs, preserving their determined working character.
In 2009, a Sussex named Stump won Westminster Best in Show at age ten (the oldest BIS winner) catapulting the breed into public awareness.
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