Sussex Spaniel

AKC Group: Sporting

Club: Sussex Spaniel Club of America

Corresponding Secretary : Danita Slatton
Address: 5629 E Co Rd 700 S, Greencastle, IN , 46135
Website: www.sussexspaniels.org
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

The Sussex Spaniel was among the first ten breeds to be recognized and admitted to the Stud Book when the American Kennel Club was formed in 1884, but it has existed as a distinct breed for much longer. As its name implies, it derives its origin from the county of Sussex, England, and it was used there since the eighteenth century as a field dog. During the late 1800's the reputation of the Sussex Spaniel as an excellent hunting companion was well known among the estates surrounding Sussex County. Its short legs, massive build, long body, and habit of giving tongue when on scent made the breed ideally suited to penetrating the dense undergrowth and flushing game within range of the gun. Strength, maneuverability, and desire were essential for this purpose. Although it has never gained great popularity in numbers, the Sussex Spaniel continues today essentially unchanged in character and general appearance from those 19th century sporting dogs.

Size:

Size --The height of the Sussex Spaniel as measured at the withers ranges from 13 to 15 inches. Any deviation from these measurements is a minor fault. The weight of the Sussex Spaniel ranges between 35 and 45 pounds. Proportion --The Sussex Spaniel presents a rectangular outline as the breed is longer in body than it is tall. Substance --The Sussex Spaniel is muscular and rather massive.

Coat:

The body coat is abundant, flat or slightly waved, with no tendency to curl. The legs are moderately well-feathered, but clean below the hocks. The ears are furnished with soft, wavy hair. The neck has a well-marked frill in the coat. The tail is thickly covered with moderately long feather. No trimming is acceptable except to shape foot feather, or to remove feather between the pads or between the hock and the feet. The feather between the toes must be left in sufficient length to cover the nails.

Temperament:

Despite its somber and serious expression, the breed is friendly and has a cheerful and tractable disposition.

History:

The Sussex derives his name from Sussex, England, where the first and most important kennel of these dogs belonged to a Mr. Fuller. Fuller is credited with developing the rich, golden liver color that has long distinguished the breed. Phineas Bullock, of Field Spaniel fame, also did notable work in furthering the best interests of the Sussex. Specimens of the breed competed in Britain as far back as the 1860s.

During his early days, the Sussex was used for certain types of rough shooting in England, where an abundance of game, together with the custom of hunting on foot, rendered the dog satisfactory as a sporting companion. He has not been imported to any great extent to this country, however, probably due to the fact that he has not sufficient speed for the average sportsman, who faces conditions far different from those abroad.

Fun Facts:

• The Sussex Spaniel is named after Sussex, England, where the first and most important kennel of these dogs was established.
  
  
• Specimens of the Sussex competed in Britain as far back as 1862.
  
  
• The Sussex Spaniel was among the first ten breeds to be recognized and admitted to the Stud Book when the American Kennel Club was formed in 1884.
  
  
• The rich golden liver color of the Sussex is unique to the breed.
  
  
• The Sussex, though lacking the speed of the Springers and Cockers, possesses an extraordinarily good nose and is especially valuable for all forms of upland shooting.
  
  
• The standard ranks features of the Sussex into three categories in order of importance: color and general appearance; head, ears, back and back ribs, legs, and feet; and shoulders, tail, and coat. Likewise, faults fall into three corresponding categories, though there exist no disqualifications.