Sussex Spaniel

Hailing from Sussex, England, Sussex Spaniel dogs were first mentioned in a sporting publication in the early 1820s. They would use their exceptional scent skills to suss out small animals on large English estates. Despite being one of the first 10 AKC-recognized breeds, they have never been particularly popular in America.

If you enjoy long walks and robust training sessions, then the Sussex Spaniel dog breed might be a good fit. Owners will need a good raincoat and a good sense of humor about the weather—these dogs love to muck in muddy and wet weather and won’t care a bit if their owner is uncomfortable. They do best in rural or suburban areas, either in child-free homes or those with older children.

Sussex Spaniel puppies should be exercised carefully as their growing joints can be damaged easily. Once mature, they will need a good mix of physical and mental activity. Scentwork is their preferred work and they love swimming.

The Sussex Spaniel’s short legs mean lots of stairs aren’t the best fit. They thrive when they have access to a fenced-in yard for off-leash running and sniffing. Inside, owners will need a space for a perpetually muddy and wet dog to live comfortably.

Brushing the Sussex Spaniel a few times a week will keep them free of tangles. Their ears should be kept clean and inspected regularly, as should the hair around the paw pads.

Slow and steady wins the Sussex Spaniel race. They are less energetic than other Spaniel breeds but still need a decent amount of exercise, especially mentally. Training can help, using positive methods. Toys, food, and scentwork will motivate the Sussex Spaniel dog. Retrieving, recall, and leash walking are all good skills for them to learn, as is “leave it” or “drop it”—they are known to steal items!

If you live an active lifestyle, the Sussex Spaniel might slip right into your family life. They make good companions so long as you don’t mind their instincts to collect and hold items. They do best with older children or child-free homes where small items of value won’t be left lying around.

The cost of a Sussex Spaniel from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.