GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 38-41cm (15”-16”).
Colour: Rich golden liver. Dark liver to be faulted.
Coat: Abundant and flat with a tendency to curl. The undercoat should be ample and dense.
Gait: The fore and hindlegs should move straight, and like the Clumber Spaniel, these dogs should have a distinctive roll.
Whilst not as massive as the Clumber Spaniel, the Sussex nevertheless is an active, energetic and strong dog. The wide skull should have a prominent occiput and stop, and the well developed muzzle is square lipped. The nose is liver coloured and the large hazel eyes should not show too much haw. The head, with its thick lobed shaped ears, should not be carried much above the level of the back. Fore and hind legs are rather short, strong, well feathered at the back and finish with round well feathered feet. The body and the chest must be round and the low set customarily docked tail, must be active in movement and never carried above the level of the back.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
Not being particularly trendy in the field or the showring, the Sussex Spaniel is one of the rarer breeds. However, for the huntsman who wants a keen nosed dog who can be worked on foot, then the shorter legged Sussex could be the answer. They display marked intelligence and respond to well taught lessons; however if badly taught, they may show some stubborness. They make “ideal companions as they have a most lovable nature. Free of the ‘doggy’ odour, they require little bathing and only occasional” grooming to remove twigs and tangles. Like most spaniels, their ears need regular checks to see they are healthy and clean. A rather slow dog, the Sussex Spaniel makes an ideal pet for the elderly.
HISTORY
As the name implies, this breed was established as a distinctive breed type in Sussex, England where a Mr. Fuller concentrated on developing the rich colour of the Sussex Spaniel. Records show this breed was exhibited in England as far back as 1892.