May 29, 2025, 6:13 am | Read time: 6 minutes
The Sussex Spaniel may appear laid-back, but it has more energy than one might expect. With its distinctive rolling gait and golden liver-colored coat that almost resembles a lion’s, this sturdy Spaniel is visually unique. Originally from England, this hunting dog is now one of the rarest Spaniel breeds in the world.
The Sussex Spaniel is one of the oldest English spaniel breeds and has a storied history, having faced extinction multiple times. With its short legs, sturdy body, and distinctive golden liver-colored coat, it stands out from its relatives. Originally bred for work in dense underbrush, the Sussex Spaniel is known as a particularly enduring and diligent working dog. Today, it is rarely used for hunting but is highly valued as a lovable family pet.
Its friendly, people-oriented nature, combined with a robust health profile, makes it a loyal companion—though only for owners who can provide the necessary exercise and mental stimulation. Owning this dog is a conscious choice for a rare but remarkable breed.
Origin
The Sussex Spaniel, as its name suggests, originates from the southern English county of Sussex. As early as 1795, landowner Augustus Elliot Fuller began systematically breeding this breed—whose ancestors belonged to the so-called land spaniels—in his kennel “Rosehill.” Over five decades, Fuller solidified both the physical appearance and the character traits of the dogs, which proved to be loyal and thorough hunting companions in dense underbrush.
After Fuller’s death, the breed initially fell into obscurity, and through crossbreeding with other spaniels, it lost its typical characteristics. Despite early recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1884, the breed did not achieve widespread popularity. After World War II, the population was so depleted that by 1947, only ten specimens were listed in the English studbook.
It is thanks to the dedicated breeder Joy Freer that the breed survived at all. All Sussex Spaniels alive today trace back to these last remaining animals. Currently, there are only about 1,500 representatives of this rare breed worldwide, with small breeding groups in England, Belgium, France, and the Czech Republic. In Germany, the Sussex Spaniel is still scarcely found.
Appearance & Coat
The Sussex Spaniel is a medium-sized, sturdily built dog with short, stocky legs and a long, low-set body. With a shoulder height of 38 to 41 cm and a weight of about 23 kg, it appears more massive than its size might suggest. The broad head with a pronounced stop, gentle facial expression, and slightly wrinkled forehead gives it a skeptical, almost contemplative look.
Its large, floppy ears lie close to the head and, like the legs and moderately feathered tail, are covered with silky, wavy hair. Particularly striking is the dense, weather-resistant coat with a strong undercoat and smooth topcoat. The only approved coat color is a rich golden liver tone, which becomes lighter and richer towards the tips. Variations, such as dark liver brown or reddish-brown, are considered undesirable according to the FCI standard. Its gait is unique among spaniels: a heavy, yet characteristically rolling stride reminiscent of a small lion.
Character & Temperament
As the calmest among the spaniel breeds, the Sussex Spaniel is characterized by a particularly balanced nature. It is friendly, gentle, sociable, and strongly people-oriented. It shows a pronounced attachment to its “pack,” developing intense bonds, especially with children. Despite its calm demeanor, the Sussex Spaniel is by no means sluggish—on the contrary, it possesses remarkable endurance and mental alertness.
It loves long walks, is eager to learn, and is always ready to take on new tasks. Due to its hunting background, it has a keen sense of smell and a high tendency to bark, especially when moving outdoors. In the house, however, it remains rather quiet and reserved. Its emotional sensitivity makes it a loyal companion, though it does not cope well with prolonged solitude.
Training
The Sussex Spaniel is considered intelligent, eager to learn, and easy to handle, making its training particularly manageable for beginners. With loving consistency and positive reinforcement—such as treats—it proves to be highly cooperative. It is important to establish clear rules and structures early on, as the sensitive spaniel can react strongly to its owner’s uncertainty.
Especially in its younger years, it benefits from consistent but gentle training that promotes both obedience and social skills. Due to its hunting passion, recall and leash training should be particularly emphasized. Early acclimation to other pets and various environmental stimuli is recommended to prevent later issues with territorial behavior.
Proper Care & Maintenance
A Sussex Spaniel needs one to two hours of exercise daily to be physically and mentally fulfilled. Ideal are varied walks with fetching or search games. Although it can feel comfortable in an apartment, regular outdoor time is essential. The sociable spaniel wants to be near its people as often as possible and is not suited for long periods alone.
Coat care requires moderate effort: two to three times a week, the coat should be thoroughly brushed, and ears and paws checked. During the coat change in spring and fall, increased care is necessary. The Sussex tolerates heat less well than cold, so activities should be reduced during high temperatures, and rest periods should be planned.
Nutrition
The diet of the Sussex Spaniel should be balanced, protein-rich, and adapted to its activity level. High-quality dog food—whether dry, wet, or homemade—should primarily contain meat, supplemented with vegetables, rice, or pasta. Two smaller meals a day are better tolerated than one large one, as this reduces the risk of gastric torsion—a sometimes occurring issue with this breed. The water requirement is high, so fresh drinking water must always be available. Caloric needs depend on age, weight, and activity level. Puppies, seniors, and particularly active dogs require appropriately adjusted food portions.
Susceptibility to Certain Diseases
Despite its massive stature and short legs, the Sussex Spaniel shows overall robust health and has no known breed-specific hereditary diseases. Its life expectancy is about 12 to 15 years. Joint problems do not occur more frequently than in comparable breeds, provided the dog is fed a balanced diet and gets enough exercise. Heat sensitivity is a typical trait—intense physical exertion should be avoided in summer. For added security, it is advisable to purchase puppies from reputable breeders with health certifications, such as pedigrees, X-rays, or genetic tests, to exclude potential risks early on.
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Sussex Spaniel at a Glance
- Character: Calm, friendly, people-oriented
- Size: 38–41 cm shoulder height
- Weight: approx. 23 kg
- Coat: Golden liver color, medium length, weatherproof with dense undercoat
- Special Features: Rare breed, rolling gait, strong bond with people