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Sussex Spaniels: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Sussex Spaniel personality and behavior. main page breed review faq health training adopting/buying links My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Sussex Spaniel, including these excerpts: "Matching his somber, almost frowning expression, the Sussex Spaniel is calmer and steadier than most other spaniels, though he does conceal a dry sense of humor. This long, low, heavyset dog is rather phlegmatic indoors, but loves the outdoors and will bound through the fields in search of lurking creatures. Aloof with strangers and sometimes protective (unusual for a spaniel), once guests are accepted, the Sussex Spaniel is polite, even charming. He can be dominant with strange dogs. Early socialization with a variety of people and other animals is mandatory to develop his stable nature. His stubbornness requires obedience training from a consistent owner who knows how to lead and who will use positive, upbeat training methods. This proud dog will stand up for himself if handled sharply or teased. The Sussex Spaniel tends to bark and howl, especially if left alone too much. He can be hard to housebreak." History Developed in Sussex County, England, this solid little hunting dog often bays as he searches through the fields for hiding game birds. Size 13-15 inches and 35-45 lbs

Sussex Spaniels What's good about 'em What's bad about 'em There are energetic Sussex, and placid Sussex. Hard-headed Sussex, and sweet-natured Sussex. Serious Sussex, and good-natured goofballs. Introverted Sussex, and Sussex who love everyone. If you acquire a Sussex Spaniel puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed... If you want a dog who... Is medium-sized and heavset, built long and low to the ground, with a brown silky coat Matching his somber expression, is calmer and steadier than most spaniels Is rather phlegmatic indoors, but comes alive outdoors and romps with enthusiasm Is polite with strangers, yet makes a better watchdog than other spaniels A Sussex Spaniel may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with... Providing enough exercise to keep his chunky body in shape "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking/howling) when left alone too much Stubbornness Regular brushing and combing Heavy shedding Slobbering Waiting lists (hard to find) A Sussex Spaniel may not be right for you. If I were considering a Sussex Spaniel... My major concerns would be: Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Sussex Spaniels were developed to run through the fields seeking game birds. An occasional walk around the block, isn't enough. They MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy with a vigorous romp. Otherwise they will become bored -- which they usually express by barking and howling and becoming destructive. Separation anxiety. Like most spaniels, the Sussex needs a great deal of companionship and does not like being left alone for more than a few hours. As you might have guessed by now, they tend to express their unhappiness through barking and howling and destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you. Stubbornness. Despite their easygoing nature, Sussex Spaniels are not Golden Retrievers. Most Sussex Spaniels are stubborn and can be manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. To teach your Sussex to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Sussex Spaniel Training Page discusses the program you need. Grooming. To keep their silky coat free of mats, Sussex Spaniels require regular brushing and combing, and occasional trimming. Heavy shedding. Like most spaniels, Sussex Spaniels shed a LOT. You'll find hair all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under your furniture, on your countertops -- even in your food. Frequent vacuuming will become a way of life. Slobbering. Some Sussex Spaniels with heavy jowls tend to slobber their water, and some drool. Finding one. The Sussex Spaniel is one of the rarest breeds in the United States. Fewer than 70 new Sussex Spaniel puppies are registered each year. (Compare that to over 60,000 new Golden Retriever puppies!) If you're considering an adult Sussex Spaniel... There are plenty of adult Sussex Spaniels who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you. When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS. Copyright © 2000-2006 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author.