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Sussex Spaniels: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

Sussex Spaniel temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books

Sussex Spaniel dog breed

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.

The Sussex Spaniel is aloof with strangers and sometimes even protective (very unusual for a spaniel). But once guests are accepted, he becomes polite, even charming, as long as he has been well-socialized.

Sussex Spaniels can also be pushy with strange dogs (again, unusual for a spaniel).

Re: training, his tendencies toward stubbornness require a consistent owner who knows how to lead.

Finally, the Sussex Spaniel is noted for being one of the most vocal of the spaniels, tending to bark and howl, especially if left alone too much.


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
  • Destructiveness and baying/howling when left alone too much
  • Stubbornness
  • Regular brushing and combing
  • Shedding
  • Slobbering
  • Waiting lists (very hard to find)

A Sussex Spaniel may not be right for you.

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Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You?

In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.


Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament  is less predictable than the inheritance of physical  traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

FREE eBooks by Michele Welton

dog icon"Respect Training for Puppies"  and "Teach Your Dog 100 English Words"  are free step by step guides to teaching your pup to be calm and well-behaved.

dog icon"11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy"  is a free guide to keeping your dog mentally, physically, and emotionally happy and healthy so you can enjoy a longer lifetime of companionship.

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More traits and characteristics of the Sussex Spaniel

If I was considering a Sussex Spaniel, I would be most concerned about...

  1. Providing enough exercise. Sussex Spaniels were developed to run through the fields seeking birds for the hunter to shoot. So life in an apartment or an occasional walk around the block isn't enough for this breed. Provide them with enough space to vent their energy with a vigorous daily romp. Otherwise they will become bored, which they usually express by barking and howling and chewing destructively.
  2. Grooming and shedding. To keep their silky coat free of mats, Sussex Spaniels require regular brushing and combing, and occasional trimming. And like most spaniels, Sussex Spaniels shed a lot.
  3. Slobbering. Some Sussex Spaniels with heavy jowls tend to slobber their water, and some drool.
  4. Stubbornness. Despite their easygoing nature, Sussex Spaniels are stubborn, and to get their own way, they can be manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. In other words, you must teach your Sussex Spaniel to respect you. Follow my free online training programs.
  5. Finding one. The Sussex Spaniel is one of the rarest breeds in the United States, so you should expect to go onto a waiting list.

Michele Welton with BuffyAbout the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs.

My best-selling books – now available  FREE  on my website


book coverRespect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy is for puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Click here to read for free.
book coverTeach Your Dog 100 English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Click here to read for free.
book cover11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy helps your dog live a longer, healthier life. Get my honest advice about all 11 Things before you bring home your new puppy, because some mistakes with early health care cannot be undone. Click here to read for free.

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