Easy-going, kind and cheerful, often with a comic streak, even though its face tends to look serious. In the field it is a slow but thorough hunter, and at home it is a mellow, devoted companion.421
how to spot oneSussex Spaniel coat and colours
abundant, flat coat with weatherproof undercoat and moderate feathering
A long, low and solidly built spaniel with a massive frame for its height. Its plentiful flat coat has no curl, carries a thick undercoat for bad weather, and grows soft, wavy hair on the ears and light feathering on the legs.123
A typical home-care rhythm for a Sussex Spaniel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksSussex Spaniel exercise needs
High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day for this working gundog.3
where they are happiestSussex Spaniel at home
Suits a home with access to countryside walks; bred for working through dense undergrowth.3
who they like aroundSussex Spaniel with people and other pets
A people-focused family dog that likes company and is known for being good with children.24
the hands-on bitsSussex Spaniel grooming and care
Needs grooming more than once a week; pay attention to the feathering and the long, silky ears.31
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Sussex Spaniel, and at what times?
Feed an adult Sussex Spaniel at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent times, such as morning and evening, help their digestion. For exact amounts, follow the food label and ask your vet.5
What should a Sussex Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Provide high-quality dog food suitable for its life stage. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially risky for dogs. Always check with your vet for a tailored diet plan.6
How often should I bathe a Sussex Spaniel?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but a general guideline is at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues, using a gentle dog shampoo.7
How often does a Sussex Spaniel need brushing?
Brush at least once a week to keep its silky coat and ears tidy. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every two days to prevent tangles, especially on the feathering and long ears.13
How do I trim a Sussex Spaniel's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the pink quick, and ask your vet or a groomer if you're unsure.7
How much exercise does a Sussex Spaniel need?
This active breed needs more than two hours of exercise daily, including walks and play. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily walks and play, and they especially enjoy countryside rambles that let them use their hunting instincts.3
How do I look after a Sussex Spaniel's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth at least twice a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly to keep them clean and dry since floppy ears trap moisture. Your vet can demonstrate proper care if needed.7
How long does a Sussex Spaniel live?
Sussex Spaniels typically live around 10 years or more with good care. Regular vet visits and a healthy lifestyle can help them enjoy a long, happy life.3
Is a Sussex Spaniel good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is known to be very good with children, being kind, gentle, and devoted. They generally get along well with other pets, especially when raised together and socialised early.421
Can a Sussex Spaniel be left alone?
Sussex Spaniels are people-focused and love company, so they don't enjoy being left alone for long. For short periods they may manage with plenty of exercise and toys, but consider a dog walker if you're away often.42
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchSussex Spaniel health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Sussex Spaniel. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Hip dysplasia
A malformed hip joint that can cause stiffness and arthritis; hip scoring is advised before breeding. Royal Kennel Club lists BVA/KC hip scoring as best practice; OFA data show about 41% of tested Sussex Spaniels affected, among the worst of all breeds. ↗
Pulmonic stenosis and other congenital heart defects
A narrowing of the heart's pulmonary valve, the most common inborn heart defect in the breed; patent ductus arteriosus also occurs. Wikipedia breed health section, citing veterinary literature. ↗
An inherited metabolic disorder that causes exercise intolerance and collapse; a DNA test is available. Mutation identified in Sussex Spaniels (Cameron et al. 2007, Molecular Genetics and Metabolism); offered as a breed DNA test by canine genetics labs. ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Sussex Spaniel costs
Running costs for a Sussex Spaniel, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Sussex Spaniel legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Sussex Spaniel in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Sussex Spaniel tip
Treats should be limited to no more than 10% of daily calories, and low-fat options like carrots or snap peas are a good choice to help keep your Sussex Spaniel at a healthy weight. Because this breed can be prone to bloat, it's wise to avoid giving large, rich treats and to feed smaller, more frequent meals instead.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
It is the only spaniel that gives tongue, barking or baying while it works so the hunter can follow it.3
2
Its golden liver coat colour is unique to the breed.2
3
A Sussex Spaniel called Stump won Best in Show at Westminster in 2009 at the age of 10, the oldest dog to take the title.2
4
It moves with a distinctive rolling gait that sets it apart from other spaniels.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed derives its origin from the county of Sussex, England, where it was used since the eighteenth century as a field dog.8
I wake slowly, stretching with a yawn that makes my serious face look even funnier. A ball appears at my feet. I pick it up, trot a few steps, then drop it with a wag. My human laughs. In the garden, I potter through the long grass, sniffing every clover. At lunch, I rest my head on a warm lap. Later, we walk in the meadow, slow and thorough, just as I like. Home again, I curl on the sofa, my silky ears fanned out, dreaming of biscuits and belly rubs.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganSussex Spaniel history
Mr A. E. Fuller of Rosehill Park near Hastings shaped the breed in Sussex from the late 1700s as a sturdy spaniel for pushing through thick cover. After his death numbers fell, and the breed came close to disappearing again around the Second World War, when breeder Joy Freer kept it going; all modern Sussex Spaniels trace back to her dogs.32
Clumber Spaniel
Field Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniel