The Sussex Spaniel comes in one color: the rich golden liver color that is singular to the breed.

Yes, Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

Sussex Spaniels stop growing between 12 to 18 months of age. They will continue to fill out and gain muscle mass until they are about two years old. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will encourage healthy growth during their early development.

Sussex Spaniels are medium-sized dogs, most weighing 35 to 45 pounds and standing 13 to 15 inches tall.

Sussex Spaniels are from the English county of Sussex. Their history stretches back to the 19th century when they were bred as hunting dogs to retrieve game in the thick, verdant cover of the countryside. They are closely related to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel.

Sussex Spaniels live 13 to 15 years. Individual lifespans will vary based on genetics, overall health, diet, exercise, and quality of veterinary care.

Sussex Spaniels are rare for a few reasons. After their popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, their numbers began to decline, particularly after World War II. Changes in hunting practices, a shift in public interest toward other breeds, and the rise of more popular Spaniels contributed to their reduced numbers. Dedicated breeders have worked to preserve the breed, but the Sussex Spaniel remains relatively uncommon.

Yes, Sussex Spaniels bark a lot, especially if not trained out of this tendency. The Sussex Spaniel’s voice comes in handy when hunting as it drives game from dense cover. At home, this tendency to vocalize may not be as much of an asset. As with any dog, they can be discouraged from barking as frequently with proper training and exercise.

Yes, Sussex Spaniels are good family dogs with loving, calm dispositions. They require a solid amount of exercise each day but nothing excessive. These are slow dogs that prefer long, ambling walks over intense jogs or hikes. Loyal and eager to please, Sussex Spaniels bond closely with their family members. And despite what may look like a somber, downturned expression, the Sussex Spaniel is a jubilant companion.

Sussex Spaniels are moderately easy to train. They are bright and eager to please but can also be stubborn. Consistency and lots of positive reinforcement will keep training sessions effective.

Yes, Sussex Spaniels are smart. Their intelligence allows them to learn commands and tasks relatively easily. Just keep in mind that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.

Yes, Sussex Spaniels are good dogs due to their playfulness, adaptability, eagerness to please, and affectionate personalities.

Sussex Spaniels are moderate droolers.

Sussex Spaniels are good with kids and especially wonderful with children they are raised alongside. With small children they don’t know, they might be rambunctious or wary, so this is a breed best suited for older children or early socialization. In general, Sussex Spaniels are moderately tolerant of children. 

As with any breed, supervise interactions between your kids and Sussex Spaniel to keep everyone safe and happy. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Yes, Sussex Spaniels are good with cats. These tolerant pups can get along with most everyone, including a feline roommate.

The Sussex Spaniel is a mostly hardy breed that has a few joint and metabolic issues.

Some diseases that Sussex Spaniels are prone to include:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Sussex Spaniel, have them checked out by a vet to see if they are prone to dysplasia.

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): Intervertebral disc disease causes a bulge or rupture in the discs between the vertebrae. When that happens, it can cause pain, nerve damage, and paralysis. Sometimes, IVDD is mild and may be relieved through crate rest and medication, but dogs with severe cases could need surgery or the use of a wheelchair cart. If a Sussex Spaniel is having trouble walking, refuses to jump, is incontinent, won’t eat, or appears anxious, they should be taken to the vet as soon as possible.

• Pulmonic stenosis: This heart defect occurs when a malformation of the pulmonic valve (the structure that connects the pulmonary artery to the right ventricle) prevents blood from flowing properly through the heart. The poor blood flow may create an obstruction and make the heart work harder. This often causes the heart to become enlarged and leads to heart failure.

• Patent ductus arteriosis (PDA): PDA is a common heart condition present at birth. It occurs when the blood vessel that connects the aorta and the pulmonary artery in a developing fetus doesn’t close after birth. If this blood vessel remains open, blood will start to flow into the lungs, causing an accumulation of fluid that leads to labored breathing, fainting, dizzy spells, coughing, heart murmurs, collapse, and heart failure. Though it can be deadly, PDA is easily corrected with surgery.

• Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency (PDH): Twenty percent of Sussex Spaniels are carriers for this exercise intolerance syndrome, which can cause collapse after short periods of exercise. The condition can be managed with a special diet. 

A veterinarian may recommend hip, eye, and DNA tests for the dog to identify some of these issues.

No, Sussex Spaniels are not hypoallergenic. (No dog truly is!) They have a medium-length, dense coat that can produce dander and shed hair, which may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. While regular grooming can help manage shedding and dander, they are not specifically bred to be allergy-friendly. If allergies are a concern, it’s best to spend time with the breed to see how you react before making a decision.

Yes, you need to groom a Sussex Spaniel. Their medium-length, dense coat requires a weekly brushing to prevent matting and remove loose hair. They will also need occasional trims around the ears, paws, and tail to keep their coat neat.