{"id":20197,"date":"2014-10-13T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-10-12T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=20197"},"modified":"2026-08-06T09:18:28","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T06:18:28","slug":"sussex-spaniel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/breed-sussex-spaniel","title":{"rendered":"Sussex Spaniel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Sussex Spaniel<\/strong> is a breed developed specifically for the sportsman’s needs – retrieving shot game from thick undergrowth. Today, while Sussex Spaniels remain skilled hunters, they are most often found as cherished companion dogs. They inherited a calm and somewhat placid nature from their ancestors, the Clumber Spaniels, yet they display remarkable activity and persistence during work or play. A unique golden-liver sheen to their thick, wavy coat adds a special charm to the Sussex Spaniel’s appearance. Find out more on Tvaryny<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sussex Spaniel: Key Breed Characteristics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Sussex<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Origin<\/strong><\/td>United Kingdom, County of Sussex<\/td><\/tr>
First Mentioned<\/strong><\/td>1790s, officially recognised in 1846<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Classification<\/strong><\/td>Group 8 (Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs), Section 2 (Flushing Dogs)<\/td><\/tr>
Life Expectancy<\/strong><\/td>11\u201315 years<\/td><\/tr>
Height at Withers<\/strong><\/td>38\u201341 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>18\u201320 kg<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Calm, devoted, intelligent, occasionally stubborn<\/td><\/tr>
Usage<\/strong><\/td>Companion dog, Gundog (retriever)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History of the Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Sussex Spaniel is inextricably linked to the Rosehill estate in East Sussex, England. It was here, in the late 18th century, that landowner and avid sportsman Augustus Elliot Fuller began a targeted breeding programme. His ambitious goal was to create the ideal spaniel for hunting in the dense, difficult woodlands and hedgerows characteristic of the area. Fuller needed a dog that was steady, enduring, strongly built, and – most importantly – possessed the unique ability to “give tongue” (bark) when tracking game. This trait allowed hunters to track the dog’s location in thick cover where it could not be seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To create this new breed, Fuller used representatives of old English spaniels, likely including Field Spaniels<\/a><\/strong>, English Springer Spaniels, and notably Clumber Spaniels, from which the Sussex inherited its massive build and calm temperament. There are also mentions of the now-extinct Norfolk Spaniel. For nearly 50 years, Fuller refined the breed, fixing desired traits, particularly the unique golden-liver colour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following Fuller’s death in 1847, the breed faced near extinction. It was saved by enthusiasts, particularly a Mr Shriner, who preserved a few purebred examples. World War II dealt another devastating blow to the population – by that time, only a handful of these dogs remained globally. Thanks to the efforts of English breeder Joy Freer, the breed was revived from literally eight dogs. Today, the Sussex Spaniel remains one of the rarest breeds registered with the Kennel Club, making every individual a true treasure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appearance: Standard and Description<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Sussex<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Sussex Spaniel is a low-set, massive, yet energetic dog with a distinctive appearance. Its look radiates strength and stamina, while its unique colour makes it easily recognisable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n