Sussex Spaniel

 The Sussex Spaniel has been known in southern England for more than a century; it was very popular with Sussex farmers and thus its name was derived. The breed was first recognized by a Mr Fuller in 1795, when the breed was very much larger than at the present time. Later, another strain, called the Harvieston appeared, which had something of the Clumber and the Bloodhound about it. It is a pity that suddenly the Sussex Spaniel does not enjoy greater popularity for it is a breed that makes a loyal companion, is active and alert and has an extremely good nose.

This dog has a rich liver-coloured coat, which strangely loses something of its golden hue if the animal is kept indoors as a pet.

Origin and history

The Sussex is essentially an English ' breed and has been shown since 1862, when breed members were exhibited at Crystal Palace, London, The breed was kept going between the two world wars by Mrs Freer of Fourclovers Kennels, who is owed tremendous credit for the survival of the breed. In the mid-1950s fresh blood was introduced by crossing. the Sussex with the Clumber, which seems to have resulted in improved, bone size and temperament.

Sussex Spaniel Information

General appearance
Massive and strongly built. An active, energetic, i strong dog, whose characteristic movement is a decided roll, unlike that of any other spaniel.

Colour
Rich golden liver, hair shading to gold at the tips, and the gold predominating, Dark liver or puce is objectionable.

Head and skull
The skull should be wide and show a moderate curve from ear to ear, neither flat nor apple-headed, has a centre indentation and a pronounced stop, Brows frowning; occiput decided but not pointed, Nostrils well developed and liver colour. A well­balanced head.

Body
The entire body is characterized as long, low and level. The chest, which is round, particularly behind the shoulders, has good depth, width and girth, The shoulders are oblique The back and loin are long and muscular in their depth and width.

Tail
Set low and not camed above the level of the back. Free action, thickly clothed with hair but no feather Docked 5-7in (12,5-18cm).

Feet
Circular, well padded, well feathered between toes.

Sussex Spaniel Feeding & Grooming

Grooming

A regular brush and comb is necessary, taking care - as with other spaniels - that the ears do not become tangled and that mud does not become caked between the paws or elsewhere in the coat.

Feeding

Recommended would be 13-200z (369-587g) of a branded, meaty product with biscuit added in equal part by volume, or 1314-3 cupfuls of ' a dry food, complete diet, mixed In the proportion of 1 cup of feed to 1/2 cup of hot or cold water.

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