Overview
The Sussex Spaniel was developed on estates in Sussex to work heavy cover at a slow pace, and it is one of Britain's vulnerable native breeds, with very few puppies registered each year. Its rich golden liver coat is unique among spaniels and its heavy, low-slung build is nothing like the leggy working Cocker.
It is also the only spaniel expected to give voice on scent, so a Sussex that grumbles and yips while its nose is down is doing its job. In character the breed is steady, affectionate and a little stubborn, with a sense of humour that owners adore.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour a day in two parts suits most adults. The Sussex covers ground slowly and thoroughly, pushing through brambles and bracken that lighter spaniels skip over. Distance matters less than the chance to work a hedge line or a bit of woodland.
The long back and short legs call for sensible handling. Avoid repetitive jumping, lifting the dog by the chest, or steep steps, and keep a young dog to gentler walks until it has finished growing.
On the walk
- Scent and voice: The dog will follow a line with its nose down and may bay softly as it goes. It is normal, not distress, but it can startle other walkers.
- Recall: Fair. The breed is slow enough that it rarely gets far, but it is single-minded once working. Recall to a whistle and a reward works best.
- Mud and water: Expect both. The feathering and long ears drag through everything, and most will wade or swim given the chance.
- Other dogs: Even-tempered and tolerant. It is not a boisterous player and prefers dogs that leave it to its sniffing.
Tips for professional walkers
- Bring a towel and check the ears for wet and grit after every muddy outing.
- Let the dog hunt a hedgerow rather than pushing for pace; this is a slow, thorough breed.
- Keep an eye on weight, as a stocky spaniel gains it easily and the back pays the price.
- Watch for stiffness after a walk and note it in the report; back and hip issues matter in this shape of dog.
What to ask the owner
- Any back, hip or ear problems, and are there movements you want avoided such as jumping in and out of the car?
- How vocal is the dog on a walk, and does it bark at other dogs or just mutter on scent?
- Does the dog have a whistle recall, and how far are you happy for it to range?