Origin: United Kingdom (England)
Origin of Name: The Sussex Spaniel is a breed of dog native to Sussex in southern England.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Medium | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
|
In the 1700s, English county sportsmen from Sussex developed a spaniel, whose short legs and thick torso plowed through the area's heavy clay soil, dense underbrush and thick hedgerows to hunt winged game. Were compatible with. Because the dog was built so low and the cover so high, Sussex developed barking and barking language to mark its location for human predators. And to this day, Sussex is more vocal than other Spaniels.
The usual grooming for the breed is to bathe, brush and comb. The hair under the feet should be cut to prevent the dog from slipping. If the dog is neutered, the coat becomes fuzzy and cotton-candy, and is very difficult to deal with. Sussex should not be shaved unless absolutely necessary, as the coat takes a long time to recover. Like all breeds, nails should be cut regularly.
Sussex can be stubborn; They have long memories and they will never forget nor forgive the rough handling. Sussex owners should try to clearly tell the dog what they want, and praise the dog very much when it gets it right.
Sussex Spaniels should not exercise vigorously before they are at least one year old. Sussex is growing slower, and too early exercise can damage the growth plates. Puppies should be allowed to self-exercise by playing. Adult Sussex loves swimming and long walks, but should not start jumping and agility-type work until the dog is at least 18 months old.
The Sussex Spaniel is a very slow growing breed. Sussex Spaniels should perform well on high quality dog food, whether manufactured commercially or prepared at home with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Intact Sussex is almost never overweight, as they only eat as much as they need. Know which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Contact your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
Sussex is difficult to breed, and bitches often skip the season, re-absorb puppies, and require a c-section. Puppies are fragile by about two weeks of age. Responsible breeders check their stock for health conditions such as heart problems. Bloat can affect some Sussex, and cancer occurs mostly in older dogs. A genetic test is now available for pdp1, a genetic metabolism that allows breeders to identify carriers and avoid producing affected offspring.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: