Alt Names: None Country of Origin: England

History: The Sussex Spaniel appears to have been evident in the UK in the 1800's. Mr Fuller of Rosehill Sussex, England, is credited with being their founder and kept them for 50 years until the 1850's. They were kept as working dogs on his large estate. Though there were other Sussex Spaniel breeders, by the time of World War II there were still only a few Sussex Spaniels about. However, breeding was discouraged in wartime and resulted in only 5 known Sussex Spaniels remaining in 1945. Mrs Joy Freer devoted her life to breeding the Sussex Spaniel for posterity and provided a link over six decades. She always worked her dogs in the field. In the 1950's breeding problems had emerged and an outcross was undertaken by the Association. Today in the UK there is still a small gene pool. Only 77 puppies were registered in 2005.

The Sussex Spaniel Association was formed in 1924 for the '"protection of the Sussex Spaniel". Today the Sussex Spaniel Association has about 200 members, all devoted to the future of this lovely breed.

Appearance: Back and loin well developed and muscular with good depth of ribs which should be carried well back, though not too far to interfere with movements of stifle joints. The whole body should be level with no sign of waistiness from withers to hips and longer, relatively, than in any other spaniel variety. They have an Abundant and flat, fine in texture (not woolly) with ample under-coat for weather resistance. The colour is a rich golden liver with hair shading to a golden tinge towards the tips, the gold predominating.

Temperament: The Sussex Spaniel is a happy healthy dog. He makes a good gun dog, a show dog, or a pet and is very adaptable. They are a guarding breed and quite possessive of their Owners. They are fine with people and children but they need plenty of socialisation, puppy classes, obedience classes, time and patience. They live happily with other dogs, though they are usually top dog!