Sporting group

Sussex Spaniel

A low, rolling golden-liver spaniel with a frown, a bark and a big heart.

Sussex Spaniels are rare, long, low spaniels with a rich golden-liver coat. They are calm and affectionate at home, deliberate in the field and known for a serious expression and a surprisingly loud bark.

Height
13–15 in33–38 cm
Weight
35–45 lb16–20 kg
Life expectancy
13–15 years
Size
Medium
Group
Sporting
Origin
Sussex, England

Coat: Abundant, flat or slightly wavy coat with feathering. Colours: Golden liver.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement2.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation2.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive3.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level3.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden3.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency2.5 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability3.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Sussex are mellow, loving companions who enjoy a slow pace. Many are cheerful and clownish with their families despite their solemn frown. They are generally good with children and other dogs.

They were bred to give tongue (bark) while hunting in dense cover, so many are vocal. They can be stubborn and are sensitive to harsh handling.

Living with a Sussex Spaniel

Exercise

Moderate: 30–60 minutes of walking and sniffing daily. Keep puppies off stairs and jumping while growing.

Grooming

Brush a few times a week and trim feathering, ears and feet. Clean the ears regularly.

Training

Patient, reward-based training works best. Expect some stubbornness and plenty of barking commentary.

Kids & other pets

Good with children and other pets; calm and affectionate indoors.

Time alone

Tolerates moderate alone time but may bark. Prefers to be with the family.

Home fit

Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.

Is a Sussex Spaniel right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Sussex Spaniel matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Sussex Spaniel typically lives 13–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.

  • Intervertebral disc disease

    The long, low build increases disc risk; limit jumping.

  • PDP1 deficiency

    An inherited metabolic disease causing exercise intolerance; DNA testing is available.

  • Heart disease

    Cardiac screening of breeding dogs is recommended.

  • Ear infections

    Heavy ears trap moisture and need weekly checks.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • Cardiac examination
  • DNA test for PDP1 deficiency

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Sussex Spaniel; Sussex Spaniel Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

The breed was developed in the late 1700s by Augustus Fuller at Rosehill Park in Sussex, as a slow, steady hunting dog for thick undergrowth. Its golden-liver colour became the breed standard.

Sussex Spaniels were among the first nine breeds recognised by the AKC in 1884, but the breed nearly vanished after WWII. A Sussex named Stump won Westminster Best in Show in 2009 at age ten — the oldest dog ever to do so.

Did you know?

  • A Sussex named Stump won Westminster Best in Show in 2009 at ten years old.
  • The Sussex has a distinctive rolling gait.
  • It was among the first nine AKC-recognised breeds.

Library guides for Sussex Spaniel owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Sussex Spaniels good family dogs?
Yes — they are calm, affectionate and good with children.
Do Sussex Spaniels bark a lot?
Many do; they were bred to bark while hunting.
Are Sussex Spaniels rare?
Yes, very. Expect a waiting list for puppies.