Sussex Spaniel
Discover the Sussex Spaniel's unique traits, from its golden coat and howling habit to serious health risks like spinal issues and heart defects.
The Sussex Spaniel is a low, compact, golden-liver spaniel native to Sussex, England, known for being slow-paced, calm, and the only spaniel to howl when it picks up a scent. This distinct temperament and appearance mask significant health challenges, including spinal disc herniation and congenital heart defects that require vigilant management.
Physical build and unique coat
The breed is defined by its low, rectangular silhouette, standing no taller than 15 to 16 inches at the withers and weighing between 45 and 50 pounds. This makes it distinctly stockier and heavier than the Clumber Spaniel, which typically reaches 17 to 20 inches and weighs up to 85 pounds. The most striking feature is the coat, which is a rich golden liver color; while historical records note rare black or white variations, the golden liver is the standard. The fur is thick with a weather-resistant undercoat and a silky outer layer that features feathering on the chest, legs, and ears. Their eyes are hazel, and they possess long, lobe-shaped ears set moderately low, designed to trap moisture and scent.
Temperament and working ability
These dogs are slow-paced and calm, often displaying a somewhat clownish behavior that keeps their energy levels in check. They are eager to be around people, making them excellent family pets and strong candidates for therapy work, though they can be protective of their household. While they are competent hunters capable of quartering in the field and retrieving game, they are notoriously stubborn to train. The most unusual behavioral trait is their vocalization: the Sussex Spaniel is the only spaniel breed that will howl once it detects a game's scent, a trait bred specifically to alert hunters in dense undergrowth where barking might be less effective.
Spinal and joint vulnerabilities
The breed's compact, heavy build predisposes it to intervertebral disc syndrome, also known as spinal disc herniation. This condition occurs when a disc bulges or ruptures into the vertebral canal, compressing the spinal cord. Symptoms range from mild neck or back pain to complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and loss of bladder or bowel control. While mild cases can be managed medically by crate confinement and pain medication for several weeks, severe cases may require surgery to restore sensation, though success depends heavily on the severity of the herniation. Hip dysplasia is also a concern, with surveys indicating that 41.5% of the breed is affected, ranking it as the ninth most susceptible of 157 breeds, though the compact nature of the dog often prevents it from being severely debilitating.
Cardiac and ear health risks
Heart conditions are a primary health concern, with pulmonary valve stenosis being the most common congenital defect. In this condition, the pulmonary valve is improperly formed, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood, which can lead to fluid accumulation, ventricular hypertrophy, and eventual heart failure. Patent ductus arteriosus, a failure of a small blood vessel to close after birth, also appears in the breed. Additionally, the long, floppy ears make them highly prone to otitis externa, or outer ear infections, caused by trapped moisture, mites, or fungi. Treatment is generally straightforward, ranging from antibiotics to over-the-counter cleaning solutions, but requires consistent maintenance to prevent recurrence.
History and conservation status
First recorded in 1795 in East and West Sussex, the breed was developed for rough terrain and dense undergrowth where it could give tongue to alert hunters. It is one of the oldest spaniel breeds, older than the Field Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel. The Sussex nearly became extinct during the Second World War, with breeding discouraged and numbers dropping to just ten registered dogs in 1947. The breed was saved from extinction by English breeder Joy Freer, and all modern Sussex Spaniels descend from her stock. Today, it is recognized by all major kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club, which admitted it to its stud book in 1884. In 2009, a Sussex Spaniel named Stump won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, becoming the oldest dog to ever win the title at 10 years old.