Sussex Spaniel is a type of dog that was originally bred in Sussex County, England. They were considered among the oldest types of spaniels. They are known for their calm demeanor, intelligence and loyalty to owners.
History of the Sussex Spaniel Breed
The Sussex is a native breed of Sussex, first known to have been bred in Goodwood, West Sussex in 1792 and by Augustus Elliot Fuller of Rose Hill (now known as Brightling Park in East Sussex, England). This dog is a type of a gun dog, which means that they are hunting dogs that are bred to assist hunters in finding and retrieving game. They were used in rough and dense territories where they could alert the hunters on their whereabouts through their barks, and then help them to retrieve the game. They were bred specifically to work in these conditions and give tongue that was uncommon in most other Spaniel breeds.
The Sussex Spaniel was one of the first dog breed to be registered by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1872. Sussex Spaniels are also registered with the American Kennel Club in 1884. During the World War I and World War II, the breed suffered a significant decline in population. After the wars, there was a renewed interest in the breed and its numbers began to grow again. Sussex Spaniels are now considered a rare breed and are most popular in the United Kingdom or the United States, but not so much outside of these two countries. They are now considered a vulnerable native breed, which means that the number of puppies registered each year is 300 or lower within the United Kingdom.
Appearance
Sussex Spaniels are a breed of dog that come in a golden liver color. They have a characteristic spaniel coat which is not too long and hangs close to the body. Sussex Spaniels weigh about 35 to 45 pounds and stand about 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. They are a medium-sized spaniel with a friendly and outgoing personality.
The ears are hefty, large, and lobe-shaped and sit somewhat lower than the outside corner of the eye. They have a characteristic body shape. The entire body is described as low and long, with a level topline. They have short legs compared to the rest of the body. Sussex Spaniels have a very Sussex Spaniel-like tail. It is set high and carried straight, but does not curl over the back. Their coat is flat or slightly wavy, and they have a soft, wavy hair on their ears. They are described as having a very serious expression, however Sussex Spaniels are a very friendly breed!
Maintenance and Grooming
Brushing, bathing and trimming your Sussex Spaniel’s coat will keep him looking his best. Start by brushing his coat every day with a good quality brush to remove any dead hair and distribute the natural oils evenly. Sussex Spaniels have a water-resistant coat, so they don’t need baths very often – maybe once every few weeks. The hair on the bottom of their feet should be trimmed every few months to keep them looking neat and prevent them from slipping. Ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infection.
Activity Level
Sussex Spaniels, unlike other dog breeds, do not have a very high energy level, however they do need regular activity. Sussex Spaniels are content with at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity a day. These can live in apartments if they are given enough daily exercise and attention. They enjoy playing games and going for walks. They also love to chase and retrieve balls, so a good game of fetch is always a favorite pastime. Furthermore, they are well-adapted to apartment living, and they’re not large, so the breed may live in smaller living spaces as long as they get enough exercise. They should not be kept outside on their own.
Diet
Sussex Spaniels are not large dogs, therefore they do not require a lot of food. The amount of food they eat will depend on their activity level, age and sex. Usually about 320-400 grams of food a day will suffice, but it is important to adjust the food intake as needed. It is very important not to overfeed Sussex Spaniels because this can lead to obesity and cause health problems such as joint pain and heart disease.
Sussex Spaniel Temperament and Personality
Sussex Spaniels are considered to be very friendly and loyal. They are excellent with children and make great family pets. Sussex Spaniels also get along well with other dogs. They are easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement. Their main ability is hunting, and they have a great sense of smell and can track down prey very easily. They are also good at retrieving items from water. Sussex Spaniels are a great choice for anyone looking for a friendly, loyal dog that is good with children and other animals. They also have a tendency to bark or howl.
Health
The lifespan of the Sussex is usually 12-14 years, and it is considered to be a healthy dog breed. However, there are some health issues which can affect Sussex Spaniels. Some common health problems Sussex owners should be aware of include:
- hip dysplasia;
- otitis externa;
- pulmonary valve stenosis;
- patent ductus arteriosus.
Hip dysplasia is a condition that can affect Sussex Spaniels and is caused by a malformation of the hip joint. Symptoms of this condition include difficulty when walking, reluctance to run or jump, and pain in the hindquarters.
Otitis externa is an ear infection and can be caused by a number of factors, such as allergies, ear mites or infection. Symptoms of otitis externa include scratching at the ears, head shaking, discharge from the ear and pain. Treatment for this condition usually involves antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
Pulmonary valve stenosis is a heart condition that can affect Sussex Spaniels. This condition is caused by a narrowing of the pulmonary valve and can lead to shortness of breath, exercise intolerance and coughing. Treatment for pulmonary valve stenosis usually involves surgery.
Patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital defect that affects Sussex Spaniels. This condition is caused by an opening between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, which allows blood to flow between the two vessels. Symptoms of patent ductus arteriosus include difficulty breathing, a fast heart rate and a blue tinge to the skin. Treatment for this condition usually involves surgery.
It is important to discuss health concerns with your Sussex breeder and your veterinarian. By being aware of the common health problems that can affect Sussex Spaniels, you can help to ensure that your dog stays healthy and happy.
For Whom?
Sussex Spaniels are perfect for families, as they are great with children. They are also good for people who are looking for a dog that is easy to train. They’re good with seniors, and they are used as therapy dogs, which means that they’re trained to be around other people, support them and be affectionate. It is very important not to leave your Sussex Spaniel alone for longer period of times, as this breed does not tolerate being alone.
Sussex Spaniel Puppies Price
Sussex Spaniels are a rare breed and the price for a Sussex Spaniel puppy is typically high. If you want to buy a spaniel puppy, expect to pay around $2,000-$3,000. The price can vary depending on the breeder, location and bloodlines of the dog. Always do some research before purchasing a Sussex Spaniel to make sure you are getting a healthy, well-bred dog.
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