Sussex Spaniel Breed Guide
Also known as: Sussex
Golden spaniels with calm nature, Sussex Spaniels are cheerful, gentle sporting dogs whose steady temperaments and moderate size suit various households.

Quick facts about this breed
Size
Medium
Weight
15-21 kg
Lifespan
11-16 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
Moderate
Size
Medium
Weight
15-21 kg
Lifespan
11-16 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
Moderate
About Sussex Spaniels
The Sussex Spaniel originated in England during the 18th century, developed in the county of Sussex for hunting in dense cover. These dogs were bred to be slower and more methodical than other spaniels, allowing hunters on foot to keep up with them in thick underbrush.
Sussex Spaniels are medium-sized dogs with long, silky coats in rich golden liver colour. They're known for their distinctive rolling gait, gentle expressions, and calm, steady personalities.
These dogs are intelligent, gentle, and make excellent family pets. They're generally good with children and are known for their patient, tolerant nature. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation but are generally content with daily walks and playtime. Their coats need regular grooming to prevent matting. While generally healthy, potential concerns include hip dysplasia, certain eye conditions, and heart problems. Early socialisation helps ensure they develop into well-adjusted, confident adults.
Complete Care Guide for Sussex Spaniels
Expert advice on keeping your Sussex Spaniel healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Providing balanced nutrition stands as a cornerstone of caring for your Sussex Spaniel's overall health and wellbeing. These gentle companions require carefully portioned meals that incorporate appropriate amounts of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to maintain their moderate energy levels and support their unique physical needs.
High-quality protein sources deserve particular attention in the Sussex Spaniel's diet, as protein plays a vital role in maintaining muscle health and supporting daily energy requirements. Given this breed's natural tendency toward weight gain due to their relaxed temperament, implementing portion control becomes especially crucial. Establishing regular feeding schedules and measuring meals helps prevent overfeeding and supports weight management.
While treats can serve as valuable training tools and occasional rewards, they should comprise no more than 10% of your Sussex Spaniel's daily caloric intake. Select healthy, nutritious treats that complement their regular diet rather than empty-calorie options. Consider using small pieces of lean meat or vegetables as alternatives to commercial treats when possible.
Regular monitoring of your Sussex Spaniel's weight and body condition helps ensure their nutritional program remains appropriate as they age. Adjust portions based on activity level, age, and overall health status, consulting with your veterinarian to develop a tailored feeding plan that meets your dog's specific needs.
How healthy is your Sussex Spaniel?
A two minute quiz for your personalised results and health plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Sussex Spaniels from our community of pet parents
Sussex Spaniels are known for their calm, friendly, and affectionate nature. They are quite sociable and get along well with other dogs and humans alike. Being an intelligent breed, they respond well to positive reinforcement training. They also have a bit of a stubborn streak, which requires patience during training sessions.
Dog Breeds Similar to Sussex Spaniel
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