Sussex Spaniel
The Sussex Spaniel is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world and one of the original AKC breeds (recognised 1884) — a low, heavy, golden-liver spaniel developed in Sussex for hunting dense undergrowth where speed was impossible.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
11–13 years
Weight
16–20 kg (35–44 lbs)
Height
33–41 cm (13–16 in)
Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality spaniel food. Monitor weight — prone to obesity due to low activity needs.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Sussex Spaniel is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world and one of the original AKC breeds (recognised 1884) — a low, heavy, golden-liver spaniel developed in Sussex for hunting dense undergrowth where speed was impossible. It moves slowly and deliberately, making it ideal for hunters on foot in thick English woodland. One of the breed's unique characteristics is that it gives tongue (barks) while working — unlike most spaniels that hunt silently. This allowed hunters to track the dog's progress through dense vegetation by its voice. It is nearly unique among spaniels for being "vocal on game." The breed nearly went extinct during WWII — the entire world population dropped to under 10 individuals.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A low, long, heavy-boned spaniel in a unique rich golden-liver colour — the only spaniel that is specifically "golden liver" rather than plain liver or chocolate. The coat is flat to wavy with moderate feathering. The expression is characteristically grave and serious — almost mournful.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Calm, loyal, and clownish — despite the serious expression the Sussex has a cheerful, almost comedic personality. Stubborn when it chooses. Not a fast learner but deeply loyal. Low energy compared to other spaniels.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
howling, stubbornness, withdrawal, drooling
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Moderate exercise — 1 hour daily. Brushing 2–3 times weekly. Monitor weight carefully — the breed has low exercise requirements and gains weight easily.
Nutrition Notes
Obesity-prone — strict portion control. Ear infections due to heavy ears. Heart disease in some lines (PDH deficiency). Joint supplements recommended.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
PDH (pyruvate dehydrogenase) deficiency — DNA test. Heart murmurs. Hip dysplasia. Only spaniel that howls while working. Unique golden-liver colour. Among rarest AKC breeds (<200 registrations/year). 11-13 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1000 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
700 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Cardiac defects — pulmonary valve stenosis and persistent right aortic arch are elevated. Hip dysplasia. Generally a robust small breed despite rarity.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
One of the rarest breeds globally — critical endangered status in some years. India: unavailable.
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $3,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Sussex Spaniel's entire world population dropped below 10 individuals during WWII — the breed survived only because one dedicated breeder, Joy Freer, kept her dogs alive through the war years at great personal sacrifice, refusing to give them up despite wartime food shortages.
The Sussex Spaniel gives tongue (barks) while hunting — a unique trait among English spaniels that was specifically valued for hunting in the dense Sussex woodland where hunters needed to hear the dog's progress.
