Meet the Sussex Spaniel!

The friendly Sussex Spaniels, with their sometimes rather serious expression, actually have a clownish demeanour and are now also part of our Breed Archive platform.

This breed has its roots in the county of Sussex, England, and was developed in the early 19th century by Augustus Elliott Fuller. After the World Wars, only about 7 known Sussex Spaniels remained in the United Kingdom.

The Sussex Spaniel is the only spaniel baying (trail barking) once a game's scent is picked up whilst hunting.

Sussex Spaniels are a rare breed, and their numbers have dwindled over the years, leading to their classification as a vulnerable native breed by the Kennel Club of Great Britain.

The Sussex Spaniel is characterised by a somber, frowning expression, an abundant, feathery coat of rich golden-liver, a long, low body, and a distinctive rolling gait. This breed has a reputation for being lazy, but can be quite playful and has a cheerful nature.