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| Sussex Spaniel |
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The Sussex Spaniel breed profile is sponsored by www.PetWearUSA.com visit PetWear to custom design your Sussex' next designer dog collar, leash or more and then let PetWear hand make it and then ship for free! Relative to other Spaniels, like the English Springer, the Sussex is relatively slow moving in the field. That is the nature of his work. However the person who brings home a Sussex expecting a slow, languid dog around the house is in for a big surprise! The Sussex is a remarkably charming, easy going companion. A kind, devoted Spaniel nature and sturdy body leaves him a popular companion to all those that know him. Like most Spaniels, he has a high desire to be near his people, given this requirement of not being left alone too much, the Sussex Spaniel is a great prospect for many lifestyles and families seeking a canine companion. |
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| General Information |
| Group(s):
Sporting, Spaniel |
Height: 15-16 inches |
| Weight: about 50 pounds |
Longevity: midteens |
| Colors: golden liver with hair gradiant going to gold at the tips |
Coat type: abundant, flat and silky with feathering, dense undercoat |
| Recognized Registries: ANKC, AKC, UKC, NCA, FCI, KC, CKC, FCI and others |
| Overall Appearance: Movement with a decided roll due to its long body, short legs and massive build. Distinctive red coat and warm Spaniel expression. |
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| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: moderate |
| General Nature: |
active, devoted, kindly, intelligent, hard working |
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with Children: generally exceptional |
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with other pets: can be very good but requires proper introduction and supervision, they are a hunting dog after all |
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with dogs: generally very good |
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| Socialization requirements: moderate: some tendency toward shyness or aggression if this is overlooked |
| Ideal home characteristics: One that delights in the gentle and active nature of this moderately sized dog. Plenty active for the busiest family but happy to nap in quiet moments. |
| Temperament Notes: Kind, devoted, gentle, happy go lucky, playful, smart, easy to train |
| Training requirement: moderate: socialization and basic manners but loves other activities as well |
| Trainer notes: The Sussex Spaniel has endless, boundless stamina for fun and interesting training sessions and will be exhausted and overwhelmed in moments during an intense, pressure filled session. The Sussex is a true Spaniel and his soft nature simply won't tolerate anxiety and thinking at the same time. Keep it light and fun and you'll be amazed at how quickly the Sussex comes together in whatever you might be trying to communicate! The many titles of many different ventures held by dogs in this breed testify to the fun that others are having. |
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| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: 1700s |
| Country of Origin: Sussex County, England |
| Original Function: flushing spaniel |
| History: The Sussex Spaniel was developed especially to flush out birds and other prey from low lying brush and overgrowth. The nature of the English countryside made this skill very valuable. The dog's nature made them valued by the fire and in the field. |
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| Adoption Information |
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| Deviations from Standard: |
| Health Notes: hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart problems, deafness |
| Health Testing: CERF, OFA, Thyroid Panel, BAER |
| Questions to ask Breeder:
http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
How long have you had Sussex Spaniels?
Why do you have Sussex Spaniels (show, performance, hunting, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of a Sussex Spaniel?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you send your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal Sussex Spaniel?
How would you describe the ideal Sussex Spaniel home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training a Sussex Spaniel?
How do you assist or help Sussex Spaniels in need of rescue? |
| Web Sites: |
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| Other Resources |
| Breed standard: |
http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/discoverdogs/gundog/g827.htm - The Kennel Club (UK) Standard of the Sussex Spaniel
http://www.sussexspaniels.org/index_files/page3.htm - Standard as per the Sussex Spaniel Club of America |
| Breeder Ethics: |
http://www.sussexspaniels.org/ - Accolades are due to the Sussex Spaniel Club of America, their Code of Ethics is found on their home page (left navigation column) |
| Other: |
It is a heartbreaking oversite that the Sussex Spaniel Club of America neglects any mention of rescue on their site except with the name of the chair of that committee but with NO contact information. While the Sussex is an uncommon breed, the need for an active rescue is critical if only to help shelters and other groups recognize the breed when/if one crossed it's path. |
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