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Sussex Spaniel
Sporting breed from Sussex, England
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Sussex Spaniel
The Sussex Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting breed from Sussex, England. It has a short, rich golden liver coat and is known for its calm, gentle, friendly, loyal, and alert temperament. This breed is estimated to weigh 16–20 kg and stand 33–38 cm tall, with a lifespan of 12–15 years. Its energy level is moderate (3/5), and it is fairly trainable (4/5). Grooming and shedding are moderate (3/5 each). It is generally suited to children (4/5) and other dogs (4/5), and can adapt to apartment living (3/5). Individual dogs may vary.
Quick facts
Sussex Spaniel at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupSporting
OriginSussex, England
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight16–20 kilogram
Female weight16–20 kilogram
Male height33–38 centimetre
Female height33–38 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Sussex Spaniel was developed in Sussex County, England, during the 18th–19th centuries by landowners specifically for hunting in dense forests and undergrowth. The breed was nearly extinct after World War II but was saved by dedicated breeders. Its history includes recognition by the Kennel Club in 1872 and the American Kennel Club in 1884, though recognition status varies by registry today. The breed is described as a long, low, muscular spaniel with a distinctive rolling gait, bred for hunting in dense undergrowth.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
16–20 kilogramAdult weight33–38 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsRich golden liverRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Calmgentlefriendlyloyalalert
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Sussex Spaniel-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
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Growth chart
Sussex Spaniel puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight16–20 kilogramAdult female weight16–20 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Sussex Spaniel?
The Sussex Spaniel is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult height is 33–38 cm, and weight is 16–20 kg for both males and females. Estimated lifespan is 12–15 years. These figures are modelled estimates.
What is the temperament of a Sussex Spaniel?
The breed is described as calm, gentle, friendly, loyal, and alert. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every dog will display all these traits consistently.
How much exercise does a Sussex Spaniel need?
Its energy level is rated 3 out of 5, indicating moderate exercise needs. It was bred for hunting in dense undergrowth, so regular activity is beneficial, but specific requirements depend on the individual dog.
What are the grooming requirements for a Sussex Spaniel?
Grooming is rated 3 out of 5 (moderate). The coat is short and rich golden liver in color. Shedding is also moderate (3/5). Regular brushing and occasional baths are typically sufficient.
Is the Sussex Spaniel good with children and other dogs?
Child suitability is rated 4 out of 5, and dog compatibility is also 4 out of 5, suggesting it generally gets along well with children and other dogs. However, individual temperament and socialization play a role.
Can a Sussex Spaniel live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is rated 3 out of 5, indicating it can adapt to apartment living but may benefit from regular outdoor exercise. Its moderate energy level supports this.
Where does the Sussex Spaniel originate from?
The breed originates from Sussex, England. It was developed in the 18th–19th centuries for hunting in dense forests and undergrowth. Recognition status varies by registry.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.