Sussex Spaniel
Male: 16-20 kg, Female: 16-20 kg
33-38 cm at the shoulder
12-15 years
United Kingdom (Sussex, England)
About the Sussex Spaniel
The Sussex Spaniel is a unique, low-slung, and massive gundog characterized by its distinctive golden-liver coat and a characteristic 'rolling' gait. Originally developed in the late 18th century at Rosehill in Sussex, England, by Augustus Elliot Fuller, this breed was engineered to navigate the thickest brambles and undergrowth that taller spaniels could not penetrate. Despite their shorter stature, they are powerfully built, heavy-boned dogs that demonstrate immense strength and endurance in the field. In a domestic setting, the Sussex is known for its deep devotion to its family. They are often described as having a 'sombre' or frowning expression that belies a cheerful and clownish personality. Unlike most other spaniels, the Sussex was bred to 'give tongue' or bark while trailing game, a trait that remains part of their vocal nature today. They are relatively rare and require a dedicated owner who appreciates their slower pace and steady, methodical approach to life and training.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
The Sussex Spaniel is distinguished in the ring by its 'rolling' movement—a powerful, swinging gait produced by its wide body and short legs. The breed standard emphasizes a deep chest and a long, low, rectangular silhouette. The coat must be a rich golden liver, a hue unique to the breed, which catches the light with a metallic sheen. They possess a distinctive head with a heavy brow and a soft, melting expression.
Bred For
Flushing and retrieving game from heavy, dense lowland cover where other spaniels were too tall or too fast to work effectively.
Temperament
Cheerful, docile, and affectionate, though often possessing a more serious and determined expression than other spaniels; they are notably vocal when working.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
, (), Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (PDP1), (heart condition), and chronic otitis externa (ear infections).
Exercise Needs
Moderate daily exercise is required, typically 45-60 minutes of walking or scent work, though they are capable of longer durations when conditioned.
Grooming Needs
Moderate; requires weekly brushing to prevent matting of the silky coat, regular trimming of hair between the pads, and frequent ear cleaning.
Living Suitability
Suited to both apartment living and houses with yards, provided they receive daily walks; their calm indoor nature makes them adaptable to smaller spaces if exercise needs are met.
Good with Kids
Generally very good with children, being sturdy and patient, though supervision is recommended with very young children due to the dog's heavy build.
Good with Other Pets
Typically sociable with other dogs and can coexist with household cats if raised together, though they may display a prey drive toward smaller outdoor animals.
Trainability
Intelligent and capable, though they can be independent and stubborn; they respond best to consistent, positive reinforcement and may require more patience than a Labrador or Golden Retriever.
Coat & Colours
Abundant, flat, and weather-resistant with a soft undercoat and moderate feathering.. Rich golden liver, where the hair shades to golden at the tips.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Sussex Spaniels are more likely to be vocal; unlike other spaniels, they were bred to bark while working, so they may be 'talkative' at home. This can be managed with training but is a core part of their heritage. They are predisposed to ear infections due to their heavy, pendant ears, meaning owners should commit to a weekly cleaning routine. Weight management is a significant consideration, as their low-slung frame cannot tolerate excess weight without putting stress on their joints; a precise fresh food diet is highly beneficial here. They may also develop a 'stubborn streak' during training, which simply means they prefer to work at their own pace—patience and high-value treats from Majestik will win them over. Like many deep-chested breeds, they can be susceptible to bloat (GDV), so feeding smaller, frequent meals is advisable. Lastly, they are prone to PDP1, a metabolic condition, so ensure any breeder provides DNA clearance for this.
Feeding Guide for Your Sussex Spaniel
Healthy Weight
16-20 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
320-600 grams per day
For an adult Sussex Spaniel, a fresh or raw diet should be fed at approximately 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily. Given their predisposition to weight gain, it is recommended to start at 2% and adjust based on activity levels.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
Supplement suitability and dosage depend on the individual dog’s diet and health. Discuss targeted supplementation with your veterinarian or qualified canine nutrition professional.
A balanced raw diet for a Sussex Spaniel should focus on lean, high-quality proteins available from Majestik Pet Food, such as Kangaroo or Beef, to manage their weight. Including oily fish like sardines or salmon provides essential Omega-3s to maintain the luster of their unique golden liver coat. Bone content should be precisely managed (approx. 10%) using soft bones like chicken carcasses or duck necks. Organ meats must include liver and kidney for B vitamins. Given their susceptibility to ear infections, a grain-free raw diet can help reduce yeast-related inflammation.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Sussex Spaniel Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Sussex Spaniel? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
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Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
4-6 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.