At a glance the quick version
FCI gives about 23 kg; Wikipedia gives 20-23 kg (45-50 lb).
The Royal Kennel Club lists over 10 years.
Coat and looks how to spot one
abundant, flat coat with weatherproof undercoat and moderate feathering
A long, low and solidly built spaniel with a massive frame for its height. Its plentiful flat coat has no curl, carries a thick undercoat for bad weather, and grows soft, wavy hair on the ears and light feathering on the legs.312
Personality what they are like
Easy-going, kind and cheerful, often with a comic streak, even though its face tends to look serious. In the field it is a slow but thorough hunter, and at home it is a mellow, devoted companion.413
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day for this working gundog.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs grooming more than once a week; pay attention to the feathering and the long, silky ears.23
Home where they are happiest
Suits a home with access to countryside walks; bred for working through dense undergrowth.2
Company who they like around
A people-focused family dog that likes company and is known for being good with children.14
The story where it all began
Mr A. E. Fuller of Rosehill Park near Hastings shaped the breed in Sussex from the late 1700s as a sturdy spaniel for pushing through thick cover. After his death numbers fell, and the breed came close to disappearing again around the Second World War, when breeder Joy Freer kept it going; all modern Sussex Spaniels trace back to her dogs.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is the only spaniel that gives tongue, barking or baying while it works so the hunter can follow it.2
- 2
Its golden liver coat colour is unique to the breed.1
- 3
A Sussex Spaniel called Stump won Best in Show at Westminster in 2009 at the age of 10, the oldest dog to take the title.1
- 4
It moves with a distinctive rolling gait that sets it apart from other spaniels.3
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 127, Group 8, Section 2 (Flushing dogs); standard dated 13 Oct 20103
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Gundog group, listed as 'Spaniel (Sussex)'; Vulnerable Native Breed. Wikipedia notes Kennel Club recognition in 18722
- AKC
- Recognised; Wikipedia notes it was among the first ten breeds in the AKC stud book (1884)4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Sussex Spaniel. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Sussex Spaniel, and at what times?
Feed an adult Sussex Spaniel at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent times, such as morning and evening, help their digestion. For exact amounts, follow the food label and ask your vet.5
What should a Sussex Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Provide high-quality dog food suitable for its life stage. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially risky for dogs. Always check with your vet for a tailored diet plan.6
How often should I bathe a Sussex Spaniel?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but a general guideline is at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues, using a gentle dog shampoo.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Sussex Spaniel need brushing?
Brush at least once a week to keep its silky coat and ears tidy. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every two days to prevent tangles, especially on the feathering and long ears.32 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Sussex Spaniel's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the pink quick, and ask your vet or a groomer if you're unsure.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Sussex Spaniel need?
This active breed needs more than two hours of exercise daily, including walks and play. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily walks and play, and they especially enjoy countryside rambles that let them use their hunting instincts.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Sussex Spaniel's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth at least twice a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly to keep them clean and dry since floppy ears trap moisture. Your vet can demonstrate proper care if needed.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Sussex Spaniel live?
Sussex Spaniels typically live around 10 years or more with good care. Regular vet visits and a healthy lifestyle can help them enjoy a long, happy life.2
Is a Sussex Spaniel good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is known to be very good with children, being kind, gentle, and devoted. They generally get along well with other pets, especially when raised together and socialised early.413
Can a Sussex Spaniel be left alone?
Sussex Spaniels are people-focused and love company, so they don't enjoy being left alone for long. For short periods they may manage with plenty of exercise and toys, but consider a dog walker if you're away often.41
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Sussex Spaniel en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition dates, weight, temperament, fun facts
- The Royal Kennel Club: Spaniel (Sussex) royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan, history, vulnerable breed status
- FCI breed standard No. 127: Sussex Spaniel fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colour, gait, temperament
- AKC: Sussex Spaniel akc.orgused for recognition, temperament
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.