• Fact 2 - Description and Definition of Sussex Spaniels: This English breed of dog has small to medium-sized gun dogs with a long silky coat and long frilled ears. Sussex Spaniels were originally bred in the 1700's for startling, or flushing, and retrieving partridge and pheasant from their cover from fields. This is the rarest and possible the most unusual of the Spaniel breeds.
  • The Sussex countryside contains many dense hedge rows which reduce visibility to such an extent that these spaniels were bred to bark in order to to identify the location of the quarry
  • It is the only spaniel which barks whilst hunting
• Fact 3 - Origin of the breed: Sussex Spaniels originated in England in the county of Sussex and were originally bred in the 1800's as a gun dog
  • Spaniels originated in Spain, hence their name, but most modern breeds were developed in England and America
  • The larger breeds of spaniels are called Springers referring to the dogs ability to force its quarry to spring out of wooded areas
  • The smaller breeds of spaniels are called Cockers relating to their skill in hunting Woodcock pigeons  
• Fact 4 - Size: The height ranges from 15 - 16 inches, up to the shoulder
• Fact 5 - Alternative Names of Sussex Spaniels and Nicknames: This dog's name is sometimes mis-spelt as Spanial
• Fact 6 - Coat and colors of Sussex Spaniels: The coat is normally abundant and flat with weather-resistant undercoat.  and comes in a range of colors of golden liver shading to golden at tips of hairs, gold predominating, dark liver or puce
• Fact 7 - Life of Sussex Spaniels: the life expectancy of this breed of dog is between 10 - 12 years
• Fact 8 - The names of dog breeds are separated into different dog types which are referred to as Dog Groups. The name of the dog group for Sussex Spaniels is the Sporting Dog (Gundog) dog breed
• Fact 9 - After the first year of life, dogs are considered to be adults - they equivalent to 16 human years!
• Fact 10 - Choosing Sussex Spaniels as pets! The following considerations should be taken into account when choosing this particular breed of dog as a pet:
  • How much it will cost to feed and train the dog?
  • How much time will it take to groom the dog?
  • How much time will it take to exercise the dog on a daily basis?
  • Are Sussex Spaniels suitable for children?
  • How much will it cost for vet bills, pet or dog health insurance, medication and vaccinations?
• Fact 11 - Every breed of dog is susceptible to certain health problems and illnesses. Sussex Spaniels are prone to health problems and illnesses such as:
  • - Heart and liver problems
  • - In-growing eyelashes
  • - Hip Dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints)
• Fact 12 - Breeding Sussex Spaniels for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century
• Fact 13 - It is estimated that 85% of dogs visit a vet in a year
• Fact 14 - The average cost of owning a medium sized dog, over a 10 year period, is estimated as over $13,000! This provides a good idea of how much it costs to raise Sussex Spaniels

For in depth information we highly recommend Dog Names and Breeds.