Sussex Spaniels: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em
Sussex Spaniel temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Matching his somber, almost frowning expression, the Sussex Spaniel is calmer and steadier than most other spaniels, though he does conceal a dry sense of humor.
This long, low, heavyset dog is rather phlegmatic indoors, but loves the outdoors and will bound through the fields in search of lurking creatures.
The Sussex Spaniel is aloof with strangers and sometimes even protective (very unusual for a spaniel). But once guests are accepted, he becomes polite, even charming, as long as he has been well-socialized.
Sussex Spaniels can also be pushy with strange dogs (again, unusual for a spaniel).
Re: training, his tendencies toward stubbornness require a consistent owner who knows how to lead.
Finally, the Sussex Spaniel is noted for being one of the most vocal of the spaniels, tending to bark and howl, especially if left alone too much.
If you want a dog who...
- Is medium-sized and heavset, built long and low to the ground, with a brown silky coat
- Matching his somber expression, is calmer and steadier than most spaniels
- Is rather phlegmatic indoors, but comes alive outdoors and romps with enthusiasm
- Is polite with strangers, yet makes a better watchdog than other spaniels
A Sussex Spaniel may be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with...
- Providing enough exercise to keep his chunky body in shape
- Destructiveness and baying/howling when left alone too much
- Stubbornness
- Regular brushing and combing
- Shedding
- Slobbering
- Waiting lists (very hard to find)
A Sussex Spaniel may not be right for you.
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Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.
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More traits and characteristics of the Sussex Spaniel
If I was considering a Sussex Spaniel, I would be most concerned about...
- Providing enough exercise. Sussex Spaniels were developed to run through the fields seeking birds for the hunter to shoot. So life in an apartment or an occasional walk around the block isn't enough for this breed. Provide them with enough space to vent their energy with a vigorous daily romp. Otherwise they will become bored, which they usually express by barking and howling and chewing destructively.
- Grooming and shedding. To keep their silky coat free of mats, Sussex Spaniels require regular brushing and combing, and occasional trimming. And like most spaniels, Sussex Spaniels shed a lot.
- Slobbering. Some Sussex Spaniels with heavy jowls tend to slobber their water, and some drool.
- Stubbornness. Despite their easygoing nature, Sussex Spaniels are stubborn, and to get their own way, they can be manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. In other words, you must teach your Sussex Spaniel to respect you. Follow my free online training programs.
- Finding one. The Sussex Spaniel is one of the rarest breeds in the United States, so you should expect to go onto a waiting list.
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