Sussex Spaniel
Affectionate, loyal, and steady, the Sussex Spaniel thrives as a gentle companion with a soulful gaze. Its calm nature and cheerful disposition suit laid-back families and quiet households.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
38–41 cm (male)
38–41 cm (female)
WEIGHT
18–23 kg (male)
16–20 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–15 years
Sussex Spaniel: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Sussex Spaniel isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Sussex Spaniel's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Sussex Spaniel is gentle, affectionate, and sociable, often forming strong bonds with family members and displaying a calm, steady demeanor around children and other pets.
Key Personality Traits
Warm, affectionate with family and familiar people
Learns steadily, responds well to gentle training
Enjoys activity but prefers a slower pace
Likes gentle games, not overly exuberant
Adjusts moderately to new settings and changes
Strengths
- Gentle with family members
- Steady and calm temperament
- Good with children and pets
- Strong scenting ability for tracking
- Loyal and affectionate companion
Challenges
- Prone to weight gain if overfed
- Can be stubborn during training sessions
- Needs regular ear cleaning to prevent infections
- Tends to bark when bored or lonely
- Requires daily exercise to prevent restlessness
Protect your Sussex Spaniel
Sussex Spaniel can develop ear infections and hip dysplasia. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Sussex Spaniels are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent but can be somewhat stubborn, responding best to patient, consistent training methods and positive reinforcement. Early socialization helps ensure good manners and adaptability.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–75 minutes daily
recommended per day
Sussex Spaniels have moderate energy levels and require daily walks, play, and mental stimulation to stay healthy and content. They enjoy scent-based activities and benefit from regular opportunities to explore outdoors.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Sussex Spaniels are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Sussex Spaniel would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Sussex Spaniels are gentle and easygoing, making them manageable for most beginners.
Apartment Living
Their moderate size and calm nature suit apartment environments if exercised daily.
Active Lifestyle
They enjoy moderate activity but are not high-energy sporting dogs.
Kids
Their gentle temperament typically makes them patient with young children.
Multiple Pets
They generally get along well with other dogs and pets in the household.
Being Left Alone
Sussex Spaniels dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation anxiety.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Sussex Spaniels compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sussex Spaniel
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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