Sussex Spaniel
The Sussex Spaniel is a breed of dog native to Sussex, in southern England. It is a low, compact spaniel and is as old a breed as and similar in appearance to the Clumber Spaniel. They can be slow paced but can have a clownish and energetic temperament. They suffer from health conditions common to spaniels and some large dogs as well as a specific range of heart conditions and spinal disc herniation. The Sussex Spaniel was first recorded in 1795 in East and West Sussex, being at Goodwood and Rolvenden for specific hunting conditions. The breed was one of the first to be recognised by the UK Kennel Club in 1872 and was among the first breeds eligible for registration by the American Kennel Club. The breed nearly became extinct during the Second World War, but was bred back to sustainable numbers. It is now more popular in the United Kingdom and the United States than in any other country and is recognised by all major kennel clubs. Sussex Spaniel Stump won the best in show in 2009 at the 133rd Westminster Kennel Club.
| Life Span | 10-14 years |
| Weight | 10-30 kg |
What to Know Before Buying a Sussex Spaniel
Finding a responsible Sussex Spaniel breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells dogs commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.
Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Sussex Spaniel. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.
Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Sussex Spaniels appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.
Looking for a Sussex Spaniel breeder?
Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.
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