The Sussex Spaniel is the rarest of the spaniels. It is also one of the oldest. It was one of the first ten breeds to be registered by the American Kennel Club.

Originating in the late 1700's the Sussex Spaniel's primary use was flushing game fowl from land and water. The Sussex gives "tongue" on the hunt. He is the only spaniel that does this. The Sussex has a bell like tone and he "talks" to the hunter as he hunts. They are also frequently trained to retrieve their game.

Mr. Fuller developed their unique coat color, golden liver. They are heavily boned. The Sussex have long low bodies that are able to get through the thick brush. They are slow but steady and determined hunters.

After World War II the Sussex Spaniel nearly became extinct. Eight were known to be living. All were from Mrs. Freer's Fourelovers Kennel.

There are around 400 Sussex Spaniels registered in the United States today.

Copyright © 1999 Tari Robison and SussexSpaniel.com
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