Sussex Spaniel characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | 33% of breeds |
| Energy level | Low | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Medium | 26% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Sussex Spaniel right for you?
The Sussex Spaniel is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. In terms of temperament, it suits families with children particularly well and shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers. Day to day, the Sussex Spaniel needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Sussex Spaniel needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. With low energy and low athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Sussex Spaniel to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Sussex Spaniel wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Sussex Spaniel is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and barks a fair amount, usually for a reason. It tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Sussex Spaniel
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Sussex Spaniel genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Athleticism: Low — the Sussex Spaniel is less athletic than most breeds. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Energy: Low — the Sussex Spaniel needs less exercise than most breeds. Only 11% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Sussex Spaniel actually costs you
| Exercise | Short daily walks are enough; it will not push you for more. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Weekly brushing keeps the coat in reasonable order. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the Sussex Spaniel fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Good fit | Low energy and medium barking travel well into a flat. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Patient families
- Show enthusiasts
- Calm households
- Apartment living
Things to consider
- Extremely rare breed
- Can be stubborn
- Prone to weight gain
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Sussex Spaniel good with children?
- Yes — the Sussex Spaniel is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Sussex Spaniel shed a lot?
- The Sussex Spaniel has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Sussex Spaniel need?
- With low energy, the Sussex Spaniel needs relatively little exercise — short daily walks are usually enough.
- How long does the Sussex Spaniel live?
- The Sussex Spaniel typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the Sussex Spaniel live in an apartment?
- The Sussex Spaniel can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Sussex Spaniel easy to train?
- The Sussex Spaniel is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Sussex Spaniel be left alone during the day?
- The Sussex Spaniel tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.