Information ~ Breed History, Books & Links
HOSSC





HOSSC is a licensed club of the AKC
So you’re thinking about adding a Sussex to your home - or maybe you’ve just gotten your first Sussex. Those of us who own a Sussex know what wonderful companions they can be. These really become part of the family. But, as much as we love and enjoy our Sussex, they may not be the dog for everyone. We don’t want to discourage you from considering a Sussex as your family pet, but we do want you to know a little about what’s involved.

They do shed and require a nice brushing every week to keep the coat from becoming matted and tangled. Although regular grooming will help minimize the problem, if some dog hair around the house bothers you a Sussex is probably not the breed for you.

They do drool. While some may drool less than others, all Sussex produce saliva in varying amounts. Once again, if you’re turned off by the drool, you may want to consider another breed.

Now here are some basic facts you should know:

1.  All breeds of dogs have health problems. Sussex are no different. On our Health page there is a basic list of what Sussex may develop in their lifetime.

2.  AKC Limited registration and/or Spray/Neuter contracts are documents which indicate that your puppy can’t be used for breeding, and can’t be shown in Conformation classes at Dog Shows. Your puppy can be shown in Obedience and other Performance Events    ( Tracking, Rally, Hunting.) Neutered animals usually make better pets, since you don’t have to put up with the nuisance of bitches in season or male leg lifting.

3.  You should never have to pay extra for AKC papers or Health Information. When you pick up your puppy, you should receive a bill of sale, a 3 generation pedigree, the AKC registrations papers AND the results of the PDP1 test that was done.  Read all agreements carefully before signing.  A Sussex is an investment for his lifetime.

Each breed has their own AKC standard this link will take you to the AKC                        Sussex Spaniel Standard for more specific information on the breed.

The Sussex Spaniel was one of the original nine breeds recognized by the AKC in 1884, it has actually existed as a breed for much longer. It originated in the 18th century in the county of Sussex, England, where it was used as a field dog.  Mr Augustus Elliott Fuller (1777-1857) of Rosehill Sussex, England, is credited with being their founder and kept them for 50 years until the 1850's. They were kept as working dogs on his large estate. Though there were other Sussex Spaniel breeders, by the time of World War II there were still only a few Sussex Spaniels about. However, breeding was discouraged in wartime and resulted in only 5 known Sussex Spaniels remaining in 1945. Mrs Joy Freer devoted her life to breeding the Sussex Spaniel for posterity and provided a link over six decades. She always worked her dogs in the field. In the 1950's breeding problems had emerged and an outcross was undertaken in England

Today in both the US and UK there is still a small gene pool and the Sussex is considered to be more of a rare breed. In the US the AKC statistics show that Sussex Spaniels were ranked 155 out of 167 different breeds for registration. AKC also has published that in 2009, based on the average number of litters produced per breed, the Sussex ranked 148 out of 164.

The Breed was identified in England by the Kennel Club in 2004 as a Vulnerable British Breed. Only 60 puppies were registered in the UK 2009. The Sussex Spaniel Association was formed in 1924 in the UK for the "protection of the Sussex Spaniel" Today they have about 200 members, all devoted to the future of this lovely breed.

The Sussex Spaniel is a happy healthy dog. He makes a good gun dog, a show dog, or a pet and is very adaptable. They are a guarding breed and may be quite possessive of their toys. They are fine with people and children but they need plenty of socialisation, puppy classes, obedience classes, time and patience. They live happily with other dogs, though they are usually top dog!
  Books               
"Sussex Spaniel"
A complete and reliable handbook
by John Robert Lewis, Jr.
"The Sussex Spaniel"
by Peggy Grayson
The Sporting Spaniel Handbook"
by Loren Spiotta-DiMare,
"The Sussex Spaniel" by Becki Jo Hirschy
"The Complete Dog Book",
an Official Publication of the
American Kennel Club
There are a few publications available on the Sussex Spaniel. We have listed them so that you can identify the cover.  All the books are available on line at different locations. The cookbooks can be ordered by clicking the links below.
We are committed to the Sussex Spaniel and American Kennel Club organizations. You are welcome to contact any of us listed at the Officers/Breeders link for information on the Sussex Spaniel. You will find our emails addresses available at your finger tips.

The following organization's offer resources and other information on Sussex Spaniels:
Links
Find us on Facebook at Sussex Spaniel Heart of Ohio
The Heart of Ohio is a licensed club of the AKC
"More Homemade Treats for your Sussex Spaniel"
by Rosemary Cushman
This colorful cookbook features 64 tummy tempting recipes and 115 engaging photos of Sussex doing what they do best....enjoy life. From healthy treats to dinner recipes (some for you and your dog to share) this cookbook has it all!
Proceeds from the sale of this book benefit the Heart of Ohio Sussex Spaniel Club Health projects.
Many great recipes and wonderful photo's!
Homemade Treats for You Sussex Spaniel
First Edition - by Rosemary Cushman
Breed History
$15. 95 including postage
$12.95 including postage