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Sussex Spaniel Society International Breed History |
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Ch Okimat of Fourclovers - Born 1930 |
Sh Ch Quintic Joby - Born 1977 |
Sh Ch Creswelshaw Hannibal - Born 1976 |
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The Sussex Spaniel Breed History The Sussex Spaniel originates from England and has a long history. In 1803 the ‘Sportman’s Cabinet’ book says of spaniels, “the largest and strongest are common in most parts of Sussex and are called Sussex Spaniels. Reputedly the breed was created by Augustus Fuller of Rosehill Park in Sussex in the early 19th century. He bred them for their working ability as their large feet were ideal to cope with the heavy Sussex clay. The breed was taken up by other Landowners and Sussex numbers fluctuated from the 1870’s to the time of World War 2. Wartime restrictions on keeping dogs meant that by the end of the 2nd World War, we understand there were only about 6 or 7 Sussex Spaniels left. It was Miss Scholefield, later known as Mrs Freer, of the Fourclovers kennel, whose breeding efforts kept the Sussex Spaniel from extinction. Mrs Freer kept her Sussex throughout the War, going without food herself to feed her dogs. Her litters of the 1950’s form the base of today’s Sussex Spaniel. She owned and bred Sussex Spaniels for an impressive 60 years. It was due to the interest of the Show people that by 1992 there were 123 registrations in the UK - The best numbers ever. Over time the larger kennels closed and by the mid 1990’s in the UK, the ‘take up’ was from younger breeders who would breed perhaps only one litter a year. Annual registrations began dropping and in 2003 the Sussex was identified by the UK Kennel Club as a ‘Vulnerable British Breed’. In 2007 there were only 60 Sussex Spaniel puppies registered in the UK. In Europe inevitably there were far fewer. In 2007 there were 2 puppies registered in Finland, 7 in Denmark, 6 in France, 9 in Belgium and in the US only 45 registrations.
One of the
special features of this Breed is its dual-purpose ability, both
Show and Working (or Hunting). Many Their colour is 'golden liver' and is unique to the breed, they should not be described as 'chocolate' or 'liver'. They are usually 20-23 kilos and their height usually 38-40 cms in height. For a complete description: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/117 The numbers of Sussex Spaniels throughout the world are very low compared to popular breeds and this Society encourages ownership of this delightful and rare British breed. Sussex Spaniel Owners say they make the most wonderful and charismatic companions. Once you have fallen in love with a Sussex, one is not enough - you have to have another one!
The UK Kennel
Club Breed Standard:
Books to read
More Information: |
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