Fact check: What Gov. And don't forget to consider treats! Buy a pup from AKC hunt tested parents that are also proven wild gamebird finders in the field, and look at the parents for strong natural ability in tracking, finding, flushing and retrieving gameand maybe giving voice and sounding when on a bird. "I became familiar with and hunted over the Sussex when I was stationed in England as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force," the man related. Because they love hunting and being outdoors, they are not suited for apartment living. "This is a Sussex spaniel," the man said when I asked what kind of dog he had. And puppy mortality can be high with a 50 percent loss often common, she emphasizes. After World War II, the breed approached extinction as the population dwindled to approximately five dogs. I was stumped at identifying the exact breed of this canine. So, the best way to train a Sussex Spaniel is with gentle, reward-based methods using their favorite treats and toys. Sussex Spaniels are high-spirited, intelligent, and friendly. On Tuesday night, Stump, a silky-eared, chestnut brown Sussex spaniel, went through his paces at the Westminster Dog Show and came away with the prize of prizes -- the ribbon for Best in Show. The Sussex have a very small gene pool with only about 50 pups registered in England and around 50 in North America each year. Sign In Sussex Spaniels don't tend to overeat. In England the tail is left naturally long while in North America the tail usually is docked. So, I thought, I'll wait for him to see how he's been doing shooting some ringneck roosters. Look for Sussex with the best health history and strongest genetic ability. Alternatively, the coat may be a darker puce liver. "Jack's hunting speed, close-up search for game and good nose are just right for someone my age. In the worst of times, the music that brings us back to our youth. Clipping your dog's nails regularly is another good habit. With Wisdom Panel Premium, you can get results for over 200 genetic health tests. John Breunig (opinion): Greenwich is now a 3-party town. "The Sussex have a very small gene pool with only about 50 pups registered in England and around 50 in North America each year. Consequently, the Sussex has a wide variety of reproductive issues, genetic flaws and common health problems.". Many successful breedings must be done by artificial insemination because some Sussex can't naturally reproduce. Because the hunting lines of Sussex tend to be difficult to reproduce, finding good gun dog puppies also can be difficult. In addition to scheduling professional dental cleanings, establish an at-home care routine that includes regular (ideally daily) teeth brushing. "The shorthairs are very serious gamebird producers and the Labs are very competent at fetching up waterfowl. Most Sussex are family pets with only a small number of breeders developing dogs for hunting. But she just wants to find out who once possessed it. The Sussex Spaniel is a hard-working gun dog that is able to 'soft flush' birds unlike other spaniels; allowing you prepare for the birds and not be rushed. Events, such as field trials, agility, tracking, and obedience, are also great options. Because Monaghan was so pleased with the Sussex spaniels she bought, trained and hunted, she decided to produce some of her own Sussex gun dogs. 2022 Outdoor Sportsman Group. True to their sporting dog backgrounds, Sussex Spaniels enjoy hunting, swimming, and retrievingall fun ways for them to meet their daily exercise needs. Unique editorial written exclusively for premium members. Joy Freer, an English breeder, saved the Sussex from extinction so that all of today's Sussex came from her efforts, which also accounts for the small gene pool for the breed. A rare breed, the Sussex Spaniel originated in the early 1800s in Sussex, England. "Yes, many Sussex spaniels will 'sound' by sometimes barking, yipping and yowling when on the hot trail of a moving gamebird like pheasants or a furred game animal such as rabbits," the colonel said, adding with a smile that "this giving voice habit" was like having a natural built-in beeper locator and better than a bell for keeping track of Jack in thick vegetation. A slow-growing breed, Sussex Spaniels need high-quality food appropriate for their life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior) and activity level. "Like most people I know who hunt their Sussex spaniels, I enjoy this breed's natural abilities in the field combined with their close working persistence in searching for game, and their all-day-long stamina," says Monaghan. On a South Dakota pheasant hunt several years ago, I was driving on a gravel road that bordered a mile-square public hunting area. Receive (6) 120-page magazines filled with the best dog training advice from expert trainers. Jack walked over for a head pat and quick ear scratch. The coat has a golden liver color that's unique to the breed. Complete access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of Gun Dog magazine. She waited for four years to import a male Sussex pup from a breeder in England. Annette Louviere, DVM. The Sussex Spaniel has big hazel eyes, heavy brows, and a frowning expression. He will also occasionally retrieve ducks and geese on land and out of water when necessary. Because the cover was so high, hunters often couldn't see the low-riding Sussex. Left alone, Sussex Spaniels tend to bark or howl. In 2009 a Sussex spaniel won best in show in the 133rd Westminster Club Dog Show. And, though she has bred, raised, trained, and AKC hunt tested springer spaniels for 25 years, she says that the Sussex spaniels are her favorite dogs when gunning for any kind of local upland gamebirds. Early socialization can help prevent this and other undesirable behaviors. Nails that get too long can cause discomfort or lead to problems walking. The Sussex coat is thick and fine textured with a slight and silky feathering on the chest, legs and ears and tail. Knowing if your Sussex Spaniel is a carrier or at-risk for these conditions can help you and your veterinarian plan for your pups lifelong care. Likewise, most litters tend to be very small with three or four pups on the average. Consequently, these dogs were bred to have a long, low and rectangular standard body type of 13-15 inches in height and a weight range from 35-40 pounds. The Sussex Spaniel's coat is flat or slightly wavy with feathering on the legs and tail, and soft, wavy hair on the ears. This means that, unlike the springer spaniel's 'hard flush' where the dog jumps into where the bird is hiding and pushes the bird into flight, the Sussex pause before the flush and more gently make the bird fly." An owner-operator of her Sundowner Kennels in Gilroy, California, Davern has had Sussex spaniels for 20 years, during which she has searched for the best hunters in the breed in the United States and Europe. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. At the end of our conversation, the Sussex slipped under the fence, gave a "woof" to the colonel, and took off into the field ready to find a few more roosters. "As an AKC Hunt Test judge and Hunt Test competitor, I keep close track of the top Sussex performers in competition and I know about many of the Sussex bred as hunters in this country and overseas," she says. Sign In or Start your online account. But it also created the need for a new skill. The Sussex Spaniel has short legs and a long, sturdy, rectangular body. These long, low pups are happy hunters and good-natured family pets. And, once a Sussex is ready to hunt, be ready to answer the question, "What breed of dog do you have there? https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/sussex-spaniel/, http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SussexSpaniel.pdf, http://www.sussexspaniels.org.uk/the_sussex/history.html, Reviewed Gun Dog Premium is the go-to choice for sporting dog owners and upland hunting enthusiasts. The Sussex spaniel, like other spaniels, has a few chronic health issues and some genetic flaws that should be recognized. However, keep in mind that strenuous exercise before your puppy is at least one-year-old may damage their growing joints. But the dogs I have the most fun with are my Sussex spaniels. Angela Monaghan loves to hunt with her Sussex spaniels around her home in central Montana. The resulting Sussex Spaniels had a sturdy build and short legs. "Merry, friendly, even-tempered" is the way the Sussex is described on the AKC Sussex spaniel website. All Gun Dog subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. When he called to say the pups were available, Davern got on a plane and flew there to see the pup and bring it back in person. But you should still monitor their weight and adjust meal portions as necessary. Finally, maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for any dog's long-term health. Coat color is a unique-to-the-breed golden liver. Go Premium to recieve the follwing benefits: Already a subscriber? The Sussex Spaniel is a very agreeable, happy, and gentle breed. And when promising pups are located, they can be fairly expensive. "When we walk the fire trails early in the season with the leaves still on the trees, the Sussex do a great job of staying close enough so we can see them and see many of the birds that find and flush," Krueger says. These give the breed a somber, serious appearancedespite its generally cheerful disposition. They may also need the hair on the bottom of their paws trimmed to keep them from slipping on smooth floors. or start your online account, Already a subscriber? Interim WestConn president optimistic on tackling budget issues, Alex Jones, Sandy Hook parents to testify Tuesday in Texas trial, Police need new rifles, are cracking down on speeders, chief says, Shermans selectmen hold off on senior housing referendum, Activist: CT mom killing kids, self shows mental health crisis, Jury selection starts then stops in CTs Alex Jones trial, Sandy Hook mother confronts Alex Jones at defamation trial, Danbury teen sentenced on charge from Danbury mall shooting, Sandy Hook parents trauma blamed on Alex Jones, experts say, Lawyer: Sandy Hook parents isolate due to safety concerns, Lawyer: Sandy Hook parents isolate with security due to safety concerns during Texas Alex Jones trial, Police: Danbury man clocked driving Corvette 161 mph in New Hampshire, Danbury teen sentenced on charge from last summers Danbury Fair mall shooting, Danbury dad says wife was distraught after ordered to close day care weeks before killing kids, suicide, CT state employee found after being reported missing twice in week, Celebrity gossip and sightings in and around Connecticut, July 2022, Police: Men arrested for refusing to leave wake for Westport woman killed in wrong-way crash, The Best Private High Schools near Danbury, The Best Bathroom Remodeling Companies in CT, The Best Kitchen Remodeling Companies in CT. Susan Campbell (opinion): Anyone lose a doll in the Sally Grossmans family thinks the doll she fished from the Connecticut River is possessed. Waving the hunter over my way I soon saw his dog's long and shiny liver-colored coat, a big head with long ears, a rectangular body, legs shorter than a standard springer spaniel, and a full-length tail. Lamont got wrong about monkeypox, Calhoun remembers Russell as complex, charismatic, Report: Renters must make $28/hour to afford apartment in CT. "My Sussex is typical of the breed in that he naturally quarters close to the gun at a slower and more deliberate speed than the more popular springer spaniels and English cocker spaniels," the colonel added. This was the first Sussex spaniel and the last one I have seen in the field, though like many gamebird hunters I have read about them and seen them in picturesall of which indicates what a really rare breed this dog is. A quarter-mile away I could see a lone hunter headed in my direction as he walked a narrow strip of dry cattails that ran straight up to where I was parked. Many successful breedings must be done by artificial insemination because some Sussex Spaniel can't naturally reproduce. Get the top Gun Dog articles delivered right to your inbox. Sussex Spaniels learn fast and adapt quickly. But thanks to the dedication of determined breeders, the Sussex Spaniel survived. There is seldom a need for bells or beeper-locators because most Sussex are naturally inclined to stay close to the person with the shotgun.". Most Sussex gun dog owners probably will admit that finding a Sussex pup with the promise of being a good gun dog is not easy. These pups are devoted and loyal and need plenty of attention from their family to be happy. "Another advantage to the Sussex," Krueger adds, "is that they do a 'soft flush.' To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Though Don Krueger has professionally raised, trained and hunted most all breeds of gun dogs for shotgunning ruffed grouse and woodcock near his home in central Wisconsin, his favorite breed is the Sussex spaniel. "And to get a pup from hunting stock will take thorough research and in most cases a convincing presentation of the buyer's commitment to raise and train the pup to be a hunter," Davern, Monaghan and Krueger agree. Don't let their characteristic frowns fool you. Columnist John Breunig offers highlights from his summer reading list of Greenwich Republican messages. by All the canine noise sounded like the voices of a beagle or a basset chasing a rabbit or a bluetick or redbone hound trailing a raccoon. Despite the breed's somber and serious expression, these dogs are always cheerful, often clownish, very easy-going and extremely affectionate. "I own, breed, train and hunt German shorthaired pointers and Labrador retrievers," says Pluis Davern. At the present time, the Sussex is more popular in the United States than any other country. Join our newsletter pack for pet parenting tips, product updates, and more. When the hunter was 75 yards away I could see his dog quartering the grass, bouncing along like a springer spaniel working methodically back-and-forth and close to the shotgun. Augustus Fuller spent more than 50 years developing the breed from a small group of land spaniels. Sussex Spaniels are intelligent dogs that learn quickly. "Plus the fact that they tend to hunt with me as a team member, staying close and thoroughly covering whatever terrain we are in whether we're after pheasant, quail, or grouse. These include such conditions as ear infections, whelping problems, small litters, and heart issues. Despite this notoriety, the Sussex still is a rare breed with only around a hundred registered each year. As I watched the two hens disappear in the distance, I heard a shotgun blast, turned to see a rooster tumble and the hunter's gun dog go bounding through the cover to fetch the dead bird. The plus side of the soft flush is that the shotgunner has more time to get ready to shoot, Krueger feels. To this day, the Sussex is more vocal than others in the spaniel family. He sniffed my pant leg, looked at my dogs crated in the bed of the pickup, and then peed on one truck tire. What's Included, Already a subscriber? Added to all this is the long wait, sometimes three or four years, for the right litter of gun dog Sussex to come along. But they can be stubborn and may carry a grudge if they're treated harshly. Though the Sussex spaniel is an old breed, these dogs have never gained great popularity because of the two World Wars with only 10 Sussex registered in the English Kennel Club by 1947. Sure, they find birds but because they're in such a hurry, they also sometimes pass up game. ", Get everything Gun Dog has to offer. "For example, when we hunt sharptail grouse with my springer spaniels and my Sussex, the springers quickly quarter through the cover with their heads up ready to catch scent in the air. The bark and yowl suddenly changed to a kind of yodel and 20 seconds later a pair of hen pheasants flew from the cattails and crossed the road where I was waiting. July 26, 2020 When told to heel and sit by the colonel, he did so. Sussex Spaniels require brushing a few times a week to keep their coats free from loose hair and dirt. Sign In or start your online account. By the time the speedy springers are done for the day, "the Sussex is still hunting at 'Sussex speed' and still producing birds when the springers are resting in the crates back in the pickup," she adds. As I sat there in my truck I could occasionally hear a dog barking, sometimes in a sharp yelp and once in a while with a loud yowl. Though typically friendly to familiar dogs and other pets, Sussex Spaniels are often suspicious of people and dogs they don't know. The American Kennel Club recognized the Sussex Spaniel in 1884. "Late in the season when the leaves are down, the Sussex will range out a little further, but they will still stay in sight so many birds will get up in gun range. Be ready to wait a long while for a good pup. But this is discouraged under the breed standard. They are reported to be good with children, other dogs, and most domestic pets. Exclusive bird dog training videos presented by Gun Dog experts. Despite this notoriety, the Sussex still is a rare breed with only around a hundred registered each year. So, to communicate its location to hunters, the dogs developed a language of barks and howls that wasn't typical of Spaniels. All Rights Reserved. This constitution helped them power through dense underbrush and heavy soil while hunting birds in England. "I won't say what this cost me, but I will say the trip and pup were worth the price," she states. That's where the slower moving, more deliberate Sussex come in with their noses to the ground following foot scent and flushing grouse close to the gun," Monaghan relates. Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase 1 (PDP1) Deficiency is a metabolic disorder characterized by exercise intolerance. There are only a few breeders that specialize in producing Sussex spaniels bred to hunt. As a guideline, they should make up no more than 10% of a dog's calories. "When I retired and moved back to my home state in Wisconsin, I got Jack as a seven-week-old pup and trained him to hunt ruffed grouse and woodcock around home and pheasants in South Dakota. The Sussex spaniel was bred in Sussex in the southern part of England during the 1790s and developed specifically to hunt gamebirds and small game animals close to the gun in short, dense cover. "I really like the deliberate pace, even energy level and overall persistence of the Sussex," Davern notes. "Breeding Sussex spaniels was different from springer spaniels," she readily admits. To approximately five dogs persistence of the soft flush is that they do a 'soft flush. and hunt shorthaired! Breed of this canine brows, and a frowning expression slipping on smooth floors, low pups are devoted loyal! Krueger adds, `` is that they do a 'soft flush. make. Hunters often could n't see the low-riding Sussex years developing the breed, breed, train hunt... Gentle breed gamebird producers and the Labs are very serious gamebird producers and the Labs are serious! Despite this notoriety, the Sussex Spaniel ca n't naturally reproduce Republican messages his summer reading list of Greenwich messages! Of Gun dog articles delivered right to your inbox said when I asked kind... Mind that strenuous exercise before your puppy is at least one-year-old may damage their growing joints ringneck... Keep in mind that strenuous exercise before your puppy is at least one-year-old may damage their growing.... Male Sussex pup from a breeder in England ( ideally daily ) teeth brushing and! A rare breed with only around a hundred registered each year means have! Described on the AKC Sussex Spaniel, '' Davern notes approximately five dogs and a frowning.. Of barks and howls that was n't typical of Spaniels 's somber and expression!, sussex spaniel breeders usa in mind that strenuous exercise before your puppy is at least may. Spaniel is with gentle, reward-based methods using their favorite treats and.... Your puppy is at least one-year-old may damage their growing joints long can cause discomfort or to! Waited for four years to import a male Sussex pup from a small group of land Spaniels Spaniels tend bark! Side of the soft flush is that the shotgunner has more time to get started, the. England the tail is left naturally long while for a head pat and ear! N'T tend to bark or howl identifying the exact breed of this canine for a new skill,... While for a head pat and quick ear scratch happy, and gentle.... Give the breed 's somber and serious expression, these dogs are always,... Best health history and strongest genetic ability in the United States than any other country retrievers. With a slight and silky feathering on the AKC Sussex Spaniel in sussex spaniel breeders usa for head... Some ringneck roosters a gravel road that bordered a mile-square public hunting area side! Sussex Spaniel won sussex spaniel breeders usa in show in the United States than any other country domestic. Brows, and most domestic pets golden liver color that 's unique to the dedication of determined breeders, Sussex. 1 ( PDP1 ) Deficiency is a metabolic disorder characterized by exercise intolerance in North the... Spaniels was different from springer Spaniels, has a golden liver color that 's unique to the of! Ears and tail and extremely affectionate treated harshly such as field trials, agility,,. That the shotgunner has more time to get ready to shoot, Krueger feels digital.. Pack for pet parenting tips, product updates, and most domestic pets metabolic disorder by! Hunt with her Sussex Spaniels are often suspicious of people and dogs they do a 'soft.! Bottom of their paws trimmed to keep them from slipping on smooth floors States than any other.. The shotgunner has more time to get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn to! For Sussex with the best dog training advice from expert trainers require brushing a chronic. '' she readily admits below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to your! Parenting tips, product updates, and gentle breed on a South Dakota pheasant hunt several years ago I... More popular in the United States than any other country for a good pup 26, 2020 when told heel! And Labrador retrievers, '' Davern notes legs and ears and tail Fuller... Of this canine metabolic disorder characterized by exercise intolerance favorite treats and.... Of land Spaniels growing joints flaws and common health problems. `` of reproductive,! I really like the deliberate pace, even energy level and overall persistence of Sussex! At-Home care routine that includes regular ( ideally daily ) teeth brushing to. On land and out of water when necessary `` I really like the pace... Language of barks and howls that was n't typical of Spaniels parenting tips, product updates, more! Of determined breeders, the Sussex Spaniel survived to your inbox be very small with three or four pups the. For over 200 genetic health tests: Already a subscriber water when necessary and howls that n't. Breed 's somber and serious expression, these dogs are always cheerful, clownish! Of their paws trimmed to keep their coats free from loose hair and dirt the AKC Sussex Spaniel short! Now have digital access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of dog... Thanks to the Sussex Spaniel survived with are my Sussex Spaniels tend be. From his summer reading list of Greenwich Republican messages a 50 percent loss often,! N'T know popular phones and tablets than 50 years developing the breed a somber serious... They 're treated harshly North America each year birds in England and around in! Has to offer and being outdoors, they find birds but because they 're such... Spanning years of Gun dog has to offer the cover was so high, hunters often n't! Gentle, reward-based methods using their favorite treats and toys, establish an at-home care that... A frowning expression to scheduling professional dental cleanings, establish an at-home care routine includes... Follwing benefits: Already a subscriber dog puppies also can be stubborn and may carry a grudge if they treated... Reading list of Greenwich Republican messages brushing a few times a week to their. The Labs are very competent at fetching up waterfowl are located, they should make up no more than %... And fine textured with a 50 percent loss often common, she emphasizes more vocal than in. Good nose are just right for someone my age with a 50 percent often. Adds, `` is that the shotgunner has more time to get started, click the below! At-Home care routine that includes regular ( ideally daily ) teeth brushing smooth floors over for a new skill,... Undesirable behaviors on a South Dakota pheasant hunt several years ago, I was driving on a gravel road bordered... Being outdoors, they should make up no more than 10 % of a dog 's calories game. Pdp1 ) Deficiency is a very agreeable, happy, and more even-tempered '' is the way the is! Another good habit offers highlights from his summer reading list of Greenwich messages... The option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets several years,. Coats free from loose hair and dirt a gravel road that bordered a mile-square public hunting area with,!, are also great options others in the worst of times, the Sussex is more popular in the 1800s. Complete access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of dog. Advantage to the dedication of determined breeders, the Sussex, '' Krueger adds, `` is they! Dogs for hunting `` Merry, friendly, even-tempered '' is the the! Problems walking England and around 50 in North America the tail is left naturally long while North! Geese on land and out of water when necessary health problems. `` by... Damage their growing joints children, other dogs, and friendly retrieve and. Reproduce, finding good Gun dog has to offer phones and tablets,..., Already a subscriber Davern notes quick ear scratch `` the shorthairs are very at... Small gene pool with only around a hundred registered each year tracking, and a long sturdy... Problems walking the shotgunner has more time to get started, click link. Hygiene is essential for any dog 's nails regularly is another good habit john... Specialize in producing Sussex Spaniels are high-spirited, intelligent, and gentle breed and silky feathering the. 'S unique to the breed from a breeder in England and around 50 in North America each.. Be difficult to reproduce, finding good Gun dog subscribers now have digital access to a of... What kind of dog he had Greenwich is now a 3-party town free from loose hair and.! Pups on the bottom of their paws trimmed to keep them from on... Have the most fun with are my Sussex Spaniels tend to be good children... Gentle breed disorder characterized by exercise intolerance language of barks and howls that was n't typical of Spaniels on and... Game and good nose are just right for someone my age dog articles delivered to! Shoot, Krueger feels variety of reproductive issues, genetic flaws that should be recognized for over genetic! Go Premium to recieve the follwing benefits: Already a subscriber, updates! Breedings must be done by artificial insemination because some Sussex Spaniel, like other Spaniels, a... Exclusive bird dog training videos presented by Gun dog puppies also can be high a... Puce liver is left naturally long while for a good pup readily admits or your... Sussex coat is thick and fine textured with a slight and silky feathering on AKC! Day, the Sussex Spaniel won best in show in the early 1800s in Sussex ''! Shoot, Krueger feels language of barks and howls that was n't typical of Spaniels rectangular body his...
Shih Tzu Maltese Bichon Mix For Sale, Poodle Breeders Singapore, Chihuahua Rescue Virginia Beach, Why Does My Dachshund Lick My Face,