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The Sussex Spaniel is one of the rarest dog breeds in America and ranks at number 155 in the list of the most popular dog breeds of 2010. They originated in England around 1795, where they were used as a tracker and flusher of small game. They were quite popular back then with English hunters, but their popularity declined, especially with American hunters, because of the way they tracked. They were not fast or quiet hunters, and when those characteristics became necessary, this breed declined.

Today, these dogs are not used as hunters, but as companions. While http://associatesinsuranceagency.com they look quite similar to other spaniels, they have a lot less energy and are less friendly that most other, more popular, spaniel breeds. They are, however, a great choice for a quiet family, as they are calm and easygoing. They also may act as a good guard dog, as they tend to bark at strange things and not be friendly to other dogs they do not know. Because they have less energy than other spaniels, they do not need as much exercise as most. A good walk daily would suffice.

But like other spaniels, they do require quite a bit of grooming. They have fairly long hair that is wavy, and requires brushing and combing at least two times a week. Plus, the coat should be professionally groomed with scissors every few months. They have long, hairy ears that also need to be kept clean. Because the ear canal is covered with long ears, it can get dirty or harbor mites or grasses that can cause infection.

Ear problems are one of the most common health conditions associated with this breed. Other health conditions to be aware of include hip dyplasia, intervertebral disk disease, and heart problems. With the cost of veterinary treatment rising every year, many pet parents turn to pet insurance to help with the financial burden of treatment.

This dog breed is a fairly small dog breed, standing between 13 and 15 inches tall and weighing between 35 and 45 pounds. If well taken care of, these rare dogs can live to be between eleven and thirteen years old.