Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed ComparisonBoth Welsh Springer Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel are originated from United Kingdom. Welsh Springer Spaniel may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than Sussex Spaniel. Both Welsh Springer Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel are of same weight. Both Welsh Springer Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel has almost same life span. Both Welsh Springer Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel has almost same litter size. Both Welsh Springer Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance.

History

welsh springer spaniel - historyThe Welsh Springer Spaniel is thought to be an old Land Spaniel similar to the English Springer Spaniel. They were pretty mush an unknown breed until they won a string of dog trials and became more popular. Following this surge the breed was recognized by the UKC in 1902 and were named the Welsh Springer Spaniel. No one really knows when the breed was developed and cannot be traced because of lack of documentation. They were brought to America in the early 1900’s and were recognized as a breed by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1906.

There are images of a dog looking a lot like the Welsh Springer Spaniel in old prints and pictures. The pictures are of a dog known as a Land Spaniel very much like the Welsh Springer Spaniel. These dogs were thought to be preserved by the Welsh and originally called the Welsh Starter. It was a hunting breed working with falcons.

At one point the breed was called the Welsh Spaniel and was also in the UK studbook as a Cocker Spaniel or a Welsh Cocker. There were several different types of Cocker Spaniels including the English Cocker, the Welsh Cocker, the Devonshire Cocker. The Welsh Cocker Spaniel was a solid dark color while the Welsh and Devonshire Cockers were liver colored.

Following World War II there were no dogs left in Wales or anywhere else in the United Kingdom whose parents were registered pedigree. The unregistered dogs were used to restart the breed and these dogs are the ancestors of the modern Welsh Springer Spaniel.

The breed is still rare with only 299 registered in the UK in 2016. They are listed now a vulnerable Native Breed.

sussex spaniel - historyThe Sussex Spaniel comes from Sussex in southern England. The whole purpose of his development was for him to rush between reeds, causing birds to fly up and for their owners to then shoot them so that they could retrieve them.

His history dates back to the 19th century when breeding for the dog started. The first breed standard was also written during this time.

It was about in 1969 that some of these Sussex Spaniels were imported to the United States where they were referred to as a sporting breed. Today they are still a rare breed.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
46 - 48 cm
18 - 19 inches
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
Height Female:
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 18 kg
35 - 40 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 6
2 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Welshie Welsh Spaniel Welsh Cocker Spaniel Welsh Starter
The Sussex
Colors Available:
red and white
Golden liver
Coat:
Naturally straight flat and soft to the touch, never wiry or wavy feathered coat
Quite long, thick, silky
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

welsh springer spaniel puppy - descriptionThe breed is a medium size, solid and compact dog bred to work. Their forequarters are angled and there hindquarters are well developed. This is a very good looking breed that is only red with white markings. A hard working dog bred to hunt. They are slighter longer than tall and are not penalized as long as the height tis not greater than the length.

The tail in docked except in countries where it is illegal to do so. Their eyes should be brown. Noses are black or brown. The ears are small with a fethering like most setters. The show and field styles are the same. They are confused with the Engolish Springer Spaniel even though there are many differences. But both breeds are born to hunt and “spring” at the prey. They are smaller than the English Springer Spaniel and larger than the English Cocker Spaniel.

sussex spaniel puppy - descriptionWith his low, long body and short legs, this beautiful golden liver color spaniel has long, silky ears and a long, feathery tail.

He is a moderate shedder. He is quite a distinctive looking dog with his silky coat and sombre expression. You’d descibe him as medium sized dog, standing at between 33 – 38cm in height and weighing 16 -20kg.

Temperament:

The Sussex Spaniel is more slow and sedate than the Cocker Spaniel but he still makes an excellent pet and companion.

He is strong and robust. He is clever too, but slightly stubborn, while also being clownish and entertaining. They’re the kind of dogs who bond strongly with their family and aren’t that enthusiastic with strangers.

They take a while to warm towards people they don’t know. He is steady, reliable and determined and makes a good watchdog. Because he is gentle and even tempered he makes an ideal pet for children and he is able to get on well with other dogs too.

It’s good to have them trained and socialized as they become even more amicable around other people and dogs they don’t know.

Characteristics

Characteristics

welsh springer spaniel dog - characteristics1Children friendliness yes they love their own children, but might be wary of others.

2.Special talents - endurance and stamina are intense with this breed.

3.Adapability – not that good in an apartment as this is a rare working dog.

4.Learning ability - intelligent and willing

The Sussex Spaniel makes the perfect pet for families where there are children.

sussex spaniel dog - characteristicsHe is a low drooling dog and he adapts easily to life with his human family, preferably in the countryside.

He isn’t the most intelligent breed, but most people love him just like that because he’s eager to please and just wants to be your trusted, loyal pet and companion.

Health Problems

Health Problems

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a few serious health concerns such as:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.

welsh springer spaniel puppies - health problems• Eye Diseases – Glaucoma can cause blindness; Entropian – eyelids curl inwards and can damage the cornea.

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis – can be treated with medication.
  • Ear infections – be sure to keep them clean to prevent this.
  • Epilepsy – as many spaniels have. Can be treated with medications.

sussex spaniel puppies - health problemsYour Sussex, like any other dog, is going to be prone to some diseases and conditions. If you are going for a puppy, always look for a reputable dog breeder, as this at least gives your dog a better chance of a healthy life.

Some health conditions that can affect your Sussex Spaniel include -

Pulmonic Stenosis: 

This is a congenital heart disease where blood doesn't flow properly and where the right side of the heart works harder and actually enlarges.

If the obstruction is severe, it can cause arrhythmia or congestive heart failure.

If the stenosis is mild, you may not even notice any conditions, but if it's severe, your pet may have difficulty with breathing, his stomach may be distended, and with strenuous exercise he could even collapse.

Intervertebral Disc Disease:

This is when a disc in the spine ruptures and pushes upward into the spinal cord. It can be an injury or an inherited condition.It is painful and will include anti-inflammatory medications and possibly surgery.

Caring The Pet

welsh springer spaniel dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy active puppy. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed ½ -3/4 cup in 2-3 meals

2.Feeding the adult active breed. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed 1-1/2 cup in 1-2meals

3.Points for Good Health endurance/stamina – can outlast many hunting dogs.

4. Games and Exercises – Needs a secure fenced yard. Loves sports and outdoor activity. Agility, obedience, rally, tracking and loves to run, bike and hike.

Grooming:

sussex spaniel dogs - caringBecause of the long, silky hair, brushing your Sussex twice a week will be necessary to prevent matting from dirt adhering to the fur.

The insides of those long floppy ears can be a breeding spot for bacteria as they don’t easily dry. When you brush him, check inside the ears to make sure they aren't red which could be a sign of ear infection.

Remember, if you don’t like to do all the grooming chores there are, a grooming parlour will do the chores for you. They cut your dog’s hair, check inside his ears, clean his teeth and trim his nails.

Diet:

Every dog needs excellent food to be healthy. Many people feed their pets the wrong kinds of foods and then wonder why they have to fork up so much on vets fees.

If you feed your Sussex Spaniel one of the commercial manufactured foods, make sure its one of the good ones packed with vitamins and minerals. Tasty home-made food added to his kibble a couple of times a week can do him the world of good if its kept simple – no spicey, exotic foods that can upset the stomach.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure a healthy, happy pet.

To avoid skin allergies and a dull coat, try and add in some raw meat occasionally. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

These dogs have been accustomed to a life of running in open spaces and they’re going to want lots of exercise. They love ball games and they love a walk in the countryside with lots of new scents to follow.

It’s why this dog isn’t suited to life in a small city property. He needs space and the outdoors to use up his energy.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  7. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  8. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  9. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  13. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  14. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  15. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  17. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Slovakian Hound - Breed Comparison
  18. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Small Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  19. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  21. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Sussex Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  27. Sussex Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. Sussex Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Sussex Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Sussex Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  31. Sussex Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  32. Sussex Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  33. Sussex Spaniel vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  34. Sussex Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Sussex Spaniel vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Sussex Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. Sussex Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  38. Sussex Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  39. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  40. Sussex Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Sussex Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  42. Sussex Spaniel vs Slovakian Hound - Breed Comparison
  43. Sussex Spaniel vs Small Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  44. Sussex Spaniel vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  45. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  46. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  47. West Siberian Laika vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Wetterhoun vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds