History of the breed
The Sussex Spaniel appears to have been evident in the UK in the 1800’s. Some of the earliest mentions of Sussex Spaniels appear during this time, such as a comment from The Sportsman’s Cabinet produced by John Smith in 1803: “the largest and strongest are common in most parts of Sussex are called Sussex Spaniels.”
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 WW2 there were only a few remaining and the breed suffered even more. Fortunately, Mrs Joy Freer of the Fourclovers affix kept the interest going and her stock is behind all of today’s Sussex Spaniels. She devoted her life to breeding the Sussex Spaniel over six decades. She always worked her dogs in the field.
The 1960’s Outcross
In the 1960’s the KC approved an outcrossing. In 1964 the Clumber Spaniel Thornville Snowstorm (owned by Mr Ghent) was mated to the Sussex Spaniel Weiden Jhansi of Patmyn (owned by Miss Dodson). This outcross produced the first generation including Weiden Bronze (d).
Weiden Bronze was then mated with a pure-bred Sussex bitch, Weiden Dawn and the resulting pup, Weiden Daisy May was later mated to another purebred Sussex, Weiden Alexander of Creswelshaw. The resulting second generation puppies were Shautaukok Looby Loo (b) and Shautaukok Spandax (d).Shautaukok Looby Loo was then mated with another pure-bred Sussex, Teal of Creswelshaw which resulted in the third generation, Novacroft Wisteria of Whitegrounds (b).
Novacroft Wisteria of Whitegrounds was then mated with Fourclovers Maco and from this fourth generation came SH CH Novacroft Major (d) who was considered a pure bred Sussex.
Within the SSA pedigree database the term CSX denotes the heritage of the Clumber Sussex cross.
Sussex Spaniels originated from south eastern England.
Breeders from large estates, such as Mr Augustus Elliott Fuller, bred Sussex Spaniels due to their strength and power. They are able to manoeuvre on the heavy clay soil. Sussex Spaniel allowed to 'give tongue', a distinctive sound when on a hunt. Breeding evolved with specific traits such as 'golden liver.’
The first separate Sussex Spaniel class was held at Crufts in 1892.
During 1920s, breeders helped carry on the breed through many challenging years. Joy Freer (Four Clovers Kennel) was a notable breeder who kept the breed going through WW2, most records show there were only 8 Sussex remaining after WW2.
Campbell Newington elected as President.
Joined the SSA in 1925. She became Secretary of the SSA in 1936 and later became President of the SSA in 1972. The first SSA Open Show took place in 1978.
In 1984, SH CH Brytonian Aelwyn, owned by Carol & Ifor Williams, became the first Sussex to win the Gundog Group at Crufts.
In 2020, SH CH Yorkham Rocking Rudolph ShCEx, owned by Susan & John Evans, won the Vulnerable Native Breed Competition at Crufts.
Events were held throughout 2024 to celebrate the centenary year.
The above is a brief timeline of the Sussex Spaniel history, there are many books available which provide a greater in-depth analysis. Imagery in timeline created for illustrative purposes, by Dani Bradbury. Reproduction is strictly prohibited.