News
Congratulations to Linzi Bannister and Dr Riggs
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Volunteer and Sussex Spaniel Dr Riggs Clinch Prestigious BBC ‘Make a Difference’ Animal Award
Dr Riggs, a Sussex Spaniel and his owner Linzi Bannister, won the animal hero award for the help they give to cancer patients at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital.
There was a highly competitive selection process that drew over 1,000 entries across the county.
The journey to the podium began in August when the hospital’s Volunteers Manager, Sarah Allen, surprised the team with the news that they had reached the final four. The Animal Award recognises either an exceptional animal that improves human lives or individuals dedicated to advancing animal welfare. Dr Riggs and his handler stood out alongside three other highly respected finalists: Animal Care Lancaster, Woodlands Animal Sanctuary, and Bodhi the Boxer, a dedicated medical alert dog.
Ahead of the event, the team welcomed BBC Radio Lancashire Breakfast Show presenter and awards host Graham Liver, who visited the hospital during a regular weekly shift to interview staff and capture media coverage of the finalists in action.
The celebrations culminated on 12th September with an exclusive afternoon tea ceremony hosted at Lancaster Town Hall. Spanning eight categories – ranging from Young Hero to Volunteer of the Year – the event drew notable community leaders, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Lancaster. Dr Riggs quickly became a focal point of the afternoon, charming the local dignitaries and drawing significant attention from the Young Hero nominees, who gathered to greet the spaniel. Even the venue staff joined in the spirit of the occasion, presenting the four-legged nominee with an impromptu champagne bucket for water.
The final decision rested with Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP and Speaker of the House of Commons, who selected Dr Riggs as the category winner.
The victory has been met with widespread celebration across Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and Pets as Therapy. The win marks a significant milestone for canine therapy, as Dr Riggs is believed to be the first Sussex Spaniel to ever receive this specific accolade – bringing vital awareness to a rare and historic British breed during a well-deserved moment in the regional spotlight.
Further information can be found on the BBC website.
Sussex Genetics Project
A fully funded research project between the Roslin Institute, RKC and Sussex Spaniel Community investigating genetic diversity within the breed to help breed health and hopefully find some answer to our breeding issues.
A full update can be found here.
FULL RKC PRESS RELEASE is as follows:
The Royal Kennel Club and the Roslin Institute have announced a new joint research project, working alongside the Sussex Spaniel community, represented by the Sussex Spaniel Association, to investigate genetic diversity within one of Britain’s vulnerable native breeds.
The project will analyse the DNA of approximately 125-150 Sussex Spaniels, representing as much of the accessible living RKC-registered population as possible, combining the collected genetic information with the Royal Kennel Club’s extensive pedigree data.
This research seeks to develop an evidence-based population management strategy using the most advanced tools available while evaluating approaches that could be subsequently expanded to other breeds and projects. The project will also act as a proof of concept for the use of population-wide DNA information alongside pedigree data. If successful, the methodology could contribute to approaches for managing genetic diversity in other pedigree breeds.
The Sussex Spaniel is classed by the Royal Kennel Club as a Vulnerable Native Breed, meaning it records fewer than 300 puppy registrations each year. In 2025, just 15 puppies were registered, down from 24 the previous year.
The collaboration will closely involve the Sussex Spaniel community across the UK, which is invited to take part in the on-site DNA sampling at the Sussex Spaniel Championship Show in Coventry on 26 September. There is also an option for participation via post which will be communicated to Sussex Spaniel owners at a later date.
The project has secured £18,000 in funding through the Roslin Institute Pump-Priming Scheme, bringing together the RKC’s expertise in canine population genetics with the Roslin Institute’s world-leading expertise in animal genetics and genomics.
Charlotte McNamara, Chief Canine Wellbeing & Engagement Officer at the Royal Kennel Club, said: “We are very pleased to collaborate with the Roslin Institute and the Sussex Spaniel Association on this important project, which aims to help us better understand and protect the genetic diversity of the Sussex Spaniel for generations to come.
“The RKC has a long history of maintaining pedigree records, providing generations of information on how dogs are related and creating a unique resource for understanding and managing genetic diversity. Advances in genetic technology now give us an exciting opportunity to build on this important benefit of RKC registration, and we are delighted to be taking this next step alongside the world-leading scientists at the Roslin Institute.
“We strongly encourage the Sussex Spaniel community to take part in this project. In particular, we hope owners will attend the Sussex Spaniel Championship Show, where we will be collecting DNA samples on site and owners will have the opportunity to meet and speak directly with the scientists involved in the project.”
Dr Pau Navarro, Project Lead Scientist at the Roslin Institute, said: “We are pleased to be working with the Royal Kennel Club, with support from breeders and owners, to understand the genetic diversity of this pedigree breed. This will help develop an evidence-based approach to manage a population of healthy dogs. Our insights will also be valuable in supporting rare breeds across many species of animals.”
Ann Moon, Chair of the Sussex Spaniel Association, said: “The project is fantastic news for the preservation of this historic breed. By joining forces with the Roslin Institute and the RKC, the Sussex Spaniel Association together with the Sussex Spaniel community, are taking a critical step in tackling the genetic and breeding challenges facing the UK’s rarest native gundog.”
Committee news
The committee of the Sussex Spaniel Association held a face-to-face meeting on Saturday 6th June. Following the Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports the committee discussed briefly the proposed changes to the JEP deferring a more detailed discussion until the RKC have made any final decisions. A follow up report was given by the Secretary following the AGM and Open Show. Everyone was reminded about the deadline for the News and Views which will include a new health questionnaire. The Trophy Secretary is creating an easier form on which to record members wins ready to submit prior the next AGM this will, we hope, encourage more members to submit them. The Breed Health Secretary gave a detailed report from the Health committee and the RKC who she is working closely with. There will be a new Health questionnaire included in the next News and Views which it is hoped will be completed by as many members as possible as it will be a useful addition to all of the research the committee are currently undertaking. Other items discussed included the website and its continuing development, a new breed leaflet and the organisation of several different breed webinars to take place later this year.
Congratulations to our new champions!
- Sh Ch Harasteorra Big BearJW
- Sh Ch Fred Siop Ganol into Bowswizzler
- Sh Ch Stormacre Tiny Dancer with Meggamooch JW
SSA breeding webinars
In a new departure for the SSA, two webinars on breeding were held in November. Both were led by Kathryne Wrigley RVN who has been involved with breeding dogs for over 40 years and attained her Dog Breeding Diploma in 2010. The webinars were on whelping and caesareans. They were very informative and those attending had the opportunity to ask a range of questions. Feedback for the webinars has been excellent and it’s hoped we’ll do more in the future.
New breed record holder
Tom and Jane Graham’s Rodders, Sh Ch Eald Dances with Wolves Among Nyliram ShCEX OSW has taken the Sussex Spaniel breed record receiving his 32nd CC at Richmond 2025 under Ernie Lockett. Rodders was bred by Val Davey and is out of Sh Ch Tawnyka It’s a Puzzle For Belcam JW ShCM x Sh Ch Northern Norriss Charm at Eald ShCM VW. Now 7 years old he won his very first CC at Leeds under Ann Moss, his second at Bath under Valda Day and gained his title at Darlington under Liz Harper all in 2021. Congratulations!
Breed health survey
The SSA Health Coordinator, Sara Sampson, is collecting information about breeding experiences in order to formulate a breed action plan. Go to the breeding pages to find out more and to access the form.