Sussex Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Sussex Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed ComparisonSussex Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom but American Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States. Both Sussex Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel are having almost same height. Sussex Spaniel may weigh 6 kg / 14 pounds more than American Cocker Spaniel. Both Sussex Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel has same life span. Both Sussex Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel has almost same litter size. Both Sussex Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance.

History

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.

american cocker spaniel - historyDescended from the English Cocker Spaniel when the latter were brought to the United States in the late 1800s. American hunters wanted a smaller dog for bird hunting, so they crossed them with smaller spaniel breeds. The English and the American Cockers were considered the same breed until 1935 when the American Kennel Club officially separated them into 2 distinct breeds. After this the American Cocker’s popularity increased dramatically. To this day they are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. Recently their popularity has spread back to England. The American Cocker Spaniel has evolved from a hunting dog life to a very popular family pet.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Gun dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
38 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
Height Female:
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
1 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
The Sussex
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
Colors Available:
Golden liver
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
Coat:
Quite long, thick, silky
Long, fine, shiney
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

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.

american cocker spaniel puppy - descriptionThe American Cocker spaniel is a sturdy dog of medium size. The have a rounded head with a broad and deep muzzle. The jaw is even and square while the teeth have a scissors bite. The American Cocker has round eyes that are almost always dark with the exception of the Merle who can have blue colored eyes. They have long ears and a docked tail in the U.S. Docking is illegal in most of Europe. The American Cocker bred for field hunts have shorter coats than those bred for show. Grooming is essential for this longhaired breed. It is especially important for the eyes and ears to be kept clean.

Characteristics

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.

Favored Qualities

american cocker spaniel dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, happy dog. They are high energy, high spirited, friendly dogs who like people and other animals alike. They are happy to be with you and want to please you. He can find a home in the country and in the city alike. He is inquisitive and easy to train.

Potential Difficulties

But be warned they can be stubborn and hard to housebreak. They can be shy and need a lot of socialization as a pup. They can take over a household if you are not the strong pack leader they need. They have a tendency to urinate when excited and must live inside with the family. They are far too social to be left outside. An unhappy, unstable cocker can be into resource guarding of things, spaces and people. They can bark obsessively or be hyperactive. They must have a loving home with the family.

Health Problems

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.

american cocker spaniel puppies - health problemsPerhaps the least of the American Cocker Spaniel’s health concerns are the tendency to overeat and become obese. The more serious concerns include glaucoma, cataracts, dysplasia, allergies, Cherry eye, lip fold pyoderma, liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure (CHF).

IMHA

The most serious health issue the breed faces is IMHA or Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia which can be deadly. In fact, it is almost always fatal and comes on quickly. With this condition the dog can bleed out internally and there is little that veterinary medicine can do.

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding puppies and adults

american cocker spaniel dogs - caringThe American Cocker Spaniel breed requires attention to detail and making sure your puppy gets enough and your adult doesn’t get too much. Feed the pups twice a day until they reach the age of 4 months and then cut them back to the adult dose of once a day at supper time. Feed from a cup to a cup and a half.

Health Issues

not previously mentioned include Ectropion and Entropion, Prolapse of the nicititans gland, gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia. Have your puppy tested for eye diseases and any issues with the knee and hip. These are social dogs and will not do well alone outside. They need to live inside.

Exercise and games

The American Cockers love to play and need a lot of exercise. Nice long walks, games of fetch or even agility will keep your Cocker happy. have plenty of stamina and need regular exercise. They also enjoy a good hunt.

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