Sussex Spaniel
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Sussex Spaniel. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | high | Heavy bone on a low frame predisposes strongly; OFA clearances essential. |
| Heart disease (pulmonic stenosis, PDA) | moderate | Congenital heart defects occur in the breed; cardiac screening recommended. |
| Ear infections | moderate | Heavy, low-set ears need weekly cleaning. |
| Intervertebral disc disease | moderate | Long-backed build raises disc risk; manage weight and jumping. |
| Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency (PDP1) | moderate | Breed-specific metabolic disorder; DNA testing identifies carriers. |
Pet insurance for a Sussex Spaniel
Insurers price a Sussex Spaniel from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 1 high-risk condition, led by Hip dysplasia. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Sussex Spaniel is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 35–45 lbs and a grooming score of 3/5, the Sussex Spaniel sits around the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Sussex Spaniel
The Sussex Spaniel is a rare, golden-liver English spaniel built low and heavy for slow, methodical flushing — the only spaniel that gives tongue while hunting. It is calmer and more deliberate than other spaniels: sweet with family, content with moderate daily walks, and a steady, amiable housemate, though it vocalizes freely. The rich coat needs regular brushing, and the long back means weight control matters. Notably long-lived for its build. Suits relaxed owners wanting a distinctive, gentle, uncommon companion.
Origin: England (Sussex)
Temperament
Related reading for Sussex Spaniel owners
Sussex Spaniel FAQ
How long do Sussex Spaniels live?
The typical Sussex Spaniel lifespan is 13–15 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Sussex Spaniel?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Sussex Spaniel carries 1 documented high-risk condition, which is the main reason a Sussex Spaniel policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Sussex Spaniel a good apartment dog?
Yes. With an energy level of 3/5 and a medium build, the Sussex Spaniel adapts well to apartment living provided it gets daily walks.
What health problems are Sussex Spaniels prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip dysplasia, Heart disease (pulmonic stenosis, PDA), Ear infections. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.