Sussex Spaniels, unlike other gun dogs, get very excited when they find something and will nearly always let their owners know as well. This often means that they are known to bark, a trait deeply embedded into their psyches. However, they are very calm and gentle, often taking life at a slower pace unlike their other Spaniel relatives. However, they still need lots of physical and mental stimulation to remain happy and well-rounded doggies. These guys don't like to be left by themselves as this can lead to them developing separation anxiety which can result in destructive behaviours. Therefore they will need someone to be home for most of the day. But their love for 'hoomans' and ability to thrive in a family environment, makes them lovely family pets.

Sussex Spaniels are one of the oldest native breeds in the UK having been around since the early 1800's. One of the breed's main enthusiasts was a landowner by the name of Mr. Augustus Elliott Fuller who kept Sussex Spaniels and others at his kennels on his large estate that was situated in the county of Sussex. He bred spaniels over a time span of 50 years as working dogs with great success.

Although there were other Sussex Spaniels around at the time, breed numbers dropped by the end of World War II and by 1945, there were only 7 known to be in existence. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts and hard work of breed enthusiasts including one lady in particular by the name of Mrs. Freer, the Sussex Spaniel was saved from extinction and the Sussex Spaniel Association was later formed in 1924. Slowly through careful and selective breeding, Sussex Spaniel numbers started to rise over the ensuing decades albeit it slowly.