There is evidence to suggest that the Sussex Spaniel appears to have been evident in the UK in the 1800's. During the first half of the 19th century, a Mr Fuller of Rosehill Sussex (England) is credited with being their founder of the Sussex Spaniel. He kept them as working dogs and although there became a handful of other breeders, number depleted slowly until the start of World War II when there where only 5 know pairs. With the help of breeder Mrs Joy Freer, numbers gradually increased.
Today the gene pool is still small and only 68 pairs were registered in 2003. The Sussex Spaniel makes a good gun dog, show dog or just as a pet.
They are a guarding breed and quite possessive of their owners. They are fine with people and children but they need plenty of socialisation, puppy classes, obedience classes, time and patience.