It is normally no taller than 15–16 in (38–41 cm) at the withers and the usual weight range is 45–50 lb (20–23 kg) with a roughly rectangular appearance.

The long silky ears are lobe-shaped typical of the Spaniel, and set moderately low.

The Sussex Spaniel is a slow-paced, calm breed with somewhat clownish behaviour that normally keeps his energy and enthusiasm in check.

Most Sussex Spaniels are primarily family pets, but they are competent enough to aid a hunter though quite stubborn to train.

The infections can be caused by a variety of reasons, including mites, ear fungi and generally dirt and germs.

[14] Whelping sometimes presents difficulties and require caesarean section for successful delivery of the puppies.

Essentially, in an animal with this condition, the pulmonary valve is improperly formed which causes the heart to work much faster to pump blood around the body.

The effect on the dog depends on the severity of the condition, and can range from a heart murmur through to reduced activity levels to death.

Surgery can restore sensation to a dog's legs following paralysis but the success rate depends on how severe the herniation was.

The Sussex is a breed of gun dog able to work in districts where the terrain is rough and the undergrowth very dense where a spaniel was needed which could give tongue or to alert the hunter on his quarry.

The Sussex was bred specifically to inherit the barking ability (giving tongue) that was not common in most Spaniel breeds.

During World War II, breeding was discouraged but the Sussex saved from extinction by English breeder Joy Freer.