The Sussex Spaniel is named after Sussex in England, where the first important breeding of this dog was done by Mr. Fowler, who developed the bright golden-liver color that permanently distinguishes the Sussex Spaniel. The breed can be traced to a dog show at the Crystal Palace in 1862.

　In its early development, the Sussex Spaniel was used for specific types of hunting in complex terrains in England. At that time, people were accustomed to walking for hunting, and this dog became a satisfactory hunting companion. However, this breed was not introduced to other countries outside of England, possibly due to the significantly different hunting situations it faced domestically, resulting in it not achieving the hunting speed expected of a hunting dog.

　Although the Sussex lacks the speed of Springer and Cocker Spaniels, it has an excellent nose and persistence in hunting, making it valuable for various upland hunting. It has a habit of vocalizing when it scents something.

　In temperament, it is an entirely ordinary dog, easy to train, and can become an excellent hunting dog with proper training. The Sussex Spaniel was one of the first ten breeds recognized in the AKC breed standard published in 1884, but it originated as a distinct breed much earlier.

　As its name suggests, it originated in Sussex County, England, as a type of dog used in the field starting in the 18th century. By the late 1800s, the Sussex Spaniel had become quite famous as an excellent hunting and companion dog around Sussex County.

　The breed features short legs, a heavy build, a long body, and it is accustomed to barking when it scents something, making it very suitable for working in dense brush within gunshot range using sharp barking. Strength, agility, and passion are fundamental requirements of this breed.

　Although it has not proliferated in numbers, its characteristics and appearance have remained almost unchanged from the sporting dogs of the 19th century to today. The body shape of the Sussex Spaniel is rectangular, appearing very long and short, with a very heavy structure and an easy, flowing gait, complemented by the attractive movement of its tail.

　Its expression is very melancholy and quite serious. A special feature of this breed is its abundant golden-liver color.