Sussex Spaniel

Brushing Routine

Brush 3-4 times weekly with a pin brush and wide-toothed comb to maintain the flat to slightly wavy, abundant golden-liver coat. Pay special attention to the heavy feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and belly. A mat splitter helps with tangles that form in the dense undercoat. Brush in the direction of coat growth.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 3-4 weeks with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to maintain the rich golden-liver coat color. A color-enhancing formula designed for liver/brown coats helps preserve the breed's distinctive shade. Clean the long, heavy ears separately during every bath with a gentle ear wash.

Common Issues

• Ear infections from the heaviest, longest ears in the spaniel family
• Significant matting in the abundant body and ear feathering
• Interdigital cysts between the toes
• Coat weight causing skin pulling if not properly maintained
• Drooling causing chest and beard staining

Extend Your Grooming Results

Clean and dry ears every 2-3 days -- Sussex ears are among the most infection-prone in dogdom. Comb through feathering daily, especially on the ears. Trim excess hair between the toes to prevent interdigital irritation. Use a conditioning spray on the coat between grooming sessions to prevent dryness and tangling.

Seasonal Care

Sussex Spaniels shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding in spring when the undercoat loosens. In Houston's humid summers, the heavy coat and low-slung body are prone to hot spots -- keep the belly trimmed shorter and check for moisture-related skin issues. Their low energy helps prevent overheating.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 3-4 times weekly, daily ear feathering combing, ear cleaning every 2-3 days, between-toe checks weekly, nail trims every 3 weeks, sanitary and belly trims as needed, professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.