A common question that judges ask concerns the origin of the “Faults” section of the standard. Prior to May 27, 1992, the AKC Standard for the Sussex Spaniel was a verbatim copy of the British standard that was in effect in the United Kingdom circa 1890. This standard contains a list of positive points and negative points as shown here.

During the early 1990s, the Sussex Spaniel Club of America (SSCA) decided to petition the AKC for member status. Around the same time, the AKC embarked on a plan to convert all Breed Standards to a specific format.

One of the conditions that the AKC imposed on parent clubs seeking member status was that the club had to change the standard to fit the AKC’s template. Because of this, the SSCA was forced to embark on a rewrite of the standard.

Those on the committee overseeing the project felt it imperative to keep as much of the wording of the previous standard intact so as not to change the appearance of the breed or introduce personal bias. Unfortunately, the AKC template did not allow for a Scale of Points.

As of 1951, many of the breed standards had point scales. Sussex Spaniels were one of only two Sporting breeds that had dual point scales—one for positive points and one for negative points. (The other breed was the English Springer Spaniel.)

These scales of points were a quick way for judges to mathematically rank exhibits according to which faults were more severe than others, and in the case of the Sussex, which features of the breed were more important than others.

When applying statutory construction to legislation, lawyers must give every word meaning. Those on the Sussex Spaniel Standard Revision Committee applied the same principle to the former standard. The scales of points added additional language not found in the main body of the standard.

The committee wanted to preserve the language of the point scales and keep the ranking of virtues and faults intact. To accomplish this, the Committee translated the positive points as follows:

• Those features assigned 15 points were labeled “most important features.”
• Those assigned 10 points were labeled “of secondary importance.”
• Those assigned 5 points were labeled as “features of lesser importance.”

Similarly, the committee translated the scale of negative points as follows:

• Those faults assigned 15 negative points became “severe faults” in the new standard.
• Those assigned 10 negative points became “major faults.”
• Those assigned 5 points became “minor faults.”

The “Faults” section of the current standard reads:

“Faults: The standard ranks features of the breed into three categories. The most important features of the breed are color and general appearance. The features of secondary importance are the head, ears, back and back ribs, legs, and feet. The features of lesser importance are the eyes, nose, neck, chest and shoulders, tail, and coat.

Faults also fall into three categories:

• Major faults are color that is too light or too dark, white on any part of the body other than the chest, and a curled coat.
• Serious faults are a narrow head, weak muzzle, the presence of a topknot, and a general appearance that is sour and crouching.
• Minor faults are light eyes, white on the chest, the deviation from proper height ranges, lightness of bone, shortness of body or a body that is flat-sided, and a bite other than scissors.

There are no disqualifications in the Sussex Spaniel standard.”

A legitimate question arises as to why positive emphasis is placed on certain features, and negative emphasis on faults that may involve the same features mentioned in the positive. The answer lies in a careful reading of the existing “Faults” section (and the old scale of points).

Notice that the ranking of positive features alludes to the different headings of the standard, while the list of faults are specific faults, not just deviations from the descriptions noted in the headings. While a judge must take into consideration deviations from the standard’s language, the judge must also give greater weight to the enumerated faults. In other words, these faults warrant special attention.

The following example illustrates how a judge should use the ranking of positive features:

Assume two exhibits appear in the Open Dog class. Both are equal in quality except that exhibit A’s topline is level and his back ribs are deep, but he is rather straight in the shoulders. Exhibit B’s topline is not level and his back ribs are not deep, but his shoulders have the proper moderate layback. Neither has any of the specific faults listed in the “Faults” section.

Since the breed standard lists back and back ribs as a feature of secondary importance, and chest and shoulders of lesser importance, the judge should place Exhibit A first.

A judge would apply the specific faults under the “Faults” section in a similar manner. Again, assume two exhibits in the Open Dog class. Exhibit A and B are similar in appearance and are evenly matched in structure.

Exhibit A has light eyes and is undershot. Exhibit B has proper eye color and a scissors bite, but the dog is very dark liver in color. In this situation, the judge should again place Exhibit A first as his two faults are considered “minor,” whereas Exhibit B’s color fault is considered “major.

The post The Fault Section of the Sussex Spaniel Standard appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

The Most Important Thing In Breeding and Showing Sussex Spaniels

This most important thing is adherence to the AKC Standard for the breed. We are so very proud that we have never changed our Standard. (The only thing we have ever done is, back when AKC demanded that all standards remove the point system to conform to each other, we (myself, Bobby Lewis, and Craig Heugal) revised the point schedule to include the current “Faults” section.) It is so important to breed to the Standard and not to change the Standard to match whatever is being bred. It is a great tribute to breeders that Sussex Spaniels in the 1800s could compete with the Sussex of today—and no one could tell the difference. May this continue, forever.

The post The Most Important Thing In Breeding and Showing Sussex Spaniels appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Judging the Sussex Spaniel

The Sussex Spaniel is still a rare breed in the US, having originated in Sussex County, England, but its numbers have increased dramatically in this country since the 1990s. It was first registered with the AKC in 1884. Virtually extinct after World War II, the breed now can trace its ancestry to six Sussex Spaniels that survived in England. There were no registered Sussex in the U.S. at that time, nor anywhere else for which we have a registration record. They were bred extensively in the 1700s and 1800s in England as “an old gentlemen’s hunting dog” because they were not considered to be particularly fast and tended to stay closer to the hunters than other breeds. They were bred specifically to hunt in deep underbrush such as the hedgerows in England, and they are excellent with upland game birds such as the pheasant.

They are flushers and retrievers. Hunters in the US did not like the fact they “give tongue” (bark) when they are hunting. They are short-legged and rectangular, with large bone and a very muscular build, standing between 13″ and 15″ at the withers and weighing in the range of 35 to 45 pounds. Heights over or under the above are not penalized so long as the proportions are good. There are no disqualifications in the standard except the normal AKC required disqualifications. They are generally friendly and outgoing but tend to be slightly reserved with strangers. In being judged, they prefer gentleness over heavy-handedness.

This breed should be shown on a ramp or on the ground, never on a table. When judging the Sussex, it is important to stand back about fifteen feet from your entries and look for the overall correct balance and proportion. We have a mnemonic device in judging the Sussex called the “Six L’s.” These are LONG, LOW, LEVEL, LARGE BONE, LIVER COLOR, LIVELY TAIL. They must be obviously longer than tall (rectangular), with a level topline from withers to tail. Sussex are heavy-boned, but it must fit the overall size and build of the dog. The liver color is a slightly reddish medium brown. Blond or golden highlights may or may not

Be present depending on the age of the dog. These highlights are usually found on the ears and feathering of the legs. The lively tail means a wagging tail, especially when moving. The tail is normally docked in the U.S. and is never carried above the level of the back. Since our American standard calls for a docked tail, I personally will treat a natural tail as a minor fault. In examining the Sussex, approach from the front quarter. Examine the head for correctness as outlined by the standard, eyes, ear set, broadness of skull to length and muzzle, and bite. Concerning bite, scissors is preferred but anything else—overshot, undershot, or even—is acceptable and a minor fault. Bite is the absolutely last thing you should consider in making a choice of placement. A scissors bite is preferred but most of the Sussex you see will be even or undershot.

Occasionally you will see overshot, but very seldom in my experience. Some of us in breeding Sussex believe that they were actually bred for undershot, as they tend to scoop up the bird rather than going over it to pick it up. Undershot would be an advantage in this instance. Next, you will feel for depth of chest, shoulder angulation, and the forelegs for heaviness of bone. The forelegs can be straight or slightly bowed with legs set well under the dog. The pasterns are short and heavily boned, and the feet large and round with short hair between the toes. The topline should be straight, and the hindquarters are full and well-rounded. The hind legs should be short from hock to ground and heavily boned, parallel to each other, and set wide apart to approximately the same width as the front. Hocks should not turn in or out, and the rear feet are like the front.

The coat should be abundant, flat, or slightly waved, not curly. No trimming is acceptable except for the feet to shape the foot feather and remove hair between the pads of the feet. Feather on the feet must cover the toenails. In checking for gait, you must check both side gait and down and back. The gait can be slightly rolling but not clumsy. They should move in a straight line and are best shown on a loose lead. Please have some tolerance for lack of a loose lead, especially for puppies. Also, watch for pacing, as this is a very comfortable gait for most Sussex, but not correct movement. Basically, in judging the Sussex, the most important features of the breed are color and general appearance, meaning balance or proportion. Secondary features are head, ears, topline, back ribs, legs, and feet. The lesser important features are eyes, nose, neck, chest, shoulders, tail, and coat.

Faults are also in three categories. Major faults are incorrect color, white on any part of the body except a small patch on the chest, and a curled coat. Serious faults are narrow head, weak muzzle, presence of a top knot, and a general appearance that is sour and crouching. Minor faults are light eyes, white on chest, lightness of bone, shortness of body (remember rectangular), a body that is flat-sided, and a bite other than scissors (remember minor and not to be considered unless you have two specimens that are equal in every other way, then the bite can be the tie-breaker). Sussex are generally fun-loving, gregarious, and have a friendly disposition. Although the numbers are increasing, please understand that all Sussex are important and deserve a good look.

The breed numbers about 700 to 800 today in the U.S., with about 10% of those being shown in conformation events. Sussex have joined the ranks of Best in Show, Group winners, and group placements. Many Sussex are now shown and excelling in Obedience, Rally, Agility, and other events. They excel in Hunt Trials with a number of Master Hunters now on record and in tracking. Please do not ignore the breed because of lack of numbers. Today, the Sussex is found in virtually every dog sport and excelling in them. They may have been bred to be the “old gentlemen’s hunting dog,” but in reality, they can be amazingly fast and they love being active. They are not a breed for the faint of heart.

The post Judging the Sussex Spaniel appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Sussex Spaniel Expression

The AKC Breed Standard states: “The Sussex Spaniel has a somber and serious appearance, and its fairly heavy brows produce a frowning expression.” The “somber and serious” part is misleading. People often say, “Oh, he looks so sad,” when a Sussex is just standing there thinking about what sort of mischief he can get into next.

The reason they were and are bred to look this way is because they were bred to be a hunting dog; a hunting dog that can go through heavy underbrush after birds and other game without getting his eyes scratched—hence the frowning brow—and the “sad” look of the large, hazel eyes with some haw showing underneath is to allow for any weed seeds that get into the eye to be easily wiped out, rather than staying in the eye and irritating it as would happen with a tight eye.

That soft, languishing look is not only beautiful, it is functional in the field while hunting. And it also makes his people want to hug him and give him whatever his little heart desires at home!

The post Sussex Spaniel Expression appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

Doug Johnson

1. I’ve been in the sport of purebred dogs for 40 years and I breed English Toy Spaniels, Clumber Spaniel, Sussex Spaniels, Welsh Springer Spaniels, and most recently, Nederlandse Kooikerhondje. I live in Bloomington, Indiana, and I am a breeder, judge, and exhibitor. And I’ve been breeding since the late 1980s.

2. In Toy breeds, you’re always looking for a dog that has a great temperament. That’s paramount in selecting a show animal or a companion animal. That would ALWAYS be number one, especially in English Toys who tend to be a little introverted. It’s very important that they have a rock-solid temperament. I’m not a big one to talk about a Performance puppy versus a Conformation puppy, because really, they should be able to do it all. You don’t see a lot of type differences in a Performance puppy bred to perform for a certain venue, Agility or Obedience, for example, in the Toy breeds. A Papillon, for example, could do both of those things very easily. They can be a Best in Show winner, but they can also have a Rally title and an Obedience title and still look the part of a show animal. So, I don’t think there are big distinguishing features. That is the beauty of sharing time with Toy breeds.

Once you have passed the temperament testing in a litter, you would then move on to looking for very specific breed details of your breed. We grow them up a little bit longer than most breeders in the breed. We believe our kennel has a bit of an advantage because they’re raised with other breeds that aren’t Toy breeds. So, they’re more empowered and braver than a lot of Toys Spaniels we meet in the ring. Toy breeds need to be brave, and sometimes when they live amongst dogs that are the same stature they don’t become as brave as they could. So that’s one of our advantages. All of this said, if looking for a structural concern in Toys, you must look at knees for fitness and strength to ensure functional soundness to perform in these venues as well. But for the most part, I think the aesthetic of the animal is the same.

3. I think the English Toy breed in the United States is varied in quality. I think we have a range of breeders who are not as progressive as others. I don’t think they see forward motion and movement in their kennels like some others, meaning there are several breeders who are very content with the dogs they have reproducing themselves, looking like what they have, retaining the qualities they have but not looking to improve or advance the breed in any certain way. I think that we have seen the profile of the breed elevated in the last 15 to 20 years. From the advent of someone like Karen Miller, who got involved and had a high-profile animal do some winning, it assisted in getting judges to recognize the breed as competitive within the Toy Group. From that, you’ve had people, including us, get involved who have produced a lot of puppies over a period that have been rather successful in the last two decades. So, there is movement for improvement in a faction of breeders, but I don’t know that it’s shared across the English Toy Spaniel community who are still very satisfied with retaining the certain type of dog that they have and perhaps is less competitive when exhibited outside of its littermates of the same quality. Of course, there are areas of concern in the current state of the breed in our country. We continue to see dogs exhibited and rewarded with their tails down in the ring. (Would you award a Cavalier a major with its tail clamped down? Crawling around the ring?) Every breeder in the country knows how I feel about this. I’m made fun of because I don’t tolerate a dog with its tail down, where most breeders don’t care about that. I see this breed’s mentality to be the exact same as the Cavalier. You would never show or reward a Cavalier that had its tail down, and I don’t think you should do the same in English Toys. So, we have great concerns about that. Knees are also an area of concern, as we see this at each National being ignored by judges as the exhibits gait around the rings with slipping patellas. That’s a problem, and that should be addressed in the whelping box and then assessed in the show ring, and judges should be less forgiving of it. And finally, one of the breed’s biggest challenges is the closed membership of the parent club. It has been unquestioned and unchecked for decades. This is a club that does not let people in who might not agree with the powers that be. I know of eight people turned down in the past year. I can’t imagine that is happening in other parent clubs. They have turned down our membership twice now. This restrictive behavior only fuels our passion to continue our successful path. We know the actions of the few hurt the club and the breed. We rise above to continue to advance without the small-mindedness of those who don’t know us but see the progress and run scared of competition. It is a sad state when a small club is so exclusive to the point of self-harm. It is unfortunate for the club but not for the breed, as we continue to support it with quality dogs

4. I think we have plenty of shows. I think there are perhaps too many shows to keep quality high. It’s nice to have maybe fewer shows where there’s more concentration of animals so that there’s direct competition rather than making something we call a kennel champion. (A kennel champion is a dog that has shown only against its kennelmates and isolated in its exposure to other breeders.) You can run away and take four bitches and one dog and get a major on a bitch and a crossover major on the dog. And before you know it, that dog is a new champion, and no one’s ever seen him. Well, that, to me, is not the point of the sport. The showcase of animals at a dog show is breeder-to-breeder competition so that you know where you stack up amongst those also breeding your breed. To me, that’s more important. The state of the sport is strong. The entries across the board are reasonable, but for a minor breed there’s not a lot of opportunity for breeder-to-breeder competition. I would like to see more of that.

5. In my opinion, social media has benefited the English Toy Spaniel greatly. Were it not for social media, the global exchange of quality animals across country borders and barriers would not be happening. Our kennel has certainly had a direct impact on the global community because of exposure from Facebook or Instagram. They allow you to showcase your dogs, and people acknowledge them who may not speak your language. Yet, on Facebook, you can communicate back and forth about your common passion for a breed. We’ve certainly benefited from a wonderful exchange with breeders in Russia who had bred to a dog of ours that we placed in Germany for a short period of time. That has led to a cooperation that has really brought to the fore some great English Toy Spaniels. The top-winning English Toy Spaniel of all time is a direct result of the influence of social media. Were it not for the fact that I was on Facebook and saw some dogs in Russia and reached out to a breeder in Russia, none of that would have happened because we didn’t know each other. I didn’t even know she existed! And despite a language barrier, we were able to communicate about animals and work to advance the breed, advance our kennels, and exchange genetic populations. We are still doing this and communicating about our breed. We share a common goal of advancement, improvement, and viability as well as working to increase the breed’s profile in the competitive Group that is the TOY Group!

6. The biggest issue facing the dog show community today is probably the cultural shift against purebred dogs. With that in mind, dog shows are a safe place to be a breeder, a safe place to display what you’ve bred. I think that we’re faced with a cultural shift where the “adopt don’t shop” mentality has taken over. This is sort of a tired mantra that we’ve been hearing. I think breeder-on-breeder drama is detrimental to the sport. I am probably one of the few who are not anti-doodle. I am pro-breeder. I don’t think you can be pro-breeder and anti-someone who breeds. I’m not an anti-high-volume breeder. I am a pro-responsible breeder. I’m actually pro-accountable breeder. So, if you’re accountable for your animals, if you have 100 litters a year or one, all power to you. If you have 100 litters a year and you take great care of them, super. If you have one disastrous litter and you throw your hands up in the air and ignore all of the problems, that doesn’t make you a better breeder than the high-volume breeder because you only had one litter. We have to support breeders across the board. We have to educate people on how we want breeders to breed. How we want them to be accountable for dogs, what are the methods in place to ensure the health and wellness of animals that we create, the welfare of the animals we create, and good positive relationships with those people who have dogs from us. Without those relationships, everything falls apart. So, keeping those relationships would be the biggest challenge we face as a collective group of individuals sharing the same sport.

7. I think, over the past decade, people have grown to realize how important the social aspect of dog shows has become. A growing family of dog friends means that you are reaching people socially. There’s a social aspect to dogs and dog showing that is very important, especially with Toy breeds where they become part of families. That’s a little different than some of these other Groups within the American Kennel Club system. These are dogs that sleep on your bed, watch TV with you, and share your life. We certainly have recognized the importance of the Toy breeds from day-to-day life. That’s one of the most important things about dog showing now, the community of dogs that we have, the aspect of dogs, all of which is positive, is where we all share in the companionship of an animal. It’s an integral part of the human experience.

Additionally, there have been several positive changes in the sport. I think that we are seeing a focus on a lot of testing to produce quality dogs. There are lots of advances in the medical field for animals to help our dogs live longer. There is a concentration of quality breeders still breeding dogs. Another big challenge is the fact that we don’t have a lot of breeders, so without them, you rely on a mass population to breed dogs. We want people to focus on breeding quality animals that are healthy. Fortunately, we do have several mechanisms in place to test animals for health, DNA testing to make sure that what you’re putting together is good. Then, there’s even something as simple as the microchip and utilizing that to track your dog and put that in place for the lifetime of the dog. These are medical advances that we didn’t have when I started. This type of thing is huge when it comes to the canine population.

The post Doug Johnson | Clussexx English Toy Spaniels and Clumber Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels, Welsh Springer Spaniels & Nederlandse Kooikerhondje appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Spring cleaning can be one of those cathartic experiences that shifts your state of mind and encourages you to plan that dinner party you’ve been contemplating all winter. It can also send you down a rabbit hole or two if the clean-up involves tackling long-neglected drawers or bins of forgotten memorabilia. Instead of feeling rejuvenated, the experience can have you sitting for hours going through souvenirs and keepsakes that remind you of how much time has passed and how much things have changed. It can even bring the whole cleaning process to a complete standstill. This happened to me recently when I uncovered a box containing long-forgotten documents from my earliest days in the sport of dogs.

This year’s clean-up took me back to the year 1979. In a folder labeled “Hawkeye,” I found the AKC registration and pedigree of my first dog, an English Springer Spaniel. Also rediscovered were receipts from visits to the dog’s groomer and veterinarian. One handwritten slip from Down-Home Dog Grooming shows that I paid $23 in 1981 for a full groom. That seems like a real bargain today, since the average cost in 2024 can be anywhere from $90-140. Even more astonishing are the old vet receipts, which range from $12 for an office visit to $28 for a visit that included vaccinations and deworming meds. Although I save a bit of money now by grooming my own dogs, I’m still taking them to the vet where I rarely leave the office without dropping $500!

One of the biggest surprises was finding a handwritten note from Hawkeye’s breeder. In her letter, the lady suggests that I might enjoy going to the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s all-breed dog show later that month. As I reread the note, I recall being intrigued by the idea of a dog show. I accepted the invitation without hesitation and spent the whole day immersed in a world I didn’t understand in the least. I know that I stayed till Best in Show and was in awe of the little dog that defeated every other dog at the show. How great, I remember thinking, that he was the winner and that the guy showing him got to take home that beautiful sterling silver trophy, or so I thought.

At that first show, I remember being delighted to see so many of the breeds I’d only seen in books. The Mastiffs, Borzoi, and Komondorok were even more extraordinary in person, lounging as they were in the benching area for the benefit of spectators like me. I recall wanting to learn as much as I could about each and every breed, and I must have gone on a serious letter writing campaign after the show because the box I’d opened contained dozens of letters and tri-folds from quite a few dog clubs. Much of the decades-old correspondence is from club secretaries who describe their breed in straight-forward language and extend an invitation to join their organization. Among the breeds I’d expressed interest in were the Curly-Coated Retriever, Sussex Spaniel, and French Bulldog.

The Frenchie correspondence jogged a particular memory of how I was introduced to the breed. In Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, I encountered a dog whose owner told me that his companion had been entered in a few shows. (The breed was not at all popular at the time and was not often seen at dog shows.) I remember that we talked a bit about showing dogs, and when I commented on his dog’s color—which appeared solid black to me—the gentleman showed me where his dog had fawn-colored hairs sprinkled throughout his coat. I later learned this was called “black brindle” and that the breed has a limited color palette. More than four decades later, it’s astounding to have witnessed the breed’s meteoric rise in popularity and how cross-breeding has created the very real problem of so many non-standard colors.

Ultimately, I decided on a different breed and joined the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America with the encouragement of a couple I’d met at a few local shows. By becoming a parent club member, I was introduced to other people in the area who also showed their dogs from time to time. I still have all their letters, each one proposing where we should enter our dogs or announcing that someone has finally come in season. As a member, I also received (and have kept) the club’s monthly newsletters which introduced me to members living in other countries. I’ve especially enjoyed rereading the letters postmarked Ireland, England, Australia, and New Zealand, as they’ve brought back so many memories of a time when everything was exciting and new. Some of the letters have made me laugh, whereas others have elicited a variety of different emotions. I do keep in touch with some of the folks who are still around, although the postcards and letters have largely been replaced by email and text messages.

Rediscovering the box of memorabilia has me feeling nostalgic about my involvement in the sport of dogs. Though there have been wins and awards earned along the way (with separate boxes for the photos, ribbons, and trophies), I realize that it’s the people who’ve shared my experiences that matter most to me. Their cards and letters provide a record of the fun times we’ve shared, and they’re a testament to our common commitment to the purebred dogs we genuinely love.

Having those memories at my fingertips again has certainly renewed my enthusiasm for the sport. Now, if I could just muster enough energy for that dinner party I’ll know just who to invite.

Their cards and letters provide a record of the fun times we’ve shared, and they’re a testament to our common commitment to the purebred dogs we genuinely love.

The post Spring Cleaning & Falling in Love – AGAIN appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

1. I live in Middleport, New York, about 40 minutes from Buffalo. I have been around dogs and horses my whole life. I’ve been breeding Sussex Spaniels since 2008. I continued with my parents’ kennel name, Brass Lite.

2. Attitude is a big thing for me. It is the first thing I look for, then I look at structure and movement. Coming from breeding and showing Arabian Horses, beauty and function need to go together. It helps if you can get other breeders who don’t know your breed to give you
an opinion.

3. The Sussex Spaniel is considered a vulnerable breed with a small population, which can increase the risk of genetic disorders due to limited genetic diversity. Collaboration with other breeders has helped to maintain genetic diversity and prevent the loss of valuable traits within the breed. A trend that warrants some concern is forgetting to remember that the same dog in the Conformation ring should be able to go out in the field and work.

4. I view the current state of the dog show community with a mix of optimism and concern. On one hand, there are many positive aspects to appreciate, such as the continued dedication to preserving and promoting breeds, the increasing emphasis on health and welfare, and the opportunities for networking and education. On the other hand, there are also challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the long-term sustainability and relevance of the sport. Regarding judging, I believe there have been improvements, with a greater emphasis on Breed Standards, health, and temperament. Judges are increasingly educated about the specific characteristics of each breed and are encouraged to prioritize soundness and function over cosmetic features. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistency and transparency in judging. As for the number of shows, while it provides opportunities for exhibitors to showcase their dogs and compete, the sheer volume of events can be overwhelming and may contribute to declining participation. It’s essential to strike a balance between providing ample opportunities for competition and ensuring that shows remain financially viable and attractive to a broader range of exhibitors and spectators. While there are challenges facing the dog show community, there are also many positive aspects to celebrate. By working together as a community and remaining committed to the preservation and promotion of breeds, I believe we can overcome challenges and ensure a bright future for the sport of dogs.

5. Through social media, breeders can educate the public about different breeds, responsible breeding practices, health considerations, and the importance of preserving genetic diversity. However, social media can sometimes exacerbate conflicts within the community. Public disputes can harm relationships and undermine collaborative efforts. It’s essential for breeders and enthusiasts to use social media responsibly, prioritize accurate information and ethical practices, and engage in constructive dialogue.

6. The dog show community faces significant challenges today, and addressing them requires collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to the well-being of dogs and the sport itself. There has been a decline in participation, with fewer breeders, exhibitors, and spectators attending events. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including changing societal attitudes toward pet ownership, increased competition from other canine activities, and challenges in attracting younger generations. Addressing this challenge requires highlighting the importance of preserving Breed Standards, promoting responsible breeding practices, and fostering camaraderie within the community. Strategies such as offering incentives for participation, providing mentorship programs for newcomers, and leveraging social media to reach a broader audience can help to attract new participants and retain existing ones.

7. There has been a notable shift towards prioritizing the health and welfare of dogs within the sport. Breed clubs, kennel clubs, and individual breeders have implemented health screening programs, DNA testing for hereditary conditions, and guidelines for responsible breeding practices. This focus on health has led to a greater awareness of hereditary diseases and structural conformation issues, with efforts aimed at promoting healthier, more functional dogs. Positive changes reflect a growing commitment within the dog show community to uphold the integrity of the sport, promote the well-being of dogs, and ensure its continued relevance and appeal in an ever-changing world.

The post Katie Tuttle | Brass Lite Sussex Spaniels appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

The “somber and serious” part is misleading.

People often say, “Oh, he looks so sad,” when a Sussex is just standing there thinking about what sort of mischief he can get into next. So why does Sussex Spaniel look so sad? The reason they were and are bred [to look] this way is because they were bred to be a hunting dog; a hunting dog that can go through heavy underbrush after birds and other game without getting his eyes scratched—hence the frowning brow—and the “sad” look of the large, hazel eyes with some haw showing underneath is to allow for any weed seeds that get into the eye to be easily wiped out, rather than staying in the eye and irritating it as would happen with a tight eye.

That soft, languishing look is not only beautiful, it is functional in the field while hunting. And it also makes his people want to hug him and give him whatever his little heart desires at home!

The Most Important Thing In Breeding And Showing Sussex Spaniels – This most important thing is adherence to the AKC Standard for the breed. We are so very proud that we have never changed our Standard. (The only thing we have ever done is, back when AKC demanded that all standards remove the point system to conform to each other, we (myself, Bobby Lewis, and Craig Heugal) revised the point schedule to include the current “Faults” section.) It is so important to breed to the Standard and not to change the Standard to match whatever is being bred. It is a great tribute to breeders that Sussex Spaniels in the 1800s could compete with the Sussex of today—and no one could tell the difference. May this continue, forever.

The post Why do Sussex Spaniels Look So Sad? appeared first on Showsight Magazine.