The Sussex Spaniel was created in the early 1800's in Sussex, England from a small group of land spaniels. The breeding was started by a Mr. Fuller, a resident of Sussex, who developed the breed for more than fifty years, and is credited with its creation. After World War II, the breed was threatened with extinction and the population had dwindled to approximately 5 dogs. It was only through the dedication of breeders, such as Mrs Joy Freer, that the Sussex Spaniel was able to survive.
Today the breed is still considered to be rare, especially outside England. The Sussex Spaniel was one of the first breeds of spaniels to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. The first registration of a documented Sussex Spaniel occurred in 1924 with the registration of the English Sussex Spaniel known as Oak Mermaid.
