Sussex Spaniel Health Information

Guidance from the Sussex Spaniel Club of America

At EverOak Labradors & Sussex Spaniels, preservation breeding means prioritizing health, transparency, and education. We encourage all prospective Sussex families to understand the unique status of this rare and treasured breed.

The Sussex Spaniel remains low in numbers worldwide. In recent years, only a small number of puppies have been born annually in both the United States and the United Kingdom. With such limited population numbers, responsible breeding practices and careful health screening are essential to protecting the future of the breed.

Overall, the Sussex is considered a generally healthy breed once puppies pass the critical neonatal period (the first two weeks of life). Early concerns historically have centered more around breeding and whelping management — challenges long understood and responsibly managed by experienced breeders.

Recommended Health Screenings

According to the Sussex Spaniel Club of America, the following screenings are currently recommended:

PDP1 Testing (Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase 1 Deficiency)

PDP1 deficiency affects regulation of the PDH enzyme and may result in exercise intolerance or, in severe cases, sudden death.

• Clear – Does not carry the gene and cannot pass it on
• Carrier – Should not be bred to another carrier; many breeders choose not to breed carriers at all
• Affected – Should never be bred

PDP1 is inherited as a simple recessive trait, and DNA testing is available.

Cardiac Screening

Cardiac concerns may be inherited (genetic) or congenital (developmental).

Auscultation (heart exam with stethoscope) is recommended at approximately 8 weeks of age

If abnormalities are detected, further evaluation via echocardiogram should be performed

What to Discuss with Your Breeder

When considering a Sussex Spaniel, always ask:

• What health testing has been performed on the parents?
• Have there been any known hereditary concerns in the pedigree?
• Will a licensed veterinarian provide a health certificate for the puppy?

At EverOak, transparency and responsible stewardship are foundational to our program. Health documentation and veterinary certification should accompany every puppy placement.

Rooted in Faith • Committed for a Lifetime