SUSSEX SPANIELS

I am writing to complain about the article on exotic breeds (1

July issue). Not only was the article incorrect it was also very damaging to Sussex spaniels. They are no more aggressive than any other breed and are certainly not expected to give tongue when working. I know of few that do. At the very least, I would have expected you to contact one of our members who works their dogs before publishing. There are many owners of Sussex spaniels who work their dogs regularly. My husband works our Sussex and has also entered and been placed at field trials. If you would like to get an accurate report on our breed, I can give you a list of contacts who would be happy to give you the true picture.

Kay Smith, via email

David Tomlinson replies: My editor has asked me to respond to your complaint. First of all, you should be aware that I have written about gundogs professionally for more than 30 years; I have shot over Sussex spaniels, observed them on shoot days and watched them performing in gundog tests. I have also interviewed and spoken to a number of Sussex spaniel owners. I make no claims to be an expert on the breed, but I would suggest that I am better informed than many people.

I stand by my comments and see no reason to either retract them or apologise. It is an indisputable fact that the Sussex spaniel is one of our most inbred breeds. The Kennel Club gives it a COI of 20.3% and an EPS of 32.2. As I am sure you know, the former indicates that it is one of the most inbred of all pedigree dogs, the latter that it is perilously close to extinction. Neither of these important facts are given on your association’s website [Sussex Spaniel Association]. Your website does, however, state: “They can sometimes be over protective of their Owners. They’re fine with people and children but they need plenty of socialisation, puppy classes, obedience classes, time and patience.” I do not claim that all, even many, Sussex spaniels are aggressive, but it is a fact that some individuals can be, as your website indicates.

The fact that the Sussex spaniel is the one breed that is permitted to give tongue when hunting should, I think, be celebrated, and I am sorry to hear that you know of few dogs that do it. As you know, I was not incorrect in stating this fact.

Lastly, as both a spaniel enthusiast and a gundog writer, I have long supported our minority spaniel breeds. However, I am careful to write articles that are both honest and truthful. I have also found that your Association is exceptionally sensitive to any criticism of the breed, while at the same time being bitterly opposed to any attempts to introduce fresh blood, something that will have to be done if the Sussex spaniel is to have a future.

‘‘The wildlife of today is not ours to dispose of as we please. We have it in trust. We must account for it to those who come after.’’ King George VI