Sussex Spaniel vs Schillerstovare - Breed Comparison

The Schillerstövare originated in Sweden, being named after a Swedish farmer, Per Schiller. After he died, the dog was named Schillerstövare in 1907, and was Sweden's first native dog breed.

The Swedish Kennel Club recognised this dog in 1907 and it is also recognised by the Federation Cynologique Internationale as well as a number of minor kennels and dog clubs.

The dog has always been used as a hunting dog and the English Foxhound is the e foundation for this breed.

The Sussex Spaniel comes from Sussex in southern England. The whole purpose of his development was for him to rush between reeds, causing birds to fly up and for their owners to then shoot them so that they could retrieve them.

His history dates back to the 19th century when breeding for the dog started. The first breed standard was also written during this time.

It was about in 1969 that some of these Sussex Spaniels were imported to the United States where they were referred to as a sporting breed. Today they are still a rare breed.

The Schillerstövare is a medium to large sized dog. They’re athletic and muscular.

Standing at between 53–61cm in height and weighing in the region of 18–25kg, the coat of the dog is fairly short and harsh, with the color being black and tan.Sometimes you’ll see some white markings on the chest and paws.

The head is domed, the eyes brown, bright and alert and the ears of the dog are broad, medium length and floppy. The long tail is carried low or held out when running or alert.

If you allow your Schillerstovare to have puppies, you can expect between 3 to 7.

Temperament:

The Schillerstovare is a calm dog but he can get petty lively when there’s a game to be had. He gets on well with well disciplined children who have been taught to be kind and respectful to animals. He also gets on well with pets in the home. Just like with most other dogs, he will need to be trained and socialized as he is a strong willed, confident, dominant dog.

He is friendly and active but will be somewhat reserved around strangers.These dogs will require a lot of exercise and will need quite a bit of space too. They aren't well suited to small properties in the city. He will need a daily walk but also a chance to get off his leash and run free in the park. Other forms of exercise such as hikes, ball game and swimming will delight him.

With his low, long body and short legs, this beautiful golden liver color spaniel has long, silky ears and a long, feathery tail.

He is a moderate shedder. He is quite a distinctive looking dog with his silky coat and sombre expression. You’d descibe him as medium sized dog, standing at between 33 – 38cm in height and weighing 16 -20kg.

Temperament:

The Sussex Spaniel is more slow and sedate than the Cocker Spaniel but he still makes an excellent pet and companion.

He is strong and robust. He is clever too, but slightly stubborn, while also being clownish and entertaining. They’re the kind of dogs who bond strongly with their family and aren’t that enthusiastic with strangers.

They take a while to warm towards people they don’t know. He is steady, reliable and determined and makes a good watchdog. Because he is gentle and even tempered he makes an ideal pet for children and he is able to get on well with other dogs too.

It’s good to have them trained and socialized as they become even more amicable around other people and dogs they don’t know.

Schillerstovares are social, loving, friendly, loyal dogs who enjoy being around their human family. He’s going to need a lot of exercise, both mental and physical to keep him from boredom and frustration.

He will rely on you for at least a daily walk. He is strong-will and confident and will do well in a family where they are active and where they are firm, patient, kind and consistent in their behaviour towards him because then he ticks all th right boxes for being a splendid pet.

The Sussex Spaniel makes the perfect pet for families where there are children.

He is a low drooling dog and he adapts easily to life with his human family, preferably in the countryside.

He isn’t the most intelligent breed, but most people love him just like that because he’s eager to please and just wants to be your trusted, loyal pet and companion.

Even though your Schillerstovare is a healthy dog breed, hip dysplasia is a common dog disease that many dogs get.

This is a skeletal disease when a dog’s hip joints become partially dislocated. It can be very difficult for your dog to get around, and he can also develop arthritis. It gets very sad when your dog doesn’t even want to participate in games anymore.

Your Sussex, like any other dog, is going to be prone to some diseases and conditions. If you are going for a puppy, always look for a reputable dog breeder, as this at least gives your dog a better chance of a healthy life.

Some health conditions that can affect your Sussex Spaniel include -

Pulmonic Stenosis: 

This is a congenital heart disease where blood doesn't flow properly and where the right side of the heart works harder and actually enlarges.

If the obstruction is severe, it can cause arrhythmia or congestive heart failure.

If the stenosis is mild, you may not even notice any conditions, but if it's severe, your pet may have difficulty with breathing, his stomach may be distended, and with strenuous exercise he could even collapse.

Intervertebral Disc Disease:

This is when a disc in the spine ruptures and pushes upward into the spinal cord. It can be an injury or an inherited condition.It is painful and will include anti-inflammatory medications and possibly surgery.

With his short coat, the Schillerstovare is considered a low maintenance dog and requires a minimal amount of grooming. Brushing should be done twice a week to remove loose hair. The harsh outer coat seems to repel dirt and dust.

Trim your pet’s nails, check inside his ears for signs of redness, make sure his eyes are bright and clear and make sure he doesn’t have any unusual lumps on him.

Make sure his vaccines are up to date to avoid deadly canine diseases. Take him to the vet when you suspect he isn’t his normal self.

Diet:

Dogs, just like humans, do well on good, nutritious diets. Feed a human lots of junk food and sweets and they’ll grow up to be obese and unhealthy. That's exactly how it is with dogs too. Some of the best commercially manufactured dog foods are convenient and they can be good if you look at the top brands. Look for ones that cater for your dog’s age, size, breed and activity levels. This dry kibble can be made more inviting for your pet when you include some homemade food.

Dogs just want simplicity so that they don’t battle with digestive problems. Boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will be wonderful for him when you chop the food up and add it into the dry kibble twice a week. See his tail wag and his brown eyes light up when he smells this treat. Some raw meat added up occasionally will also contribute to your pet’s heath.

Make sure he is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

Because of the long, silky hair, brushing your Sussex twice a week will be necessary to prevent matting from dirt adhering to the fur.

The insides of those long floppy ears can be a breeding spot for bacteria as they don’t easily dry. When you brush him, check inside the ears to make sure they aren't red which could be a sign of ear infection.

Remember, if you don’t like to do all the grooming chores there are, a grooming parlour will do the chores for you. They cut your dog’s hair, check inside his ears, clean his teeth and trim his nails.

Diet:

Every dog needs excellent food to be healthy. Many people feed their pets the wrong kinds of foods and then wonder why they have to fork up so much on vets fees.

If you feed your Sussex Spaniel one of the commercial manufactured foods, make sure its one of the good ones packed with vitamins and minerals. Tasty home-made food added to his kibble a couple of times a week can do him the world of good if its kept simple – no spicey, exotic foods that can upset the stomach.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure a healthy, happy pet.

To avoid skin allergies and a dull coat, try and add in some raw meat occasionally. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

These dogs have been accustomed to a life of running in open spaces and they’re going to want lots of exercise. They love ball games and they love a walk in the countryside with lots of new scents to follow.

It’s why this dog isn’t suited to life in a small city property. He needs space and the outdoors to use up his energy.