The Royal Kennel Club and the Roslin Institute have announced a new joint research project, working alongside the Sussex Spaniel community, represented by the Sussex Spaniel Association, to investigate genetic diversity within one of Britain’s vulnerable native breeds.
The project will analyse the DNA of approximately 125-150 Sussex Spaniels, representing as much of the accessible living RKC-registered population as possible, combining the collected genetic information with the Royal Kennel Club’s extensive pedigree data.
This research seeks to develop an evidence-based population management strategy using the most advanced tools available while evaluating approaches that could be subsequently expanded to other breeds and projects. The project will also act as a proof of concept for the use of population-wide DNA information alongside pedigree data. If successful, the methodology could contribute to approaches for managing genetic diversity in other pedigree breeds.
The Sussex Spaniel is classed by the Royal Kennel Club as a Vulnerable Native Breed, meaning it records fewer than 300 puppy registrations each year. In 2025, just 15 puppies were registered, down from 24 the previous year.
The collaboration will closely involve the Sussex Spaniel community across the UK, which is invited to take part in the on-site DNA sampling at the Sussex Spaniel Championship Show in Coventry on 26 September. There is also an option for participation via post which will be communicated to Sussex Spaniel owners at a later date.
The project has secured £18,000 in funding through the Roslin Institute Pump-Priming Scheme, bringing together the RKC’s expertise in canine population genetics with the Roslin Institute’s world-leading expertise in animal genetics and genomics.
Charlotte McNamara, Chief Canine Wellbeing & Engagement Officer at the Royal Kennel Club, said: “We are very pleased to collaborate with the Roslin Institute and the Sussex Spaniel Association on this important project, which aims to help us better understand and protect the genetic diversity of the Sussex Spaniel for generations to come.
"The RKC has a long history of maintaining pedigree records, providing generations of information on how dogs are related and creating a unique resource for understanding and managing genetic diversity. Advances in genetic technology now give us an exciting opportunity to build on this important benefit of RKC registration, and we are delighted to be taking this next step alongside the world-leading scientists at the Roslin Institute.
“We strongly encourage the Sussex Spaniel community to take part in this project. In particular, we hope owners will attend the Sussex Spaniel Championship Show, where we will be collecting DNA samples on site and owners will have the opportunity to meet and speak directly with the scientists involved in the project.”
Dr Pau Navarro, Project Lead Scientist at the Roslin Institute, said: “We are pleased to be working with the Royal Kennel Club, with support from breeders and owners, to understand the genetic diversity of this pedigree breed. This will help develop an evidence-based approach to manage a population of healthy dogs. Our insights will also be valuable in supporting rare breeds across many species of animals.”
Ann Moon, Chair of the Sussex Spaniel Association, said: "The project is fantastic news for the preservation of this historic breed. By joining forces with the Roslin Institute and the RKC, the Sussex Spaniel Association together with the Sussex Spaniel community, are taking a critical step in tackling the genetic and breeding challenges facing the UK's rarest native gundog."