The Sussex Spaniel has a unique characteristic not seen in other spaniels, in that he gives "voice" or "bays" when he is on a particular game scent in a manner similar to that of the hounds. Perhaps it is because there is a lot of hound blood in his background, as can be surmised from the thickness of his skin, the leathery ears and prominent flews, all of which are characteristics of the hounds. The bell-like tones of his baying when he is on game are unique for the different game and often his master can tell which game he is hunting from the sound the dog makes.