The Sussex was developed in southeast England primarily a beef breed. Improvement of the breed did not begin until the late
18th century. The herdbook was established in 1874, and a polled section was added
in 1979. It has since been exported to Southern Africa and other tropical regions
of the world because the breed adapts well to hot climates and resists tick-borne
disease.
Sussex cattle have dark red coats and white tail switches. In colder climated the
winter coat of the breed is often curly. The average Sussex cow measures 135 cm at
the withers, and weighs 585 kg. Bulls have an average height at the withers of 145
cm, and weigh 950 kg.