Which is Better between the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel? A Very Detailed Review.

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Afghan Hound Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Afghan Hound and for the Sussex Spaniel. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Afghan Hound or the Sussex Spaniel

Afghan Hound versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Afghan Hound is a large-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Afghan Hound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Sussex Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Afghan Hound versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Afghan Hound to the Sussex Spaniel based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Factor Afghan Hound Sussex Spaniel
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 5/5 1/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 5/5
Height 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 60 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $2390 No Data
Price Range $2250 – $2500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 105 171

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Afghan Hound in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Sussex Spaniel. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for a Afghan Hound is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Sussex Spaniel is 100 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Sussex Spaniel is a better pet than the Afghan Hound. So, you should get the Sussex Spaniel!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:

  • Afghan Hounds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
  • Afghan Hounds are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Sussex Spaniels gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Afghan Hounds are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Sussex Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Afghan Hounds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Sussex Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Afghan Hounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Sussex Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Afghan Hounds have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Sussex Spaniels have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.

    • The Similarities Between the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel

    The Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:

  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Afghan Hound versus Sussex Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel.

    Afghan Hounds weigh 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Afghan Hounds are 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Sussex Spaniels weigh 35 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Sussex Spaniels are 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho when fully grown.

    The Popularity of Afghan Hound versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Afghan Hound is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Afghan Hound is 105 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Afghan Hound

    Popularity of Afghan Hound

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Afghan Hound Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 95 162
    2014 98 175
    2015 100 173
    2016 113 172
    2017 93 161
    2018 113 180
    2019 111 176
    2020 122 172

    Which one drools more, the Afghan Hound or the Sussex Spaniel

    Afghan Hounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Afghan Hound or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Afghan Hounds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Is the Afghan Hound Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Afghan Hounds are not easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Afghan Hound versus Sussex Spaniel

    Afghan Hounds do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Afghan Hounds Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Afghan Hounds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Sussex Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Afghan Hound or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Afghan Hounds are OK for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Afghan Hound or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Afghan Hounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Afghan Hounds shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Afghan Hounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Is the Afghan Hound Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Afghan Hounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Can Afghan Hounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Afghan Hounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Afghan Hounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Afghan Hounds can tolerate hot weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Are Afghan Hounds good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Afghan Hounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Sussex Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Afghan Hounds and Sussex Spaniels?

    Afghan Hounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Afghan Hound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Afghan Hounds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Sussex Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Wanderlust Potential: Afghan Hound vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Afghan Hounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Sussex Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Afghan Hound

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Sussex Spaniel that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Sussex Spaniel:

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Afghan Hound vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Afghan Hound vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Afghan Hound vs Keeshond.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Afghan Hound that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Afghan Hound:

  • Bedlington Terrier (69 percent match with Afghan Hound). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Bedlington Terrier.
  • Standard Schnauzer (72 percent match with Afghan Hound). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Standard Schnauzer.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Afghan Hound and how the Sussex Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Afghan Hound and of the Sussex Spaniel to other breeds:

    Afghan Hound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Afghan Hound versus Norwegian Buhund     Afghan Hound versus West Highland White Terrier     Afghan Hound versus Alaskan Malamute     Afghan Hound versus Japanese Chin     Afghan Hound versus Welsh Terrier     Afghan Hound versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Afghan Hound versus Cockalier     Afghan Hound versus Chihuahua     Afghan Hound versus Hovawart     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinook     Sussex Spaniel versus American Bulldog     Sussex Spaniel versus Stabyhoun     Sussex Spaniel versus Collie     Sussex Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog          Sussex Spaniel versus Havanese     Sussex Spaniel versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Sussex Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo     

    Conclusion: Afghan Hound versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Afghan Hound and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.