Is the Alaskan Klee Kai Better than the Sussex Spaniel as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Alaskan Klee Kai Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Alaskan Klee Kai 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Alaskan Klee Kai or the Sussex Spaniel.

Alaskan Klee Kai versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel are similar in size. The Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Alaskan Klee Kai belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Alaskan Klee Kai versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Alaskan Klee Kai 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Alaskan Klee Kai Sussex Spaniel
Weight 10 to 15 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Life Span 12 to 16 years 11 to 14 years
Height 13 to 17 inches 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $2760 No Data
Price Range $2500 – $3200 No Data
Temperament Score 50.0 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • FACTOR VII Deficiency DNA test
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PennGen
  • VetGen
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Alaskan Klee Kai 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 the Alaskan Klee Kai is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Sussex Spaniel is a better pet than the Alaskan Klee Kai. 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 Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:

    • Alaskan Klee Kais are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sussex Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
    • Alaskan Klee Kais cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
    • Alaskan Klee Kais do not get along well with other dogs. However, Sussex Spaniels get along well with other dogs.
    • Alaskan Klee Kais are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Sussex Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Alaskan Klee Kais are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Sussex Spaniels gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Alaskan Klee Kais 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.
    • Alaskan Klee Kais 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.

    The Similarities Between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel

    The Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:

    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to train.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.

    Size Comparison of Alaskan Klee Kai versus Sussex Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel.

    Alaskan Klee Kais weigh 10 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Alaskan Klee Kais are 13 to 17 inches 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.

    Lifespan of Alaskan Klee Kai versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Alaskan Klee Kais is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Alaskan Klee Kais is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is 12.5 years.

    Alaskan Klee Kais live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Alaskan Klee Kai

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Alaskan Klee Kai.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Alaskan Klee Kai is 50.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 50.0 percent, the Alaskan Klee Kai has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Sussex Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 2 Alaskan Klee Kais and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Alaskan Klee Kai versus Sussex Spaniel

    Alaskan Klee Kais do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Alaskan Klee Kais shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Alaskan Klee Kais shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Alaskan Klee Kai or the Sussex Spaniel

    Alaskan Klee Kais do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Alaskan Klee Kai or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Alaskan Klee Kais are very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Alaskan Klee Kai Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Alaskan Klee Kais 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.

    Do Alaskan Klee Kais Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Alaskan Klee Kais bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Alaskan Klee Kais Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Alaskan Klee Kais can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Alaskan Klee Kai vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Alaskan Klee Kais 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.

    Can Alaskan Klee Kais Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Alaskan Klee Kais cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Alaskan Klee Kai or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Alaskan Klee Kais do not get along well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Alaskan Klee Kais good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Alaskan Klee Kais 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 Alaskan Klee Kais and Sussex Spaniels?

    Alaskan Klee Kais get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Alaskan Klee Kai Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Alaskan Klee Kais are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Alaskan Klee Kai Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Alaskan Klee Kais adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Alaskan Klee Kai or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Alaskan Klee Kais are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Alaskan Klee Kai and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.