American Bulldog versus Sussex Spaniel. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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American Bulldog Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Bulldog 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 American Bulldog 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 American Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Bulldog 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 American Bulldog 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 American Bulldog 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 American Bulldog or the Sussex Spaniel.

American Bulldog versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the American Bulldog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

American Bulldog versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Bulldog 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 American Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor American Bulldog Sussex Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 16 years 11 to 14 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 20 to 28 inches 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
General Health 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Weight 60 to 120 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1400 No Data
Price Range $912 – $1600 No Data
Temperament Score 86.9 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • approved laboratory
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Ichthyosis
  • LIPOFUSCINOSIS (LAM)
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Bulldog 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 American Bulldog is 70 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 American Bulldog. 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 American Bulldog 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 American Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the American Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:

    • American Bulldogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sussex Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
    • American Bulldogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sussex Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
    • American Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate cold weather.
    • American Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
    • American Bulldogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Sussex Spaniels get along well with other dogs.
    • American Bulldogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Sussex Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers.
    • American Bulldogs are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Sussex Spaniels gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • American Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Sussex Spaniels do not have the tendency to drool.
    • American Bulldogs 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.
    • American Bulldogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Sussex Spaniels do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    The Similarities Between the American Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel

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

    • Both the American Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the American Bulldog 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 American Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to groom.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of American Bulldog versus Sussex Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel.

    American Bulldogs weigh 60 to 120 pounds when fully grown. American Bulldogs are 20 to 28 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 American Bulldog versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of American Bulldogs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Bulldogs is 13.0 years.

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

    American Bulldogs live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the American Bulldog

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the American Bulldog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the American Bulldog is 86.9 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 86.9 percent, the American Bulldog has an above-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 American Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 214 American Bulldogs and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Bulldog versus Sussex Spaniel

    American Bulldogs do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Bulldogs shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    American Bulldogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Bulldog or the Sussex Spaniel

    American Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Bulldog or the Sussex Spaniel?

    American Bulldogs are very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Bulldog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    American Bulldogs 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 American Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    American Bulldogs 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.

    Can American Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Bulldog vs. Sussex Spaniel

    American Bulldogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 American Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Bulldogs 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 American Bulldog or the Sussex Spaniel?

    American Bulldogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Bulldogs good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    American Bulldogs 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 American Bulldogs and Sussex Spaniels?

    American Bulldogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the American Bulldog Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    American Bulldogs are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the American Bulldog Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    American Bulldogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Bulldog or the Sussex Spaniel?

    American Bulldogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Bulldog 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 American Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.