Which is Better between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel? A Very Detailed Review.

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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 Pit Bull Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Sussex Spaniel
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 11 to 14 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
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
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1140 No Data
Price Range $400 – $1200 No Data
Temperament Score 87.4 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier. 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 Pit Bull Terrier 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 Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel

Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Sussex Spaniels get along well with other dogs.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sussex Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate cold weather.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers 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.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Sussex Spaniels are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers 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 Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to groom.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 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.

    Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers 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.

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 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 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Sussex Spaniel

    American Pit Bull Terriers 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 American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    American Pit Bull Terriers 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 Pit Bull Terriers and Sussex Spaniels?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier (76 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs German Shepherd Dog.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Sussex Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Sussex Spaniel to other breeds:

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Golden Retriever     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Plott     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Setter          American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Plott     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Skye Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Maltese     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Mastiff     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Keeshond     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Japanese Chin     American Pit Bull Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bernedoodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Labradoodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Gordon Setter     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Aussiedoodle     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Sussex Spaniel versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Scottish Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Biewer Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Leonberger     Sussex Spaniel versus Shiranian     Sussex Spaniel versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Sussex Spaniel versus Bloodhound          Sussex Spaniel versus American Foxhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Sussex Spaniel versus Shetland Sheepdog     Sussex Spaniel versus Kai Ken     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinese Crested     Sussex Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Sussex Spaniel versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Sussex Spaniel versus Pomchi     Sussex Spaniel versus Afador     Sussex Spaniel versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Carolina Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Dogo Argentino     Sussex Spaniel versus Sheepadoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Miniature Schnauzer     Sussex Spaniel versus Bluetick Coonhound     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Pit Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.