Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Better than the Sussex Spaniel as a Pet? Our Answer.

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American Staffordshire Terrier Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

American Staffordshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor American Staffordshire Terrier Sussex Spaniel
Life Span 10 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Height 16 to 19 inches 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 60 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1340 No Data
Price Range $575 – $2000 No Data
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • NCL-A (Cerebellar Ataxia)
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier is 74 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 Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel

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

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

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

    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to groom.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.

    Size Comparison of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    American Staffordshire Terriers weigh 40 to 60 pounds when fully grown. American Staffordshire Terriers are 16 to 19 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 Staffordshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of American Staffordshire Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of American Staffordshire Terriers is 12.5 years.

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

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the American Staffordshire Terrier

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the American Staffordshire Terrier is 85.5 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 85.5 percent, the American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 743 American Staffordshire Terriers and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Staffordshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Staffordshire Terriers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel

    American Staffordshire Terriers drool moderately.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

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

    American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can American Staffordshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Staffordshire Terrier vs. Sussex Spaniel

    American Staffordshire Terriers 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 Staffordshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Staffordshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terriers and Sussex Spaniels?

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

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

    Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

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

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

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