Australian Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Australian Shepherd Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd or the Sussex Spaniel.

Australian Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Australian Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Australian Shepherd Sussex Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Height 18 to 23 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 Being Alone 2/5 1/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1210 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1500 No Data
Temperament Score 82.2 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd. 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:

    • Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sussex Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
    • Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
    • Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sussex Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
    • Australian Shepherds 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.
    • Australian Shepherds 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.
    • Australian Shepherds 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.
    • Australian Shepherds 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.
    • Australian Shepherds require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Sussex Spaniels have low exercise needs.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel

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

    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel.

    Australian Shepherds weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Australian Shepherds are 18 to 23 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 Australian Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Australian Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Shepherds is 13.5 years.

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

    Australian Shepherds live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Australian Shepherd

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Australian Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Australian Shepherd is 82.2 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 82.2 percent, the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Sussex Spaniel

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds and Sussex Spaniels?

    Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.