Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Basenji Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
- Basenji versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
- Basenji versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Sussex Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Sussex Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Basenji versus Sussex Spaniel
- Lifespan of Basenji versus Sussex Spaniel
- Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Basenji
- The Popularity of Basenji versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Sussex Spaniel
- Do Basenjis shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Sussex Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Do Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Sussex Spaniel
- Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basenji or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Sussex Spaniels?
- Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Basenji
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Basenji versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Basenji Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji and the Sussex Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji or the Sussex Spaniel.
Basenji versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
Both the Basenji and the Sussex Spaniel are similar in size. The Basenji and the Sussex Spaniel are both small-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Basenji belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Basenji versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Basenji 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 Basenji and the Sussex Spaniel
| Factor | Basenji | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 14 years |
| Height | 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 22 to 24 pounds | 35 to 45 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| 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 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $2320 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1450 – $1500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 68.9 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 86 | 171 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Basenji 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 Basenji is 83 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 Basenji. 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 Basenji 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 Basenji and the Sussex Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Basenji and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Sussex Spaniel
The Basenji and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Basenji and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Basenji versus Sussex Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Basenji and the Sussex Spaniel.
Basenjis weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Basenjis are 16 to 17 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 Basenji versus Sussex Spaniel
The lifespan of Basenjis is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Basenjis is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is 12.5 years.
Sussex Spaniels live longer than Basenjis.
Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Basenji
The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Basenji.
This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Basenji is 68.9 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 68.9 percent, the Basenji 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 Basenji and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 177 Basenjis and 4 Sussex Spaniels.
The Popularity of Basenji versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Basenji and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Basenji is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Basenji is 86 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Basenji
Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
| Year | Basenji Popularity Rank | Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 85 | 162 |
| 2014 | 86 | 175 |
| 2015 | 87 | 173 |
| 2016 | 88 | 172 |
| 2017 | 84 | 161 |
| 2018 | 87 | 180 |
| 2019 | 87 | 176 |
| 2020 | 86 | 172 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Sussex Spaniel
Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.
Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Basenjis shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
Basenjis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Sussex Spaniel
Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Sussex Spaniel?
Basenjis are very easy to groom.
Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
Basenjis 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 Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Basenjis 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 Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Sussex Spaniel
Basenjis 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 Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.
Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basenji or the Sussex Spaniel?
Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.
Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Basenjis 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 Basenjis and Sussex Spaniels?
Basenjis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
Basenjis are not easy to train.
Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?
Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.
Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basenji or the Sussex Spaniel?
Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.
Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Basenji
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Basenji 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 Basenji:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Basenji and how the Sussex Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Basenji and of the Sussex Spaniel to other breeds:
Basenji Versus Other Dog Breeds
Basenji versus Scottish Terrier Basenji versus Bernedoodle Basenji versus Jack Russell Terrier Basenji versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Basenji versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Basenji versus Maltipoo Basenji versus Cavachon Basenji versus Komondor Basenji versus English Toy Spaniel Basenji versus Sealyham Terrier Basenji versus Stabyhoun Basenji versus Bichon Frise Basenji versus Chinese Shar-Pei Basenji versus Bedlington Terrier Basenji versus Border Collie Basenji versus Siberian Husky Basenji versus German Longhaired Pointer Basenji versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Basenji versus Komondor Basenji versus Afghan Hound Basenji versus Bolognese Basenji versus Yorkipoo Basenji versus Lakeland Terrier
Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sussex Spaniel versus Goldendoodle Sussex Spaniel versus Alaskan Malamute Sussex Spaniel versus Bichon Frise Sussex Spaniel versus Newfoundland Sussex Spaniel versus Scottish Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Bich Poo Sussex Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer Sussex Spaniel versus Border Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Sussex Spaniel versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Sussex Spaniel versus Finnish Spitz Sussex Spaniel versus German Pinscher Sussex Spaniel versus Doberman Pinscher Sussex Spaniel versus Borzoi Sussex Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog Sussex Spaniel versus Silky Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Keeshond Sussex Spaniel versus Kerry Blue Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Shiba Inu Sussex Spaniel versus Standard Poodle Sussex Spaniel versus Basenji Sussex Spaniel versus Ibizan Hound Sussex Spaniel versus Dogo Argentino Sussex Spaniel versus Bernese Mountain Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Bullmastiff
Conclusion: Basenji 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 Basenji and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.