Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Basset Hound Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
- Basset Hound versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
- Basset Hound versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basset Hound and the Sussex Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Basset Hound and the Sussex Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Basset Hound versus Sussex Spaniel
- Lifespan of Basset Hound versus Sussex Spaniel
- Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Basset Hound
- The Popularity of Basset Hound versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Basset Hound versus Sussex Spaniel
- Do Basset Hounds shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Basset Hound or the Sussex Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Basset Hound or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Does the Basset Hound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Do Basset Hounds Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Can Basset Hounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Basset Hound vs. Sussex Spaniel
- Can Basset Hounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basset Hound or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Are Basset Hounds good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Basset Hounds and Sussex Spaniels?
- Is the Basset Hound Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Basset Hound
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Basset Hound versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Basset Hound Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound and the Sussex Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound or the Sussex Spaniel.
Basset Hound versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Basset Hound and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Basset Hound is a medium-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Basset Hound 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.
Basset Hound versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound and the Sussex Spaniel
| Factor | Basset Hound | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| General Health | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 50 to 65 pounds | 35 to 45 pounds |
| Height | Up to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1280 | No Data |
| Price Range | $900 – $1500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 86.5 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 39 | 171 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound is 76 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 Basset Hound. 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 Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound and the Sussex Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Basset Hound and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Basset Hound and the Sussex Spaniel
The Basset Hound and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Basset Hound and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Basset Hound versus Sussex Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Basset Hound and the Sussex Spaniel.
Basset Hounds weigh 50 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Basset Hounds are Up to 14 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 Basset Hound versus Sussex Spaniel
The lifespan of Basset Hounds is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Basset Hounds 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 Basset Hounds.
Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Basset Hound
The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Basset Hound.
This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Basset Hound is 86.5 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 86.5 percent, the Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 37 Basset Hounds and 4 Sussex Spaniels.
The Popularity of Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Basset Hound is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Basset Hound is 39 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Basset Hound
Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
| Year | Basset Hound Popularity Rank | Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 42 | 162 |
| 2014 | 42 | 175 |
| 2015 | 39 | 173 |
| 2016 | 39 | 172 |
| 2017 | 39 | 161 |
| 2018 | 39 | 180 |
| 2019 | 37 | 176 |
| 2020 | 36 | 172 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Basset Hound versus Sussex Spaniel
Basset Hounds can be left alone only for a short time.
Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Basset Hounds shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
Basset Hounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Basset Hound or the Sussex Spaniel
Basset Hounds have a very high tendency to drool.
Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Basset Hound or the Sussex Spaniel?
Basset Hounds are very easy to groom.
Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Does the Basset Hound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
Basset Hounds 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 Basset Hounds Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Basset Hounds 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 Basset Hounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Basset Hounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Basset Hound vs. Sussex Spaniel
Basset Hounds 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 Basset Hounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Basset Hounds 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 Basset Hound or the Sussex Spaniel?
Basset Hounds get along very well with other dogs.
Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Basset Hounds good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Basset Hounds 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 Basset Hounds and Sussex Spaniels?
Basset Hounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Basset Hound Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
Basset Hounds are not easy to train.
Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Is the Basset Hound Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?
Basset Hounds adapt very well to apartment living.
Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basset Hound or the Sussex Spaniel?
Basset Hounds are very good for new dog owners.
Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Basset Hound
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound:
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 Basset Hound and how the Sussex Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Basset Hound and of the Sussex Spaniel to other breeds:
Basset Hound Versus Other Dog Breeds
Basset Hound versus Papillon Basset Hound versus Cockapoo Basset Hound versus Lhasa Apso Basset Hound versus English Springer Spaniel Basset Hound versus Belgian Malinois Basset Hound versus American Eskimo Dog Basset Hound versus Cockapoo Basset Hound versus Pomapoo Basset Hound versus Gordon Setter Basset Hound versus Harrier Basset Hound versus Coton de Tulear Basset Hound versus Spanish Mastiff Basset Hound versus Redbone Coonhound Basset Hound versus Welsh Terrier Basset Hound versus German Shorthaired Pointer Basset Hound versus Affenpinscher Basset Hound versus Shih Tzu Basset Hound versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Basset Hound versus Bedlington Terrier Basset Hound versus Schnoodle Basset Hound versus Weimaraner Basset Hound versus Cavachon Basset Hound versus Australian Terrier
Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sussex Spaniel versus Berger Picard Sussex Spaniel versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Pointer Sussex Spaniel versus Vizsla Sussex Spaniel versus Westiepoo Sussex Spaniel versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Briard Sussex Spaniel versus Miniature Schnauzer Sussex Spaniel versus American Water Spaniel Sussex Spaniel versus Boston Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Basset Hound Sussex Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Sussex Spaniel versus Bearded Collie Sussex Spaniel versus Dogo Argentino Sussex Spaniel versus Swedish Vallhund Sussex Spaniel versus Newfoundland Sussex Spaniel versus Black and Tan Coonhound Sussex Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Sussex Spaniel versus Cocker Spaniel Sussex Spaniel versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Sussex Spaniel versus Field Spaniel Sussex Spaniel versus Pharaoh Hound Sussex Spaniel versus Irish Water Spaniel Sussex Spaniel versus Kishu Ken
Conclusion: Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.