Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel.

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Belgian Tervuren Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren or the Sussex Spaniel.

Belgian Tervuren versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Tervuren is a large-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Belgian Tervuren 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.

Belgian Tervuren versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Belgian Tervuren Sussex Spaniel
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 14 years
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Height 21 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 70 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1630 No Data
Price Range $1200 – $2000 No Data
Temperament Score 81.4 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren is 77 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 Belgian Tervuren. 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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:

    • Belgian Tervurens are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Sussex Spaniels gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Belgian Tervurens 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.
    • Belgian Tervurens 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.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel

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

    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Tervuren versus Sussex Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel.

    Belgian Tervurens weigh 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Tervurens are 21 to 26 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 Belgian Tervuren versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Belgian Tervurens is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervurens.

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Belgian Tervuren

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Belgian Tervuren.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Belgian Tervuren is 81.4 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 81.4 percent, the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 521 Belgian Tervurens and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Tervuren versus Sussex Spaniel

    Belgian Tervurens do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Tervurens shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Belgian Tervurens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Tervuren or the Sussex Spaniel

    Belgian Tervurens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Tervuren or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Belgian Tervurens are moderately easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Tervuren Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Belgian Tervurens 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.

    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 Belgian Tervurens Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervurens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Tervurens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Tervuren vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervurens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervuren or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Belgian Tervurens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Tervurens good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervurens and Sussex Spaniels?

    Belgian Tervurens get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Belgian Tervuren Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Belgian Tervurens are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Tervuren Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Belgian Tervurens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Tervuren or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Belgian Tervurens are OK for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.