A Detailed Comparison of the Bloodhound and the Sussex Spaniel.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Bloodhound Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Bloodhound versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Bloodhound 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.

Bloodhound versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bloodhound 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 Bloodhound and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Bloodhound Sussex Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Height 23 to 27 inches ttall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 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
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Weight 80 to 110 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $920 No Data
Price Range $700 – $1000 No Data
Temperament Score 75.0 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bloodhound 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 Bloodhound is 64 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 Bloodhound. 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 Bloodhound 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 Bloodhound and the Sussex Spaniel

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

    • Bloodhounds do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sussex Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
    • Bloodhounds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
    • Bloodhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sussex Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
    • Bloodhounds 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.
    • Bloodhounds have a very high tendency to drool. However, Sussex Spaniels do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Bloodhounds are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Sussex Spaniels are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Bloodhounds 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.
    • Bloodhounds 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.
    • Bloodhounds 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 Bloodhound and the Sussex Spaniel

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

    • Both the Bloodhound and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Bloodhound 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 Bloodhound and the Sussex Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Bloodhound and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bloodhound and the Sussex Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Bloodhound and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bloodhound and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bloodhound and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bloodhound and the Sussex Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.

    Size Comparison of Bloodhound versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Bloodhounds weigh 80 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Bloodhounds are 23 to 27 inches ttall 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 Bloodhound versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Bloodhounds is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Bloodhounds is 13.0 years.

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

    Bloodhounds live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Bloodhound Versus the Sussex Spaniel

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Bloodhound.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Bloodhound is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Bloodhound 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 Bloodhound and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 40 Bloodhounds and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bloodhound versus Sussex Spaniel

    Bloodhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bloodhounds shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Bloodhounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bloodhound or the Sussex Spaniel

    Bloodhounds have a very high tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bloodhound or the Sussex Spaniel?

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

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bloodhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Bloodhounds 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 Bloodhounds Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Bloodhounds 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 Bloodhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bloodhounds can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bloodhound vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Bloodhounds 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 Bloodhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bloodhounds 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 Bloodhound or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Bloodhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bloodhounds good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Bloodhounds 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 Bloodhounds and Sussex Spaniels?

    Bloodhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Bloodhound Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Bloodhounds are fairly easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Bloodhound Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Bloodhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Bloodhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

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