Breed Comparison: Boykin Spaniel Versus Sussex Spaniel

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Boykin Spaniel Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Boykin Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are Sporting Dogs. This means both the Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel 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.

Boykin Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Boykin Spaniel 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 10 to 12 years 11 to 14 years
Height 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
General Health 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Weight 25 to 40 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1130 No Data
Price Range $962 – $1450 No Data
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 102 171

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel is 71 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 Boykin Spaniel. 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 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Boykin Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sussex Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
  • Boykin Spaniels require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
  • Boykin Spaniels 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.
  • Boykin Spaniels 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.
  • Boykin Spaniels 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.
  • Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Boykin Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Boykin Spaniels weigh 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Boykin Spaniels are 14 to 18 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 Boykin Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Boykin Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Boykin Spaniel Versus the Sussex Spaniel

    The Boykin Spaniel has the same temperament score as the Sussex Spaniel.

    This is because the temperament score for the Boykin Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 2 Boykin Spaniels and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    The Popularity of Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Boykin Spaniel is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Boykin Spaniel is 102 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Boykin Spaniel

    Popularity of Boykin Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Boykin Spaniel Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 121 162
    2014 108 175
    2015 107 173
    2016 110 172
    2017 98 161
    2018 100 180
    2019 89 176
    2020 87 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boykin Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel

    Boykin Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boykin Spaniels shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Boykin Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Boykin Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel

    Boykin Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

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

    Boykin 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.

    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 Boykin Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Boykin Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

    Sussex Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boykin Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boykin Spaniel vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boykin Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Boykin Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Boykin Spaniels good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniels and Sussex Spaniels?

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

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

    Is the Boykin Spaniel Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Boykin Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

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

    Boykin Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Boykin Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Boykin Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Boykin 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 Boykin Spaniel:

  • Australian Shepherd (79 percent match with Boykin Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Australian Shepherd.
  • Bearded Collie (77 percent match with Boykin Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Bearded Collie.
  • Curly-Coated Retriever (75 percent match with Boykin Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • 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:

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Boykin Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Boykin Spaniel vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Boykin Spaniel vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Boykin Spaniel and how the Sussex Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Boykin Spaniel and of the Sussex Spaniel to other breeds:

    Boykin Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Boykin Spaniel versus Bich Poo     Boykin Spaniel versus French Bulldog     Boykin Spaniel versus Kishu Ken     Boykin Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Boykin Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier     Boykin Spaniel versus Pug     Boykin Spaniel versus French Bulldog     Boykin Spaniel versus Lhasa Apso     Boykin Spaniel versus Boxerdoodle     Boykin Spaniel versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Boykin Spaniel versus Shiba Inu     Boykin Spaniel versus American Hairless Terrier     Boykin Spaniel versus Silky Terrier     Boykin Spaniel versus Welsh Terrier     Boykin Spaniel versus Maltipoo     Boykin Spaniel versus Border Terrier     Boykin Spaniel versus Pekingese     Boykin Spaniel versus Great Dane     Boykin Spaniel versus Tibetan Spaniel     Boykin Spaniel versus Scottish Deerhound     Boykin Spaniel versus Goldador     Boykin Spaniel versus Dogo Argentino     Boykin Spaniel versus American Eskimo Dog     Boykin Spaniel versus Stabyhoun     Boykin Spaniel versus Basenji     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Siberian Husky     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinook     Sussex Spaniel versus Chorkie     Sussex Spaniel versus Tibetan Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Hovawart     Sussex Spaniel versus Standard Poodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Belgian Malinois     Sussex Spaniel versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Australian Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Affenhuahua     Sussex Spaniel versus Barbet     Sussex Spaniel versus Pointer     Sussex Spaniel versus Norwegian Lundehund     Sussex Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Australian Shepherd     Sussex Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear     Sussex Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz     Sussex Spaniel versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Sussex Spaniel versus Shichon     Sussex Spaniel versus Goldador     Sussex Spaniel versus Pyredoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano     Sussex Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier     

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