Is the Brittany Better than the Sussex Spaniel as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Brittany Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Brittany versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

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

Brittany versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Brittany 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 Brittany and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Brittany Sussex Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Height 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 8 inches tall at the s 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Life Span 10 to 13 years 11 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
Weight 30 to 40 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1080 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1200 No Data
Temperament Score 91.0 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination each year from 2-8 years of age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Brittany 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 Brittany is 73 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 Brittany. 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 Brittany 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 Brittany and the Sussex Spaniel

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

    • Brittanys do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sussex Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
    • Brittanys 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.
    • Brittanys have a very high tendency to drool. However, Sussex Spaniels do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Brittanys have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Sussex Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Brittanys 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.
    • Brittanys 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 Brittany and the Sussex Spaniel

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

    • Both the Brittany and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Brittany and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Brittany and the Sussex Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Brittany and the Sussex Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Brittany 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 Brittany and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Brittany and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Brittany and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Brittany and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Brittany and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Brittany versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Brittanys weigh 30 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Brittanys are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 8 inches tall at the s 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 Brittany versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Brittanys is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Brittanys is 11.5 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 Brittanys.

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Brittany

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Brittany.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Brittany is 91.0 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 91.0 percent, the Brittany 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 Brittany and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 122 Brittanys and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Brittany versus Sussex Spaniel

    Brittanys do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Brittanys shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Brittanys shed moderately.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Brittany or the Sussex Spaniel

    Brittanys have a very high tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Brittanys are moderately easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

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

    Brittanys 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 Brittanys Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Brittanys bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Brittanys can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Brittany vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Brittanys 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 Brittanys Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Brittanys 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 Brittany or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Brittanys get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Brittanys good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Brittanys 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 Brittanys and Sussex Spaniels?

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

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

    Is the Brittany Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Brittanys are fairly easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

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

    Brittanys do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Brittanys are OK for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

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