Which is Better Between the Brussels Griffon and the Sussex Spaniel?

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Brussels Griffon Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Brussels Griffon versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Brussels Griffon belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Brussels Griffon versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Brussels Griffon Sussex Spaniel
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 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
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 7 to 12 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Height 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $2430 No Data
Price Range $1899 – $3000 No Data
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Syringomyelia – Recommend MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – no database registration
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon is 72 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 Brussels Griffon. 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 Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon and the Sussex Spaniel

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

    • Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate cold weather.
    • Brussels Griffons are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sussex Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
    • Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
    • Brussels Griffons 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.
    • Brussels Griffons 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 Brussels Griffon and the Sussex Spaniel

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

    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Sussex Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Sussex Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Sussex Spaniel adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Brussels Griffon and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Brussels Griffon versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Brussels Griffons weigh 7 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Brussels Griffons are 7 to 8 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 Brussels Griffon versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Brussels Griffons is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Brussels Griffons is 13.5 years.

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

    Brussels Griffons live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Brussels Griffon

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Brussels Griffon.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Brussels Griffon is 91.7 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 91.7 percent, the Brussels Griffon 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 Brussels Griffon and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 12 Brussels Griffons and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Brussels Griffon versus Sussex Spaniel

    Brussels Griffons do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Brussels Griffons shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Brussels Griffons shed moderately.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Brussels Griffon or the Sussex Spaniel

    Brussels Griffons drool moderately.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Brussels Griffon or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Brussels Griffons are moderately easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Brussels Griffon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Brussels Griffons 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 Brussels Griffons Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Brussels Griffons 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 Brussels Griffons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Brussels Griffons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Brussels Griffon vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Brussels Griffons 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 Brussels Griffons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Brussels Griffons 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 Brussels Griffon or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Brussels Griffons get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Brussels Griffons good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Brussels Griffons 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 Brussels Griffons and Sussex Spaniels?

    Brussels Griffons get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Brussels Griffon Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Brussels Griffons are fairly easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Brussels Griffon Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Brussels Griffons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Brussels Griffons are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

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