Which is Better Between the Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel?

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Bull Terrier Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Bull Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

Both the Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are similar in size. The Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Bull Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bull Terrier 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 Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Bull Terrier Sussex Spaniel
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Height 21 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Weight 35 to 75 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 1/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1800 No Data
Price Range $1300 – $2000 No Data
Temperament Score 91.6 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Kidney Disease
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bull Terrier 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 Bull Terrier is 80 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 Bull Terrier. 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 Bull Terrier 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 Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel

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

    • Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate cold weather.
    • Bull Terriers are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Sussex Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Bull Terriers 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.
    • Bull Terriers 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.
    • Bull Terriers 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.
    • Bull Terriers 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 Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel

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

    • Both the Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bull Terrier 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 Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Bull Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Bull Terriers weigh 35 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Bull Terriers are 21 to 22 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 Bull Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Bull Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Bull Terriers is 12.5 years.

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

    Temperament of the Bull Terrier Versus the Sussex Spaniel

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Bull Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Bull Terrier is 91.6 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 91.6 percent, the Bull Terrier 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 Bull Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 83 Bull Terriers and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bull Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel

    Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bull Terriers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Bull Terriers shed moderately.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bull Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel

    Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bull Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Bull Terriers 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 Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Bull Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bull Terrier vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Bull Terriers 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 Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Bull Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Bull Terriers 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 Bull Terriers and Sussex Spaniels?

    Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Bull Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Bull Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

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