Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Sussex Spaniel. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Sussex Spaniel.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Caucasian Shepherd Dog Sussex Spaniel
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 4/5
Height 24 to 34 inches 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Weight 80 to 220 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $2110 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2500 No Data
Temperament Score 85.0 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 69 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog. 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:

  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sussex Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sussex Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle. However, Sussex Spaniels 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.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Sussex Spaniels get along well with other dogs.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Sussex Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Sussex Spaniels do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel are not easy to train.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Sussex Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs weigh 80 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are 24 to 34 inches 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

    Temperament of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus the Sussex Spaniel

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 85.0 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 85.0 percent, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 20 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Sussex Spaniel

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Sussex Spaniel

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and Sussex Spaniels?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog:

  • Afador (76 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Afador.
  • Akbash (73 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Akbash.
  • Mastiff (72 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Mastiff.
  • Boerboel (71 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Leonberger     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Boykin Spaniel     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Gordon Setter     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shih Tzu     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Saluki     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Alaskan Malamute     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Keeshond     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Redbone Coonhound     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Japanese Chin     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Bedlington Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Kishu Ken     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Rottweiler     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Australian Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Greyhound     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus French Bulldog     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus American Foxhound     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Afador     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Vizsla     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Affenhuahua     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shih Tzu     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus German Longhaired Pointer     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Cairn Terrier     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Siberian Husky     Sussex Spaniel versus Lhasa Apso     Sussex Spaniel versus Hovawart     Sussex Spaniel versus Brussels Griffon     Sussex Spaniel versus Basenji     Sussex Spaniel versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Sussex Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Dalmatian     Sussex Spaniel versus Puli     Sussex Spaniel versus Puli     Sussex Spaniel versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Sussex Spaniel versus Mudi     Sussex Spaniel versus Shihpoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinook     Sussex Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog     Sussex Spaniel versus Boykin Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Tibetan Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinook     Sussex Spaniel versus Samoyed     Sussex Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Yorkshire Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Giant Schnauzer     Sussex Spaniel versus French Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Cockapoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Frenchton     

    Conclusion: Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.