Is the Chow Chow Better than the Sussex Spaniel as a Pet? Answer…

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Chow Chow Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Chow Chow versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Chow Chow 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.

Chow Chow versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

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

Factor Chow Chow Sussex Spaniel
Kid-Friendly 1/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Intelligence 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 1/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Weight 40 to 70 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 5/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1750 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $2500 No Data
Temperament Score 71.7 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 74 171

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

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

  • Chow Chows do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs. However, Sussex Spaniels get along well with other dogs.
  • Chow Chows are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Sussex Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Chow Chows require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
  • Chow Chows not very intelligent. However, Sussex Spaniels are highly intelligent.
  • Chow Chows 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.
  • Chow Chows not very playful. However, Sussex Spaniels are very playful.
  • Chow Chows are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sussex Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
  • Chow Chows 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.
  • Chow Chows cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
  • Chow Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs. However, Sussex Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
  • Chow Chows are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Sussex Spaniels are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Chow Chow and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Chow Chow and the Sussex Spaniel are not easy to train.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Sussex Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Sussex Spaniel have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Sussex Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Sussex Spaniel have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Sussex Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chow Chow versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Chow Chows weigh 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chow Chows are 17 to 20 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 Chow Chow versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Chow Chows is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chow Chows 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.

    Chow Chows live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Chow Chow

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Chow Chow.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Chow Chow is 71.7 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 71.7 percent, the Chow Chow has a below-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 Chow Chow and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 99 Chow Chows and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

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

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chow Chow is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Chow Chow is 74 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Chow Chow

    Popularity of Chow Chow

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Chow Chow Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 70 162
    2014 70 175
    2015 73 173
    2016 74 172
    2017 76 161
    2018 75 180
    2019 77 176
    2020 84 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chow Chow versus Sussex Spaniel

    Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chow Chows shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Chow Chows do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Chow Chows drool moderately.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Chow Chows require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

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

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chows Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chow Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chow Chow vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Chow Chows good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Chow Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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    Sussex Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Chow Chows and Sussex Spaniels?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Chow Chows are not easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

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

    Chow Chows adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow

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

  • Anatolian Shepherd Dog (61 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dog (65 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
  • Chinese Shar-Pei (63 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Chinese Shar-Pei.
  • Akita Chow (62 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Akita Chow.
  • 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 Chow Chow vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Chow Chow vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Chow Chow vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Chow Chow Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chow Chow versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Chow Chow versus Beagle     Chow Chow versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Chow Chow versus Bluetick Coonhound     Chow Chow versus Saint Bernard     Chow Chow versus Pug     Chow Chow versus Whoodle     Chow Chow versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Chow Chow versus Finnish Spitz     Chow Chow versus German Longhaired Pointer     Chow Chow versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Chow Chow versus Coton de Tulear     Chow Chow versus Irish Setter     Chow Chow versus Cockalier     Chow Chow versus Bernedoodle     Chow Chow versus Aussiedoodle     Chow Chow versus Skye Terrier     Chow Chow versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Chow Chow versus Bull Terrier     Chow Chow versus Lancashire Heeler     Chow Chow versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Chow Chow versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Chow Chow versus Mastiff     Chow Chow versus Lhasapoo     Chow Chow versus Mountain Cur     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz     Sussex Spaniel versus Puggle     Sussex Spaniel versus Basset Hound     Sussex Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Irish Wolfhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Beaglier     Sussex Spaniel versus Shiranian     Sussex Spaniel versus Stabyhoun     Sussex Spaniel versus Norwegian Buhund     Sussex Spaniel versus Dachshund     Sussex Spaniel versus Border Collie     Sussex Spaniel versus Bullmastiff     Sussex Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Mountain Cur     Sussex Spaniel versus Shiloh Shepherd     Sussex Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer     Sussex Spaniel versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Rottweiler     Sussex Spaniel versus Silky Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Sussex Spaniel versus Gordon Setter     Sussex Spaniel versus Cane Corso     Sussex Spaniel versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Sussex Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Yorkipoo     

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