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

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Dalmatian Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian or the Sussex Spaniel

Dalmatian versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dalmatian 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.

Dalmatian versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dalmatian 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.

Factor Dalmatian Sussex Spaniel
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 13 to 16 years 11 to 14 years
Height 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 48 to 55 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1410 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $1800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 60 171

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dalmatian 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 a Dalmatian is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Sussex Spaniel is 100 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Sussex Spaniel is a better pet than the Dalmatian. 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 Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Dalmatians do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sussex Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
  • Dalmatians 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.
  • Dalmatians 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.
  • Dalmatians 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.
  • Dalmatians 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 Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to groom.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Dalmatian versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Dalmatians weigh 48 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Dalmatians are 19 to 24 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.

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

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Dalmatian is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Dalmatian is 60 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Dalmatian

    Popularity of Dalmatian

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Dalmatian Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 64 162
    2014 66 175
    2015 62 173
    2016 62 172
    2017 63 161
    2018 56 180
    2019 59 176
    2020 51 172

    Which one drools more, the Dalmatian or the Sussex Spaniel

    Dalmatians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Dalmatians do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Dalmatians 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 Dalmatians Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Dalmatians 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.

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

    Dalmatians are OK for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dalmatian versus Sussex Spaniel

    Dalmatians can be left alone only for a short time.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

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

    Dalmatians can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dalmatians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dalmatians can tolerate hot weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dalmatians and Sussex Spaniels?

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

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

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

    Dalmatians get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the Dalmatian Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Dalmatians are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dalmatian vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Dalmatians 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.

    Are Dalmatians good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Dalmatians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Do Dalmatians shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Dalmatians shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Dalmatians are very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dalmatian

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

  • Berger Picard (78 percent match with Dalmatian). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Berger Picard.
  • Golden Cocker Retriever (80 percent match with Dalmatian). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Golden Cocker Retriever.

    • 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 Dalmatian vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Dalmatian vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Dalmatian vs Keeshond.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dalmatian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dalmatian versus Brussels Griffon     Dalmatian versus Yorkshire Terrier     Dalmatian versus Havanese     Dalmatian versus Manchester Terrier     Dalmatian versus Bernedoodle     Dalmatian versus Pomapoo     Dalmatian versus Irish Wolfhound     Dalmatian versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Dalmatian versus Frenchton     Dalmatian versus American Water Spaniel     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Cane Corso     Sussex Spaniel versus American Eskimo Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Pharaoh Hound     Sussex Spaniel versus Havanese     Sussex Spaniel versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Miniature Pinscher     Sussex Spaniel versus Peek A Poo     Sussex Spaniel versus Shiranian     Sussex Spaniel versus Basset Hound     Sussex Spaniel versus American Eskimo Dog     

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