Breed Comparison: English Springer Spaniel Versus Sussex Spaniel

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English Springer Spaniel Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

English Springer Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are Sporting Dogs. This means both the English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel 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.

English Springer Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor English Springer Spaniel Sussex Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 10 inches tall at the 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Weight 45 to 55 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Life Span 9 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1310 No Data
Price Range $950 – $1600 No Data
Temperament Score 85.2 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • AKC DNA Profile
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Canine Good Citizen Certification
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • DNA Bank
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • FUCOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PFK
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 27 171

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel is 78 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 English Springer Spaniel. 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 English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel

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

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

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

  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of English Springer Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    English Springer Spaniels weigh 45 to 55 pounds when fully grown. English Springer Spaniels are 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 10 inches tall at the 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 English Springer Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of English Springer Spaniels is between 9 to 15 years. The average lifespan of English Springer Spaniels is 12.0 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 English Springer Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the English Springer Spaniel

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the English Springer Spaniel.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the English Springer Spaniel is 85.2 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 85.2 percent, the English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 162 English Springer Spaniels and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    The Popularity of English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the English Springer Spaniel is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the English Springer Spaniel is 27 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of English Springer Spaniel

    Popularity of English Springer Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year English Springer Spaniel Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 28 162
    2014 28 175
    2015 27 173
    2016 26 172
    2017 27 161
    2018 27 180
    2019 27 176
    2020 26 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: English Springer Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel

    English Springer Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do English Springer Spaniels shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    English Springer Spaniels shed moderately.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the English Springer Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel

    English Springer Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the English Springer Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel?

    English Springer Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the English Springer Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    English Springer Spaniels 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 English Springer Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    English Springer Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can English Springer Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    English Springer Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: English Springer Spaniel vs. Sussex Spaniel

    English Springer Spaniels 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 English Springer Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    English Springer Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

    English Springer Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are English Springer Spaniels good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    English Springer Spaniels 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 English Springer Spaniels and Sussex Spaniels?

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

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

    Is the English Springer Spaniel Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    English Springer Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the English Springer Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    English Springer Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    English Springer Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Springer Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the English Springer 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 English Springer Spaniel:

  • Australian Shepherd (81 percent match with English Springer Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Australian Shepherd.
  • Field Spaniel (84 percent match with English Springer Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Field Spaniel.
  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (82 percent match with English Springer Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
  • 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 English Springer Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the English Springer Spaniel vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the English Springer Spaniel vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    English Springer Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Springer Spaniel versus Boxer     English Springer Spaniel versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     English Springer Spaniel versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     English Springer Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel     English Springer Spaniel versus Chihuahua     English Springer Spaniel versus Karelian Bear Dog     English Springer Spaniel versus Flat-Coated Retriever     English Springer Spaniel versus Field Spaniel     English Springer Spaniel versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     English Springer Spaniel versus Standard Poodle     English Springer Spaniel versus Australian Shepherd     English Springer Spaniel versus Norwegian Buhund     English Springer Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler     English Springer Spaniel versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     English Springer Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei     English Springer Spaniel versus Greyhound     English Springer Spaniel versus Saluki     English Springer Spaniel versus Komondor     English Springer Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     English Springer Spaniel versus Spanish Mastiff     English Springer Spaniel versus Kuvasz     English Springer Spaniel versus Scottish Terrier     English Springer Spaniel versus German Wirehaired Pointer     English Springer Spaniel versus Miniature Schnauzer     English Springer Spaniel versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Plott     Sussex Spaniel versus Shiranian     Sussex Spaniel versus Rottweiler     Sussex Spaniel versus Standard Poodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Kai Ken     Sussex Spaniel versus Bich Poo     Sussex Spaniel versus Miniature Poodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Swedish Vallhund     Sussex Spaniel versus Great Dane     Sussex Spaniel versus Havanese     Sussex Spaniel versus Stabyhoun     Sussex Spaniel versus Black Mouth Cur     Sussex Spaniel versus Standard Schnauzer     Sussex Spaniel versus English Springer Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus French Bulldog     Sussex Spaniel versus Toy Poodle     Sussex Spaniel versus German Pinscher     Sussex Spaniel versus Bernedoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Afador     Sussex Spaniel versus Schnoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Sussex Spaniel versus Lakeland Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Stabyhoun     

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