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

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Finnish Spitz Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz or the Sussex Spaniel

Finnish Spitz versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Finnish Spitz and the Sussex Spaniel are Sporting Dogs. This means both the Finnish Spitz 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.

Finnish Spitz versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz Sussex Spaniel
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Height 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Weight 20 to 35 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $900 No Data
Price Range $600 – $1100 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data
Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 179 171

*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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz is 77 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 Finnish Spitz. 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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Finnish Spitzs 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.
  • Finnish Spitzs 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.
  • Finnish Spitzs 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.
  • Finnish Spitzs 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 Finnish Spitz and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Sussex Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Sussex Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Sussex Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Spitz versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Finnish Spitzs weigh 20 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Finnish Spitzs are 15 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.

    The Popularity of Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Sussex Spaniel is more popular with dog owners than the Finnish Spitz. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Finnish Spitz is 179 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Finnish Spitz

    Popularity of Finnish Spitz

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Finnish Spitz Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 170 162
    2014 174 175
    2015 178 173
    2016 179 172
    2017 177 161
    2018 184 180
    2019 183 176
    2020 187 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Spitz versus Sussex Spaniel

    Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Finnish Spitz or the Sussex Spaniel

    Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Spitz or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Finnish Spitzs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Is the Finnish Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Finnish Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Finnish Spitz Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Does the Finnish Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Finnish Spitzs 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 Finnish Spitzs shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Finnish Spitzs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Spitz vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Finnish Spitzs 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 Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Are Finnish Spitzs good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Finnish Spitzs 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 Finnish Spitzs and Sussex Spaniels?

    Finnish Spitzs 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 Finnish Spitz or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Finnish Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Finnish Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Spitz

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

  • Bearded Collie (78 percent match with Finnish Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Bearded Collie.
  • West Highland White Terrier (79 percent match with Finnish Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Finnish Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Spitz versus Golden Retriever     Finnish Spitz versus German Pinscher     Finnish Spitz versus Field Spaniel     Finnish Spitz versus Morkie     Finnish Spitz versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Finnish Spitz versus Shih Tzu     Finnish Spitz versus Azawakh     Finnish Spitz versus Cane Corso     Finnish Spitz versus Komondor     Finnish Spitz versus Shih Tzu     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Sussex Spaniel versus Cesky Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Shichon     Sussex Spaniel versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Sussex Spaniel versus Biewer Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Rottweiler     Sussex Spaniel versus Sealyham Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Pharaoh Hound     Sussex Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier     

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