French Bulldog versus Sussex Spaniel. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

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French Bulldog Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog or the Sussex Spaniel

French Bulldog versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

Both the French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel are similar in size. The French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the French Bulldog 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.

French Bulldog versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog Sussex Spaniel
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 11 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Life Span 11 to 14 years 11 to 14 years
Weight 16 to 28 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $4610 No Data
Price Range $3100 – $5000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune Thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Annual recertification recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Tracheal Hypoplasia
    		•  No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 5 171

    *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 French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog is 86 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 French Bulldog. 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 French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • French Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
  • French Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate cold weather.
  • French Bulldogs 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 French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel have low exercise needs.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to groom.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of French Bulldog versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    French Bulldogs weigh 16 to 28 pounds when fully grown. French Bulldogs are 11 to 12 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 French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the French Bulldog is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the French Bulldog is 5 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of French Bulldog

    Popularity of French Bulldog

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year French Bulldog Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 11 162
    2014 9 175
    2015 6 173
    2016 6 172
    2017 4 161
    2018 4 180
    2019 4 176
    2020 2 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: French Bulldog versus Sussex Spaniel

    French Bulldogs do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Can French Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    French Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Which one drools more, the French Bulldog or the Sussex Spaniel

    French Bulldogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can French Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    French Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Does the French Bulldog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    French Bulldogs 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: French Bulldog vs. Sussex Spaniel

    French Bulldogs 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.

    Do French Bulldogs shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    French Bulldogs shed moderately.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Do French Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    French Bulldogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    How Kid-friendly are French Bulldogs and Sussex Spaniels?

    French Bulldogs 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 French Bulldog or the Sussex Spaniel?

    French Bulldogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the French Bulldog Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    French Bulldogs are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the French Bulldog Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    French Bulldogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    French Bulldogs are very good for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Are French Bulldogs good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    French Bulldogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the French Bulldog or the Sussex Spaniel?

    French Bulldogs are very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Bulldog

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

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (75 percent match with French Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Beaglier (74 percent match with French Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Beaglier.
  • Chihuahua (74 percent match with French Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Chihuahua.
  • Pug (83 percent match with French Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Pug.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    French Bulldog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    French Bulldog versus Manchester Terrier     French Bulldog versus Sussex Spaniel     French Bulldog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     French Bulldog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     French Bulldog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     French Bulldog versus Shiloh Shepherd     French Bulldog versus Vizsla     French Bulldog versus Afghan Hound     French Bulldog versus Lagotto Romagnolo     French Bulldog versus Pointer     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus American Foxhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Bordoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Aussiedoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Shetland Sheepdog     Sussex Spaniel versus American Bulldog     Sussex Spaniel versus Canaan Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Sealyham Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Carolina Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Leonberger     

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