Breed Comparison: Giant Schnauzer Versus Sussex Spaniel

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Giant Schnauzer Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Giant Schnauzer versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Giant Schnauzer 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.

Giant Schnauzer versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Giant Schnauzer 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 Giant Schnauzer and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Giant Schnauzer Sussex Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 5/5
Height 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 80 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $2220 No Data
Price Range $1800 – $2500 No Data
Temperament Score 77.4 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 77 171

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Giant Schnauzer 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 Giant Schnauzer is 70 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 Giant Schnauzer. 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 Giant Schnauzer 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 Giant Schnauzer and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Giant Schnauzers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sussex Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
  • Giant Schnauzers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sussex Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
  • Giant Schnauzers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
  • Giant Schnauzers are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Sussex Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Giant Schnauzers 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.
  • Giant Schnauzers 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.
  • Giant Schnauzers 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.
  • Giant Schnauzers 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 Giant Schnauzer and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Sussex Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer 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 Giant Schnauzer and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Sussex Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Sussex Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Sussex Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Giant Schnauzer versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Giant Schnauzers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Giant Schnauzers are 23 to 27 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 Giant Schnauzer versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Giant Schnauzers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Giant Schnauzers is 11.0 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 Giant Schnauzers.

    Temperament of the Giant Schnauzer Versus the Sussex Spaniel

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Giant Schnauzer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Giant Schnauzer is 77.4 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 77.4 percent, the Giant Schnauzer 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 Giant Schnauzer and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 265 Giant Schnauzers and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    The Popularity of Giant Schnauzer 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 Giant Schnauzer and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Giant Schnauzer is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Giant Schnauzer is 77 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Giant Schnauzer

    Popularity of Giant Schnauzer

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Giant Schnauzer Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 83 162
    2014 83 175
    2015 81 173
    2016 79 172
    2017 80 161
    2018 78 180
    2019 71 176
    2020 67 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: Giant Schnauzer versus Sussex Spaniel

    Giant Schnauzers do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Giant Schnauzers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Giant Schnauzers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Giant Schnauzer or the Sussex Spaniel

    Giant Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Giant Schnauzer or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Giant Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Giant Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Giant Schnauzers 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 Giant Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Giant Schnauzers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Giant Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Giant Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Giant Schnauzer vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Giant Schnauzers 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 Giant Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Giant Schnauzers 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 Giant Schnauzer or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Giant Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Giant Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Giant Schnauzers 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 Giant Schnauzers and Sussex Spaniels?

    Giant Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Giant Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Giant Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Giant Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Giant Schnauzers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Giant Schnauzers 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 Giant Schnauzer

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

  • Airedale Terrier (76 percent match with Giant Schnauzer). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Gordon Setter (79 percent match with Giant Schnauzer). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Gordon Setter.
  • 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 Giant Schnauzer vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Giant Schnauzer vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Giant Schnauzer vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Giant Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Giant Schnauzer versus Morkie     Giant Schnauzer versus Berger Picard     Giant Schnauzer versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Giant Schnauzer versus Cane Corso     Giant Schnauzer versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Giant Schnauzer versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Giant Schnauzer versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Giant Schnauzer versus French Spaniel     Giant Schnauzer versus Irish Terrier     Giant Schnauzer versus Chi-Poo     Giant Schnauzer versus Coton de Tulear     Giant Schnauzer versus Morkie     Giant Schnauzer versus Border Collie     Giant Schnauzer versus Pomeranian     Giant Schnauzer versus Border Collie     Giant Schnauzer versus Bouvier des Flandres     Giant Schnauzer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Giant Schnauzer versus American Bulldog     Giant Schnauzer versus Dalmatian     Giant Schnauzer versus Pyredoodle     Giant Schnauzer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Giant Schnauzer versus Tibetan Mastiff     Giant Schnauzer versus Bloodhound     Giant Schnauzer versus Chorkie     Giant Schnauzer versus Doberman Pinscher     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Borzoi     Sussex Spaniel versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Kai Ken     Sussex Spaniel versus Irish Water Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Maltese     Sussex Spaniel versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Sussex Spaniel versus Black Russian Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler     Sussex Spaniel versus Portuguese Water Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus French Bulldog     Sussex Spaniel versus Ibizan Hound     Sussex Spaniel versus Mastiff     Sussex Spaniel versus Bichon Frise     Sussex Spaniel versus Shiloh Shepherd     Sussex Spaniel versus Saint Berdoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Bearded Collie     Sussex Spaniel versus Papillon     Sussex Spaniel versus Berger Picard     Sussex Spaniel versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Pointer     Sussex Spaniel versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Sussex Spaniel versus Azawakh     Sussex Spaniel versus Norwegian Lundehund     Sussex Spaniel versus Shichon     Sussex Spaniel versus Tibetan Mastiff     

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