Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Setter Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
- Irish Setter versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
- Irish Setter versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Setter and the Sussex Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Sussex Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Sussex Spaniel
- Lifespan of Irish Setter versus Sussex Spaniel
- Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Irish Setter
- The Popularity of Irish Setter versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Sussex Spaniel
- Do Irish Setters shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Sussex Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Do Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Sussex Spaniel
- Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Setter or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Setters and Sussex Spaniels?
- Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Setter versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Setter Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Sussex Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter or the Sussex Spaniel.
Irish Setter versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Setter and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Setter is a large-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Irish Setter and the Sussex Spaniel are Sporting Dogs. This means both the Irish Setter 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.
Irish Setter versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Sussex Spaniel
| Factor | Irish Setter | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 11 to 15 years | 11 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho | 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 60 to 70 pounds | 35 to 45 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1680 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1200 – $2200 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 90.9 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 74 | 171 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter is 73 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 Irish Setter. 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Sussex Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Irish Setter and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Sussex Spaniel
The Irish Setter and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Setter and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Sussex Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Setter and the Sussex Spaniel.
Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 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 Irish Setter versus Sussex Spaniel
The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is 12.5 years.
Irish Setters live longer than Sussex Spaniels.
Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Irish Setter
The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Irish Setter.
This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Irish Setter is 90.9 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 90.9 percent, the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 154 Irish Setters and 4 Sussex Spaniels.
The Popularity of Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Irish Setter is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Irish Setter is 74 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Irish Setter
Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
| Year | Irish Setter Popularity Rank | Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 72 | 162 |
| 2014 | 73 | 175 |
| 2015 | 72 | 173 |
| 2016 | 76 | 172 |
| 2017 | 72 | 161 |
| 2018 | 77 | 180 |
| 2019 | 79 | 176 |
| 2020 | 75 | 172 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Sussex Spaniel
Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.
Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Irish Setters shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
Irish Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Sussex Spaniel
Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.
Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Sussex Spaniel?
Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.
Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.
Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Sussex Spaniel
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Setters can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Setter or the Sussex Spaniel?
Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.
Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters and Sussex Spaniels?
Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
Irish Setters are very easy to train.
Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Is the Irish Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?
Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.
Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Setter or the Sussex Spaniel?
Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.
Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Setter 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 Irish 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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Irish Setter and how the Sussex Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Setter and of the Sussex Spaniel to other breeds:
Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Setter versus Pomchi Irish Setter versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Irish Setter versus Korean Jindo Dog Irish Setter versus Harrier Irish Setter versus Barbet Irish Setter versus Sussex Spaniel Irish Setter versus Puggle Irish Setter versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Irish Setter versus Catahoula Bulldog Irish Setter versus Shiranian Irish Setter versus Cane Corso Irish Setter versus Bichon Frise Irish Setter versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Irish Setter versus Australian Kelpie Irish Setter versus Boxerdoodle Irish Setter versus Maltipoo Irish Setter versus Skye Terrier Irish Setter versus Tibetan Spaniel Irish Setter versus Skye Terrier Irish Setter versus Sussex Spaniel Irish Setter versus Bearded Collie Irish Setter versus Black Russian Terrier Irish Setter versus Plott Irish Setter versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Irish Setter versus Airedale Terrier
Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sussex Spaniel versus Pekingese Sussex Spaniel versus Lowchen Sussex Spaniel versus Beagle Sussex Spaniel versus Miniature Schnauzer Sussex Spaniel versus Mal Shi Sussex Spaniel versus Norwegian Lundehund Sussex Spaniel versus Saint Bernard Sussex Spaniel versus Australian Cattle Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Bernese Mountain Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Chorkie Sussex Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Australian Shepherd Sussex Spaniel versus Japanese Chin Sussex Spaniel versus Azawakh Sussex Spaniel versus Basenji Sussex Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Saint Berdoodle Sussex Spaniel versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Sussex Spaniel versus Lhasapoo Sussex Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Yorkshire Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Sussex Spaniel versus Chi-Poo Sussex Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff
Conclusion: Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.