Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Jack Russell Terrier Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
- Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
- Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
- Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
- Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Sussex Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
- Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Does the Jack Russell Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Do Jack Russell Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Sussex Spaniel
- Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Sussex Spaniels?
- Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Jack Russell Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Jack Russell Terrier Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel.
Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are similar in size. The Jack Russell Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are both small-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Jack Russell Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
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.
Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
| Factor | Jack Russell Terrier | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho |
| Life Span | 10 to 15 years | 11 to 14 years |
| Weight | 13 to 17 pounds | 35 to 45 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 12.5 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1100 | No Data |
| Price Range | $700 – $1250 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 85.5 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier is 77 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 Jack Russell Terrier. 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 Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Jack Russell Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
The Jack Russell Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Jack Russell Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel.
Jack Russell Terriers weigh 13 to 17 pounds when fully grown. Jack Russell Terriers are 10 to 15 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 Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
The lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is 12.5 years.
The lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is 12.5 years.
Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Sussex Spaniel
The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Jack Russell Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 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 85.5 percent, the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 4 Sussex Spaniels.
Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.
Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel
Jack Russell Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Does the Jack Russell Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Sussex Spaniel
Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers and Sussex Spaniels?
Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.
Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?
Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell 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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Jack Russell Terrier and how the Sussex Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier and of the Sussex Spaniel to other breeds:
Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Jack Russell Terrier versus Vizsla Jack Russell Terrier versus Schnoodle Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Poodle Jack Russell Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Puggle Jack Russell Terrier versus Kooikerhondje Jack Russell Terrier versus Beagle Jack Russell Terrier versus Mastiff Jack Russell Terrier versus Shih Tzu Jack Russell Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog Jack Russell Terrier versus Chow Chow Jack Russell Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog Jack Russell Terrier versus Akbash Jack Russell Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Jack Russell Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel Jack Russell Terrier versus Weimaraner Jack Russell Terrier versus Bullmastiff Jack Russell Terrier versus Mudi Jack Russell Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound Jack Russell Terrier versus Cane Corso Jack Russell Terrier versus Chow Chow Jack Russell Terrier versus Border Collie Jack Russell Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Jack Russell Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund
Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sussex Spaniel versus Beagle Sussex Spaniel versus Catahoula Bulldog Sussex Spaniel versus Pomapoo Sussex Spaniel versus Labradoodle Sussex Spaniel versus Pomeranian Sussex Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Valley Bulldog Sussex Spaniel versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Sussex Spaniel versus Pyrenean Shepherd Sussex Spaniel versus Shiranian Sussex Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear Sussex Spaniel versus Chinese Crested Sussex Spaniel versus Bolognese Sussex Spaniel versus Chihuahua Sussex Spaniel versus Kuvasz Sussex Spaniel versus Dachshund Sussex Spaniel versus Sheepadoodle Sussex Spaniel versus Border Collie Sussex Spaniel versus Puggle Sussex Spaniel versus Barbet Sussex Spaniel versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Sussex Spaniel versus Papillon Sussex Spaniel versus Golden Retriever Sussex Spaniel versus Affenpinscher Sussex Spaniel versus Braque du Bourbonnais
Conclusion: Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.