Is the Japanese Chin Better than the Sussex Spaniel as a Pet? Answer…

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Japanese Chin Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin or the Sussex Spaniel.

Japanese Chin versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Chin is a tiny-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Japanese Chin 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.

Japanese Chin versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Japanese Chin Sussex Spaniel
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 11 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 4 to 9 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Height 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1930 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2100 No Data
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 3 years
  • Gangliosidosis (GM2)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 102 171

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is 84 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 Japanese Chin. 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:

  • Japanese Chins cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
  • The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel adapt well to apartment living.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Sussex Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel.

    Japanese Chins weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Chins are 8 to 11 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 Japanese Chin versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Japanese Chins is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Chins is 12.0 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 Japanese Chins.

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Japanese Chin

    The Japanese Chin has the same temperament score as the Sussex Spaniel.

    This is because the temperament score for the Japanese Chin is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 5 Japanese Chins and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    The Popularity of Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Japanese Chin is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Japanese Chin is 102 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Japanese Chin

    Popularity of Japanese Chin

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Japanese Chin Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 87 162
    2014 93 175
    2015 97 173
    2016 108 172
    2017 108 161
    2018 104 180
    2019 108 176
    2020 111 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Chin versus Sussex Spaniel

    Japanese Chins do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Chins shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Japanese Chins shed moderately.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Sussex Spaniel

    Japanese Chins do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Japanese Chins are moderately easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Japanese Chins bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Chins can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Japanese Chins 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.

    Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chin or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Japanese Chins get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Japanese Chins are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Sussex Spaniels?

    Japanese Chins get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Japanese Chins are fairly easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Chin Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Japanese Chins adapt very well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Chin or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Japanese Chins are very good for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin:

  • Pomapoo (77 percent match with Japanese Chin). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Japanese Chin). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Peek A Poo.
  • 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 Japanese Chin vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Chin vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Chin vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Chin Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Chin versus Saluki     Japanese Chin versus Kooikerhondje     Japanese Chin versus Barbet     Japanese Chin versus Shihpoo     Japanese Chin versus Maremma Sheepdog     Japanese Chin versus Beagle     Japanese Chin versus Kuvasz     Japanese Chin versus Frenchton     Japanese Chin versus Plott     Japanese Chin versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Japanese Chin versus Kishu Ken     Japanese Chin versus Norwegian Lundehund     Japanese Chin versus Bracco Italiano     Japanese Chin versus Tibetan Spaniel     Japanese Chin versus Border Collie     Japanese Chin versus Manchester Terrier     Japanese Chin versus English Toy Spaniel     Japanese Chin versus Brussels Griffon     Japanese Chin versus Westiepoo     Japanese Chin versus German Longhaired Pointer     Japanese Chin versus Pharaoh Hound     Japanese Chin versus Australian Terrier     Japanese Chin versus Swedish Vallhund     Japanese Chin versus Akbash     Japanese Chin versus Bichon Frise     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Lowchen     Sussex Spaniel versus Standard Poodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Barbet     Sussex Spaniel versus Korean Jindo Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Xoloitzcuintli     Sussex Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Alaskan Malamute     Sussex Spaniel versus Cockapoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Maltipoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Akbash     Sussex Spaniel versus Xoloitzcuintli     Sussex Spaniel versus Dalmatian     Sussex Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler     Sussex Spaniel versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Sussex Spaniel versus Rottweiler     Sussex Spaniel versus Bullmastiff     Sussex Spaniel versus Silky Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus American Water Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Brittany     Sussex Spaniel versus Kai Ken     Sussex Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Sussex Spaniel versus Pomsky     Sussex Spaniel versus Scottish Terrier     

    Conclusion: Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.