A Detailed Comparison of the Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel.

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Keeshond Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Keeshond versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Keeshond 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.

Keeshond versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Keeshond 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 Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Keeshond Sussex Spaniel
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the s 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Weight 35 to 45 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 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
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1680 No Data
Price Range $1250 – $1850 No Data
Temperament Score 81.6 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 89 171

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Keeshond 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 Keeshond is 83 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 Keeshond. 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 Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Keeshond 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 Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Keeshond 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 Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Keeshond versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Keeshonds weigh 35 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Keeshonds are 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the s 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 Keeshond versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Keeshonds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Keeshonds is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is 12.5 years.

    Keeshonds live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Keeshond Versus the Sussex Spaniel

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Keeshond.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Keeshond is 81.6 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 81.6 percent, the Keeshond 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 Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 87 Keeshonds and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    The Popularity of Keeshond 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 Keeshond and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Keeshond is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Keeshond is 89 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Keeshond

    Popularity of Keeshond

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Keeshond Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 86 162
    2014 87 175
    2015 84 173
    2016 92 172
    2017 87 161
    2018 95 180
    2019 88 176
    2020 96 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: Keeshond versus Sussex Spaniel

    Keeshonds do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Keeshonds shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Keeshonds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Keeshond or the Sussex Spaniel

    Keeshonds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Keeshond or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Keeshonds are moderately easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Keeshond Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Keeshonds 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 Keeshonds Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Keeshonds 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 Keeshonds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Keeshonds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Keeshond vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Keeshonds 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 Keeshonds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Keeshonds 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 Keeshond or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Keeshonds get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Keeshonds good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Keeshonds 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 Keeshonds and Sussex Spaniels?

    Keeshonds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Keeshond Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Keeshonds are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Keeshond Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Keeshonds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Keeshonds are very good for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Keeshond

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

  • American Eskimo Dog (82 percent match with Keeshond). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs American Eskimo Dog.
  • Collie (84 percent match with Keeshond). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Collie.
  • 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 Keeshond vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Keeshond vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Keeshond Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Keeshond versus Irish Water Spaniel     Keeshond versus Saluki     Keeshond versus Samoyed     Keeshond versus English Toy Spaniel     Keeshond versus Plott     Keeshond versus Siberian Husky     Keeshond versus Collie     Keeshond versus Gordon Setter     Keeshond versus Collie     Keeshond versus Westiepoo     Keeshond versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Keeshond versus Whoodle     Keeshond versus Boykin Spaniel     Keeshond versus Japanese Spitz     Keeshond versus Cockapoo     Keeshond versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Keeshond versus Cocker Spaniel     Keeshond versus Cairn Terrier     Keeshond versus King Shepherd     Keeshond versus Shetland Sheepdog     Keeshond versus Border Terrier     Keeshond versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Keeshond versus Tibetan Spaniel     Keeshond versus Lancashire Heeler     Keeshond versus Pomapoo     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Bordoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Boxerdoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Sussex Spaniel versus Mal Shi     Sussex Spaniel versus Black Mouth Cur     Sussex Spaniel versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Barbet     Sussex Spaniel versus Dogo Argentino     Sussex Spaniel versus Frenchton     Sussex Spaniel versus Shiba Inu     Sussex Spaniel versus Basenji     Sussex Spaniel versus French Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Cavachon     Sussex Spaniel versus Chow Chow     Sussex Spaniel versus Norwegian Lundehund     Sussex Spaniel versus Australian Shepherd     Sussex Spaniel versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Sussex Spaniel versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Sussex Spaniel versus King Shepherd     Sussex Spaniel versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Sussex Spaniel versus Pomchi     Sussex Spaniel versus Afador     Sussex Spaniel versus Affenpinscher     Sussex Spaniel versus Cesky Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Mountain Cur     

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