Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Kerry Blue Terrier Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
- Kerry Blue Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
- Kerry Blue Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Kerry Blue Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
- Lifespan of Kerry Blue Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
- Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Kerry Blue Terrier
- The Popularity of Kerry Blue Terrier versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Kerry Blue Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
- Do Kerry Blue Terriers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Does the Kerry Blue Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Do Kerry Blue Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Can Kerry Blue Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Kerry Blue Terrier vs. Sussex Spaniel
- Can Kerry Blue Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Are Kerry Blue Terriers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Kerry Blue Terriers and Sussex Spaniels?
- Is the Kerry Blue Terrier Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kerry Blue Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Kerry Blue Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Kerry Blue Terrier Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel.
Kerry Blue Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Kerry Blue 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.
Kerry Blue Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
| Factor | Kerry Blue Terrier | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 11 to 14 years |
| Height | 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 33 to 40 pounds | 35 to 45 pounds |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1980 | No Data |
| Price Range | $2000 – $2000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 73.5 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 128 | 171 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue Terrier is 78 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 Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
The Kerry Blue Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Kerry Blue Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel.
Kerry Blue Terriers weigh 33 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Kerry Blue Terriers are 17 to 19 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 Kerry Blue Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
The lifespan of Kerry Blue Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Kerry Blue Terriers 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.
Kerry Blue Terriers live longer than Sussex Spaniels.
Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Kerry Blue Terrier
The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Kerry Blue Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Kerry Blue Terrier is 73.5 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 73.5 percent, the Kerry Blue Terrier 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 Kerry Blue Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 49 Kerry Blue Terriers and 4 Sussex Spaniels.
The Popularity of Kerry Blue Terrier 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 Kerry Blue Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Kerry Blue Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Kerry Blue Terrier is 128 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Kerry Blue Terrier
Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
| Year | Kerry Blue Terrier Popularity Rank | Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 126 | 162 |
| 2014 | 128 | 175 |
| 2015 | 124 | 173 |
| 2016 | 127 | 172 |
| 2017 | 129 | 161 |
| 2018 | 129 | 180 |
| 2019 | 133 | 176 |
| 2020 | 133 | 172 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Kerry Blue Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Kerry Blue Terriers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
Kerry Blue Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel
Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
Kerry Blue Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Does the Kerry Blue Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
Kerry Blue Terriers 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 Kerry Blue Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Kerry Blue Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Kerry Blue Terrier vs. Sussex Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Kerry Blue Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
Kerry Blue Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Kerry Blue Terriers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue Terriers and Sussex Spaniels?
Kerry Blue Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Kerry Blue Terrier Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
Kerry Blue Terriers are very easy to train.
Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Is the Kerry Blue Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?
Kerry Blue Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue Terrier and how the Sussex Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Kerry Blue Terrier and of the Sussex Spaniel to other breeds:
Kerry Blue Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kerry Blue Terrier versus Papillon Kerry Blue Terrier versus Lowchen Kerry Blue Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Kerry Blue Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog Kerry Blue Terrier versus Dalmatian Kerry Blue Terrier versus Canaan Dog Kerry Blue Terrier versus Borzoi Kerry Blue Terrier versus Toy Poodle Kerry Blue Terrier versus Chow Chow Kerry Blue Terrier versus Miniature Poodle Kerry Blue Terrier versus Border Collie Kerry Blue Terrier versus Dachshund Kerry Blue Terrier versus Boxerdoodle Kerry Blue Terrier versus Cockapoo Kerry Blue Terrier versus Pug Kerry Blue Terrier versus German Pinscher Kerry Blue Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Kerry Blue Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Kerry Blue Terrier versus German Pinscher Kerry Blue Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier Kerry Blue Terrier versus Komondor Kerry Blue Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Kerry Blue Terrier versus Boerboel Kerry Blue Terrier versus Manchester Terrier
Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sussex Spaniel versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Sussex Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff Sussex Spaniel versus Shih Tzu Sussex Spaniel versus Pyredoodle Sussex Spaniel versus Braque du Bourbonnais Sussex Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Fila Brasileiro Sussex Spaniel versus Frenchton Sussex Spaniel versus Ibizan Hound Sussex Spaniel versus Irish Water Spaniel Sussex Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano Sussex Spaniel versus Norwegian Buhund Sussex Spaniel versus Shih Tzu Sussex Spaniel versus Cesky Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Bullmastiff Sussex Spaniel versus Labrador Retriever Sussex Spaniel versus Boxer Sussex Spaniel versus Black Mouth Cur Sussex Spaniel versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Sussex Spaniel versus Rottweiler Sussex Spaniel versus Standard Schnauzer Sussex Spaniel versus Harrier Sussex Spaniel versus Irish Water Spaniel Sussex Spaniel versus Akita Chow Sussex Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd
Conclusion: Kerry Blue 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 Kerry Blue Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.