Breed Comparison: Komondor Versus Sussex Spaniel

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Komondor Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Komondor versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Komondor belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Komondor versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Komondor Sussex Spaniel
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 4/5
Height 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $840 No Data
Price Range $550 – $800 No Data
Temperament Score 90.0 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 170 171

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Komondor 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 Komondor is 70 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 Komondor. 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 Komondor 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 Komondor and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Komondors are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sussex Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
  • Komondors do not get along well with other dogs. However, Sussex Spaniels get along well with other dogs.
  • Komondors are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Sussex Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sussex Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
  • Komondors have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Sussex Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Komondor and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Komondor and the Sussex Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Komondor and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Komondor and the Sussex Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Komondor and the Sussex Spaniel have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Komondor and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the Komondor and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Komondor and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Both the Komondor and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Komondor and the Sussex Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 to 27 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 Komondor versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Komondors is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Komondors is 11.0 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 Komondors.

    Temperament of the Komondor Versus the Sussex Spaniel

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Komondor.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Komondor is 90.0 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 90.0 percent, the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 10 Komondors and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

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

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Komondor is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Komondor is 170 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Komondor Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 159 162
    2014 168 175
    2015 163 173
    2016 177 172
    2017 163 161
    2018 173 180
    2019 181 176
    2020 178 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: Komondor versus Sussex Spaniel

    Komondors do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Komondors shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Komondors shed moderately.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Sussex Spaniel

    Komondors do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Komondors require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

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

    Komondors 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.

    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 Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Komondors 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 Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Komondors 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 Komondor or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Komondors 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 Komondors and Sussex Spaniels?

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

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

    Is the Komondor Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Komondors are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

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

    Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Komondors 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 Komondor

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

  • Belgian Tervuren (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Black Russian Terrier (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Giant Schnauzer (72 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • 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 Komondor vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Komondor Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Komondor versus Saluki     Komondor versus Keeshond     Komondor versus Black Mouth Cur     Komondor versus Barbet     Komondor versus German Shepherd Dog     Komondor versus Pomeranian     Komondor versus Cesky Terrier     Komondor versus Akita     Komondor versus Berger Picard     Komondor versus Ibizan Hound     Komondor versus Irish Setter     Komondor versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Komondor versus Dalmatian     Komondor versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Komondor versus Affenhuahua     Komondor versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Komondor versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Komondor versus Karelian Bear Dog     Komondor versus Bull Terrier     Komondor versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Komondor versus Australian Cattle Dog     Komondor versus Bich Poo     Komondor versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Komondor versus Manchester Terrier     Komondor versus Estrela Mountain Dog     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Spanish Mastiff     Sussex Spaniel versus American Eskimo Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Boykin Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Norwegian Lundehund     Sussex Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer     Sussex Spaniel versus Cavapoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Basset Hound     Sussex Spaniel versus Clumber Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Cavapoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Collie     Sussex Spaniel versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Fila Brasileiro     Sussex Spaniel versus Shiba Inu     Sussex Spaniel versus Norwegian Buhund     Sussex Spaniel versus Toy Poodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Schnoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Silky Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Papillon     Sussex Spaniel versus Biewer Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Skye Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Bordoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Biewer Terrier     

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