A Detailed Comparison of the Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel.

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Kuvasz Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Kuvasz versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Kuvasz 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.

Kuvasz versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Kuvasz Sussex Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Height 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Weight 70 to 115 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1630 No Data
Price Range $1438 – $1812 No Data
Temperament Score 78.4 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 161 171

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz is 66 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 Kuvasz. 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 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sussex Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
  • Kuvaszs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sussex Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
  • Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Kuvaszs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Sussex Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Kuvaszs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
  • Kuvaszs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Sussex Spaniels get along well with other dogs.
  • Kuvaszs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Sussex Spaniels do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Kuvaszs require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Sussex Spaniels have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel are not easy to train.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Both the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kuvasz versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Kuvaszs weigh 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. Kuvaszs are 26 to 30 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 Kuvasz versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Kuvaszs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs.

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Kuvasz

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Kuvasz.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Kuvasz is 78.4 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 78.4 percent, the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 51 Kuvaszs and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

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

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Kuvasz is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Kuvasz is 161 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Kuvasz

    Popularity of Kuvasz

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Kuvasz Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 150 162
    2014 161 175
    2015 150 173
    2016 165 172
    2017 157 161
    2018 163 180
    2019 166 176
    2020 177 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kuvasz versus Sussex Spaniel

    Kuvaszs do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kuvaszs shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Kuvasz or the Sussex Spaniel

    Kuvaszs drool moderately.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Kuvaszs are very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

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

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Kuvaszs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kuvaszs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kuvasz vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kuvaszs good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs and Sussex Spaniels?

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Kuvasz Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Kuvaszs are not easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

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

    Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz

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

  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Kuvasz). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Hovawart.
  • 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 Kuvasz vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kuvasz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kuvasz versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Kuvasz versus Border Terrier     Kuvasz versus Biewer Terrier     Kuvasz versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Kuvasz versus Goldador     Kuvasz versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Kuvasz versus Italian Greyhound     Kuvasz versus Goldendoodle     Kuvasz versus Cockalier     Kuvasz versus Chi-Poo     Kuvasz versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Kuvasz versus Australian Kelpie     Kuvasz versus Skye Terrier     Kuvasz versus Vizsla     Kuvasz versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Kuvasz versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Kuvasz versus German Pinscher     Kuvasz versus King Shepherd     Kuvasz versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Kuvasz versus Aussiedoodle     Kuvasz versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Kuvasz versus Basenji     Kuvasz versus Lowchen     Kuvasz versus Gordon Setter     Kuvasz versus Portuguese Pointer     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Bordoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Australian Shepherd     Sussex Spaniel versus Westiepoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Yorkshire Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Sussex Spaniel versus Australian Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Sussex Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer     Sussex Spaniel versus Pointer     Sussex Spaniel versus Weimaraner     Sussex Spaniel versus Bull Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Mastiff     Sussex Spaniel versus Cesky Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Havanese     Sussex Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Cesky Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Barbet     Sussex Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Sussex Spaniel versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Sussex Spaniel versus Irish Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Rottweiler     Sussex Spaniel versus Maltipoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei     

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