Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Labrador Retriever Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
- Labrador Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
- Labrador Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel
- Lifespan of Labrador Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel
- Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Labrador Retriever
- The Popularity of Labrador Retriever versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Labrador Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel
- Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Labrador Retriever or the Sussex Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Do Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Sussex Spaniel
- Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Labrador Retriever or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Labrador Retrievers and Sussex Spaniels?
- Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Labrador Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Labrador Retriever Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever or the Sussex Spaniel.
Labrador Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Labrador Retriever is a large-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel are Sporting Dogs. This means both the Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel 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.
Labrador Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel
Factor | Labrador Retriever | Sussex Spaniel |
---|---|---|
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 14 years |
Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Height | 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder | 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho |
Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Easygoing | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 4/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 4/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 5/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Weight | 55 to 80 pounds | 35 to 45 pounds |
Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.5 years |
Average Price | $1290 | No Data |
Price Range | $850 – $1500 | No Data |
Temperament Score | 92.2 percent | 100.0 percent |
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 1 | 171 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever is 74 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 Labrador Retriever. 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel
The Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel.
Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches 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 Labrador Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel
The lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers.
Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Labrador Retriever
The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Labrador Retriever.
This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Labrador Retriever is 92.2 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 92.2 percent, the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 842 Labrador Retrievers and 4 Sussex Spaniels.
The Popularity of Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Labrador Retriever is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Labrador Retriever is 1 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Labrador Retriever
Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
Year | Labrador Retriever Popularity Rank | Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank |
---|---|---|
2013 | 1 | 162 |
2014 | 1 | 175 |
2015 | 1 | 173 |
2016 | 1 | 172 |
2017 | 1 | 161 |
2018 | 1 | 180 |
2019 | 1 | 176 |
2020 | 1 | 172 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Labrador Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel
Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Labrador Retriever or the Sussex Spaniel
Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.
Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Sussex Spaniel?
Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.
Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Sussex Spaniel
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever or the Sussex Spaniel?
Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers and Sussex Spaniels?
Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.
Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Is the Labrador Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?
Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Labrador Retriever or the Sussex Spaniel?
Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.
Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever:
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 Labrador Retriever and how the Sussex Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Labrador Retriever and of the Sussex Spaniel to other breeds:
Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds
Labrador Retriever versus Maltese Labrador Retriever versus Pekingese Labrador Retriever versus Bloodhound Labrador Retriever versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Akita Labrador Retriever versus Norwich Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Bedlington Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Labrador Retriever versus Peek A Poo Labrador Retriever versus Schipperke Labrador Retriever versus Mudi Labrador Retriever versus Giant Schnauzer Labrador Retriever versus Bichon Frise Labrador Retriever versus Havanese Labrador Retriever versus Sheepadoodle Labrador Retriever versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Irish Setter Labrador Retriever versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Labrador Retriever versus Cairn Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Chinese Shar-Pei Labrador Retriever versus Affenpinscher Labrador Retriever versus Bichon Frise Labrador Retriever versus Papillon Labrador Retriever versus French Spaniel Labrador Retriever versus Flat-Coated Retriever
Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sussex Spaniel versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Frenchton Sussex Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Sussex Spaniel versus Belgian Tervuren Sussex Spaniel versus Boykin Spaniel Sussex Spaniel versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Biewer Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler Sussex Spaniel versus Keeshond Sussex Spaniel versus Tibetan Mastiff Sussex Spaniel versus Ibizan Hound Sussex Spaniel versus Pomchi Sussex Spaniel versus Affenpinscher Sussex Spaniel versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Border Collie Sussex Spaniel versus Standard Poodle Sussex Spaniel versus Belgian Malinois Sussex Spaniel versus Schnoodle Sussex Spaniel versus Pomeranian Sussex Spaniel versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Bernedoodle Sussex Spaniel versus Field Spaniel Sussex Spaniel versus Cairn Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Standard Poodle
Conclusion: Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.