Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Leonberger Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
- Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
- Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Leonberger and the Sussex Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Sussex Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel
- Lifespan of Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel
- Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Leonberger
- The Popularity of Leonberger versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel
- Do Leonbergers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Sussex Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Do Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Sussex Spaniel
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Leonberger or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Leonbergers and Sussex Spaniels?
- Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Leonberger Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Sussex Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger or the Sussex Spaniel.
Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Leonberger and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Leonberger is a giant-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Leonberger 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.
Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Sussex Spaniel
| Factor | Leonberger | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 14 years |
| Weight | 120 to 170 pounds | 35 to 45 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $870 | No Data |
| Price Range | $300 – $1150 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 96.0 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 97 | 171 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Leonberger 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 Leonberger is 63 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 Leonberger. 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Sussex Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Leonberger and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Sussex Spaniel
The Leonberger and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Leonberger and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Leonberger and the Sussex Spaniel.
Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 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 Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers.
Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Leonberger
The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Leonberger.
This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 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 96.0 percent, the Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 25 Leonbergers and 4 Sussex Spaniels.
The Popularity of Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Leonberger is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Leonberger is 97 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Leonberger
Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
| Year | Leonberger Popularity Rank | Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 98 | 162 |
| 2014 | 104 | 175 |
| 2015 | 93 | 173 |
| 2016 | 95 | 172 |
| 2017 | 100 | 161 |
| 2018 | 93 | 180 |
| 2019 | 95 | 176 |
| 2020 | 98 | 172 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Leonbergers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Sussex Spaniel
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Sussex Spaniel?
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
Leonbergers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not 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 Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Sussex Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Sussex Spaniel
Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Leonbergers 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 Leonberger or the Sussex Spaniel?
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers and Sussex Spaniels?
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Is the Leonberger Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Leonberger or the Sussex Spaniel?
Leonbergers 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 Leonberger
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Leonberger 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 Leonberger:
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 Leonberger and how the Sussex Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Leonberger and of the Sussex Spaniel to other breeds:
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Azawakh Leonberger versus Boxer Leonberger versus Schipperke Leonberger versus Harrier Leonberger versus English Cocker Spaniel Leonberger versus Labrador Retriever Leonberger versus Shiba Inu Leonberger versus American Foxhound Leonberger versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Leonberger versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Leonberger versus Welsh Terrier Leonberger versus Valley Bulldog Leonberger versus Scottish Terrier Leonberger versus Stabyhoun Leonberger versus Biewer Terrier Leonberger versus Bouvier des Flandres Leonberger versus Bouvier des Flandres Leonberger versus English Cocker Spaniel Leonberger versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Leonberger versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Leonberger versus Cavachon Leonberger versus Ibizan Hound Leonberger versus Samoyed Leonberger versus Boston Terrier Leonberger versus Goldador
Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sussex Spaniel versus Schnoodle Sussex Spaniel versus Brussels Griffon Sussex Spaniel versus American Water Spaniel Sussex Spaniel versus Borzoi Sussex Spaniel versus Curly-Coated Retriever Sussex Spaniel versus Australian Cattle Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer Sussex Spaniel versus Alaskan Malamute Sussex Spaniel versus Portuguese Water Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Puli Sussex Spaniel versus Saluki Sussex Spaniel versus Lowchen Sussex Spaniel versus Hovawart Sussex Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer Sussex Spaniel versus Catahoula Bulldog Sussex Spaniel versus Lhasapoo Sussex Spaniel versus Whoodle Sussex Spaniel versus Hovawart Sussex Spaniel versus Giant Schnauzer Sussex Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound Sussex Spaniel versus Schnoodle Sussex Spaniel versus Pomapoo Sussex Spaniel versus Lhasapoo Sussex Spaniel versus Afador Sussex Spaniel versus Border Collie
Conclusion: Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.