Which is Better between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel? A Very Detailed Review.

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Maremma Sheepdog Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Maremma Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Maremma Sheepdog 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.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Maremma Sheepdog Sussex Spaniel
Height 23.5 to 28.5 inches 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 5/5
Life Span 11 to 13 years 11 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 1/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Weight 65 to 100 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1160 No Data
Price Range $495 – $1500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog is 68 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 Maremma Sheepdog. 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 Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sussex Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sussex Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Sussex Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs 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.

    • The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs weigh 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Maremma Sheepdogs are 23.5 to 28.5 inches 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 Maremma Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 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 Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Maremma Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Sussex Spaniel

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Sussex Spaniel?

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

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdog or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdogs and Sussex Spaniels?

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Central Asian Shepherd Dog (75 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). 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 Maremma Sheepdog vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Keeshond.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Valley Bulldog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje     Maremma Sheepdog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Maremma Sheepdog versus Berger Picard     Maremma Sheepdog versus Briard     Maremma Sheepdog versus Schnoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bolognese     Maremma Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cairn Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Akita Chow     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lakeland Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Shepherd     Maremma Sheepdog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomsky     Maremma Sheepdog versus Morkie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Akbash     Maremma Sheepdog versus Whoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Maremma Sheepdog versus Field Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bluetick Coonhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus American Hairless Terrier     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Havanese     Sussex Spaniel versus Harrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Border Collie     Sussex Spaniel versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Silky Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Basset Hound     Sussex Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Sussex Spaniel versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Afghan Hound     Sussex Spaniel versus Dogo Argentino     Sussex Spaniel versus Toy Poodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Black Russian Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Bull Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Briard     Sussex Spaniel versus Yorkshire Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Finnish Lapphund     Sussex Spaniel versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Miniature Schnauzer     Sussex Spaniel versus Cairn Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Carolina Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Basenji     Sussex Spaniel versus Cesky Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Bull Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus American Eskimo Dog     

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