Newfoundland versus Sussex Spaniel. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Newfoundland Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Newfoundland versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Newfoundland 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.

Newfoundland versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Newfoundland Sussex Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
General Health 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 5/5
Weight 100 to 150 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the sho 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Life Span 8 to 10 years 11 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 9.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $2160 No Data
Price Range $1875 – $2500 No Data
Temperament Score 87.5 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA Website
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 37 171

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland is 73 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 Newfoundland. 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 Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Newfoundlands do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sussex Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
  • Newfoundlands have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Sussex Spaniels are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Newfoundlands cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
  • Newfoundlands have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Sussex Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Newfoundlands have a very high tendency to drool. However, Sussex Spaniels do not have the tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Newfoundland and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Newfoundland and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Sussex Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Sussex Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Sussex Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Sussex Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Newfoundland versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Newfoundlands weigh 100 to 150 pounds when fully grown. Newfoundlands are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the sho 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 Newfoundland versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Newfoundlands is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Newfoundlands is 9.0 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 Newfoundlands.

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Newfoundland

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Newfoundland.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Newfoundland is 87.5 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 87.5 percent, the Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 176 Newfoundlands and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

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

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Newfoundland is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Newfoundland is 37 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Newfoundland

    Popularity of Newfoundland

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Newfoundland Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 37 162
    2014 37 175
    2015 37 173
    2016 35 172
    2017 36 161
    2018 40 180
    2019 40 176
    2020 41 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: Newfoundland versus Sussex Spaniel

    Newfoundlands do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Newfoundlands shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Newfoundland or the Sussex Spaniel

    Newfoundlands have a very high tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

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

    Newfoundlands 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 Newfoundlands Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Newfoundlands can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Newfoundland vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Newfoundlands 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 Newfoundlands Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Newfoundlands 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 Newfoundland or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Newfoundlands get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Newfoundlands good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Newfoundlands 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 Newfoundlands and Sussex Spaniels?

    Newfoundlands get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Newfoundland Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Newfoundlands are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

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

    Newfoundlands do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Newfoundlands are OK for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Newfoundland

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

  • Golden Retriever (71 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Golden Retriever.
  • Saint Bernard (68 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Saint Bernard.
  • Bernese Mountain Dog (79 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • 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 Newfoundland vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Newfoundland vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Newfoundland vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Newfoundland Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Newfoundland versus Westiepoo     Newfoundland versus German Longhaired Pointer     Newfoundland versus Puggle     Newfoundland versus Greyhound     Newfoundland versus Samoyed     Newfoundland versus Aussiedoodle     Newfoundland versus Chinese Crested     Newfoundland versus English Cocker Spaniel     Newfoundland versus Azawakh     Newfoundland versus Giant Schnauzer     Newfoundland versus English Setter     Newfoundland versus English Toy Spaniel     Newfoundland versus Labrador Retriever     Newfoundland versus Shiranian     Newfoundland versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Newfoundland versus Chinese Crested     Newfoundland versus Harrier     Newfoundland versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Newfoundland versus English Springer Spaniel     Newfoundland versus Norfolk Terrier     Newfoundland versus Borzoi     Newfoundland versus Bluetick Coonhound     Newfoundland versus Airedale Terrier     Newfoundland versus Welsh Terrier     Newfoundland versus Australian Shepherd     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Shihpoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Sussex Spaniel versus Cocker Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Mudi     Sussex Spaniel versus Frenchton     Sussex Spaniel versus Field Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer     Sussex Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Sussex Spaniel versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Kai Ken     Sussex Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz     Sussex Spaniel versus Whoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Pekingese     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinese Crested     Sussex Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Sussex Spaniel versus Bernedoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Sussex Spaniel versus Labradoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Pharaoh Hound     Sussex Spaniel versus Cane Corso     Sussex Spaniel versus Kooikerhondje     Sussex Spaniel versus Labrador Retriever     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei     

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