Is the Norwegian Buhund Better than the Sussex Spaniel as a Pet? Answer…

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Norwegian Buhund Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Norwegian Buhund versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Norwegian Buhund belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Norwegian Buhund versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Norwegian Buhund Sussex Spaniel
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Height 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Weight 26 to 40 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 168 171

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund is 81 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 Norwegian Buhund. 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 Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Norwegian Buhunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
  • Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
  • Norwegian Buhunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Sussex Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Norwegian Buhunds 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.
  • Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhund and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Sussex Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Sussex Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Sussex Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Norwegian Buhunds weigh 26 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Norwegian Buhunds are 16 to 18 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 Norwegian Buhund versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is 12.5 years.

    Norwegian Buhunds live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Norwegian Buhund is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Norwegian Buhund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 166 162
    2014 172 175
    2015 165 173
    2016 174 172
    2017 170 161
    2018 165 180
    2019 169 176
    2020 168 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: Norwegian Buhund versus Sussex Spaniel

    Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Sussex Spaniel

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Sussex Spaniel?

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

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhunds Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Norwegian Buhunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhund or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhunds and Sussex Spaniels?

    Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Norwegian Buhund Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Buhund

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

  • Pyredoodle (78 percent match with Norwegian Buhund). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Pyredoodle.
  • 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 Norwegian Buhund vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Buhund versus Greyhound     Norwegian Buhund versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Norwegian Buhund versus Shihpoo     Norwegian Buhund versus Miniature Pinscher     Norwegian Buhund versus Cavachon     Norwegian Buhund versus Japanese Chin     Norwegian Buhund versus Norfolk Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Norwegian Buhund versus Basset Hound     Norwegian Buhund versus Lakeland Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Cattle Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Norwegian Buhund versus American Eskimo Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Cesky Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Shichon     Norwegian Buhund versus Plott     Norwegian Buhund versus Borzoi     Norwegian Buhund versus Giant Schnauzer     Norwegian Buhund versus Cavapoo     Norwegian Buhund versus Bull Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Lancashire Heeler     Norwegian Buhund versus Bracco Italiano     Norwegian Buhund versus Chinese Crested     Norwegian Buhund versus Pomchi     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Black Mouth Cur     Sussex Spaniel versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Cavapoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Japanese Chin     Sussex Spaniel versus Dalmatian     Sussex Spaniel versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinese Crested     Sussex Spaniel versus Cairn Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Ibizan Hound     Sussex Spaniel versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Miniature Poodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Canaan Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Shiranian     Sussex Spaniel versus Cockapoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd     Sussex Spaniel versus Sloughi     Sussex Spaniel versus Collie     Sussex Spaniel versus Tibetan Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Sheepadoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Boxerdoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Kooikerhondje     Sussex Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear     Sussex Spaniel versus Schipperke     

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