Breed Comparison: Patterdale Terrier Versus Sussex Spaniel

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Patterdale Terrier Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Patterdale Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are similar in size. The Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Patterdale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Patterdale Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Patterdale Terrier Sussex Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 11 to 13 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Life Span 11 to 14 years 11 to 14 years
Height 12 to 15 inches 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 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
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $680 No Data
Price Range $550 – $950 No Data
Temperament Score 80.0 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sussex Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
  • Patterdale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sussex Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
  • Patterdale Terriers 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.
  • Patterdale Terriers 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.
  • Patterdale Terriers 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Patterdale Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 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 Patterdale Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is 12.5 years.

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

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Patterdale Terrier

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Patterdale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-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 Patterdale Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 5 Patterdale Terriers and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Patterdale Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Patterdale Terriers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Patterdale Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Patterdale Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Patterdale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Patterdale Terrier vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Patterdale Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Patterdale Terriers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers and Sussex Spaniels?

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Patterdale Terrier Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Patterdale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Field Spaniel.
  • Portuguese Pointer (78 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Portuguese Pointer.
  • 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 Patterdale Terrier vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Patterdale Terrier versus Canaan Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Patterdale Terrier versus Whoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Patterdale Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Lowchen     Patterdale Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     Patterdale Terrier versus Boxerdoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Aussiedoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Plott     Patterdale Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     Patterdale Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Patterdale Terrier versus Sloughi     Patterdale Terrier versus Puggle     Patterdale Terrier versus Afghan Hound     Patterdale Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Bloodhound     Patterdale Terrier versus Mountain Cur     Patterdale Terrier versus Greyhound     Patterdale Terrier versus Chinese Crested     Patterdale Terrier versus Beagle     Patterdale Terrier versus Pomchi     Patterdale Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Cockalier     Sussex Spaniel versus Yorkipoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Hovawart     Sussex Spaniel versus Bernedoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Newfoundland     Sussex Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Pomeranian     Sussex Spaniel versus Kishu Ken     Sussex Spaniel versus Akita     Sussex Spaniel versus Norwich Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Newfoundland     Sussex Spaniel versus Afghan Hound     Sussex Spaniel versus Pomapoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Sussex Spaniel versus Boxer     Sussex Spaniel versus French Bulldog     Sussex Spaniel versus Pomsky     Sussex Spaniel versus Sealyham Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Saluki     Sussex Spaniel versus Frenchton     Sussex Spaniel versus Boston Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Australian Kelpie     Sussex Spaniel versus Akita Chow     Sussex Spaniel versus Cairn Terrier     

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