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

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Pekingese Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Pekingese versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Pekingese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Pekingese versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pekingese 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 Pekingese and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Pekingese Sussex Spaniel
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Easygoing 4/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Height 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Weight 7 to 14 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1930 No Data
Price Range $1288 – $2500 No Data
Temperament Score 93.3 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data
Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 86 171

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

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

  • Pekingeses cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
  • Pekingeses require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
  • Pekingeses are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle. However, Sussex Spaniels 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.
  • Pekingeses do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Pekingeses do not get along well with other dogs. However, Sussex Spaniels get along well with other dogs.
  • Pekingeses are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Sussex Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Pekingeses 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 Pekingese and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Pekingese and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pekingese and the Sussex Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Pekingese and the Sussex Spaniel have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Pekingese and the Sussex Spaniel have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Pekingese and the Sussex Spaniel are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pekingese and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pekingese and the Sussex Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Pekingese and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pekingese and the Sussex Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Pekingese and the Sussex Spaniel adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pekingese and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Pekingese versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Pekingeses weigh 7 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Pekingeses are 6 to 9 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 Pekingese versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Pekingeses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pekingeses 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.

    Pekingeses live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Pekingese Versus the Sussex Spaniel

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Pekingese.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Pekingese is 93.3 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 93.3 percent, the Pekingese 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 Pekingese and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 15 Pekingeses and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

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

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pekingese is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pekingese is 86 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Pekingese

    Popularity of Pekingese

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Pekingese Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 77 162
    2014 82 175
    2015 80 173
    2016 93 172
    2017 88 161
    2018 92 180
    2019 83 176
    2020 95 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pekingese versus Sussex Spaniel

    Pekingeses can be left alone only for a short time.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pekingeses shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Pekingese or the Sussex Spaniel

    Pekingeses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

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

    Pekingeses 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 Pekingeses Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Pekingeses can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pekingese vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Pekingeses 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 Pekingeses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pekingeses 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 Pekingese or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Pekingeses do not get along well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pekingeses good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Pekingeses 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 Pekingeses and Sussex Spaniels?

    Pekingeses do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Pekingese Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Pekingeses are fairly easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

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

    Pekingeses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Pekingeses are very good for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pekingese

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

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Mal Shi (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Mal Shi.
  • Pomeranian (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Pomeranian.
  • Pomsky (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Pomsky.
  • 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 Pekingese vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Pekingese vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Pekingese vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pekingese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pekingese versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Pekingese versus Coton de Tulear     Pekingese versus Ibizan Hound     Pekingese versus Bullmastiff     Pekingese versus Vizsla     Pekingese versus Lowchen     Pekingese versus Alaskan Malamute     Pekingese versus Shetland Sheepdog     Pekingese versus Briard     Pekingese versus Bull Terrier     Pekingese versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Pekingese versus Mal Shi     Pekingese versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Pekingese versus Dalmatian     Pekingese versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Pekingese versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Pekingese versus English Cocker Spaniel     Pekingese versus Belgian Tervuren     Pekingese versus German Longhaired Pointer     Pekingese versus Shihpoo     Pekingese versus Pointer     Pekingese versus Australian Cattle Dog     Pekingese versus Great Dane     Pekingese versus Tibetan Mastiff     Pekingese versus Pomchi     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Sussex Spaniel versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Sussex Spaniel versus Bedlington Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Sussex Spaniel versus Welsh Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Silky Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Sussex Spaniel versus Aussiedoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Fila Brasileiro     Sussex Spaniel versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Sussex Spaniel versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Sussex Spaniel versus Goldendoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Shiloh Shepherd     Sussex Spaniel versus Shih Tzu     Sussex Spaniel versus American Hairless Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Akbash     Sussex Spaniel versus Scottish Deerhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Tibetan Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Skye Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Basenji     Sussex Spaniel versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Sussex Spaniel versus King Shepherd     Sussex Spaniel versus Finnish Spitz     Sussex Spaniel versus Shetland Sheepdog     

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