Differences and Similarities between the Pug and the Sussex Spaniel.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Pug Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Pug versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Pug 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.

Pug versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pug 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 Pug and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Pug Sussex Spaniel
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
General Health 1/5 4/5
Height 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Weight 14 to 18 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Intelligence 2/5 5/5
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
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1620 No Data
Price Range $1200 – $1875 No Data
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Pug Dog Club of America recommends ANNUAL screening.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Pug Dog Encephalitis
  • Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD)
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 31 171

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pug 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 Pug is 80 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 Pug. 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 Pug 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 Pug and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Pugs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
  • Pugs 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
  • Pugs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate cold weather.
  • Pugs not very intelligent. However, Sussex Spaniels are highly intelligent.
  • Pugs 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 Pug and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Pug and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Pug and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pug and the Sussex Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pug 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 Pug and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Pug and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Pug and the Sussex Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Pug and the Sussex Spaniel adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pug and the Sussex Spaniel are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pug and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pug and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Pug and the Sussex Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Pug and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Pug versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Pugs weigh 14 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Pugs are 10 to 14 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 Pug versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Pugs live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Pug

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Pug.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Pug is 91.7 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 91.7 percent, the Pug 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 Pug and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 48 Pugs and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

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

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pug is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pug is 31 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Pug

    Popularity of Pug

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Pug Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 31 162
    2014 33 175
    2015 33 173
    2016 32 172
    2017 31 161
    2018 28 180
    2019 31 176
    2020 29 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pug versus Sussex Spaniel

    Pugs do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pugs shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Pug or the Sussex Spaniel

    Pugs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Pugs are very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

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

    Pugs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Pugs Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Pugs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pug vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Pugs 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 Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pugs 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 Pug or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Pugs get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pugs good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Pugs 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 Pugs and Sussex Spaniels?

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

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

    Is the Pug Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Pugs are fairly easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

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

    Pugs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Pugs are very good for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pug

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

  • Boxer (74 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Boxer.
  • English Toy Spaniel (73 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs English Toy Spaniel.
  • French Bulldog (83 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs French Bulldog.
  • 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 Pug vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Pug vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Pug vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pug Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pug versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Pug versus Bedlington Terrier     Pug versus American Hairless Terrier     Pug versus Miniature Pinscher     Pug versus Saint Bernard     Pug versus Field Spaniel     Pug versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Pug versus Keeshond     Pug versus Lancashire Heeler     Pug versus Shihpoo     Pug versus Cavapoo     Pug versus French Spaniel     Pug versus American Bulldog     Pug versus Japanese Spitz     Pug versus Welsh Terrier     Pug versus Chow Chow     Pug versus Skye Terrier     Pug versus Bolognese     Pug versus Westiepoo     Pug versus American Bulldog     Pug versus Pyredoodle     Pug versus West Highland White Terrier     Pug versus French Bulldog     Pug versus Yorkipoo     Pug versus Portuguese Pointer     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Redbone Coonhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Newfoundland     Sussex Spaniel versus Pointer     Sussex Spaniel versus Karelian Bear Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Fila Brasileiro     Sussex Spaniel versus Newfoundland     Sussex Spaniel versus Plott     Sussex Spaniel versus American Water Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Cockapoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Pointer     Sussex Spaniel versus Irish Wolfhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus American Eskimo Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Beagle     Sussex Spaniel versus English Toy Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Great Dane     Sussex Spaniel versus Sheepadoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Standard Poodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Catahoula Bulldog     Sussex Spaniel versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Sussex Spaniel versus Black Mouth Cur     Sussex Spaniel versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Havanese     Sussex Spaniel versus Akita Chow     Sussex Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo     

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