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

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Puli Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

Puli versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Puli 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.

Puli versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Puli 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 Puli and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Puli Sussex Spaniel
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Height 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Weight 25 to 35 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $2250 No Data
Price Range $1875 – $2750 No Data
Temperament Score 92.3 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 150 171

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Puli 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 Puli is 74 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 Puli. 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 Puli 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 Puli and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Pulis are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sussex Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
  • Pulis require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
  • Pulis are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Sussex Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Pulis 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.
  • Pulis 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.
  • Pulis have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Sussex Spaniels have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Pulis 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.
  • Pulis 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 Puli and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Puli and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Puli and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Puli and the Sussex Spaniel are not easy to train.
  • Both the Puli and the Sussex Spaniel adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Puli 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 Puli and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Puli and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Puli and the Sussex Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Puli and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Puli and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Puli and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Puli and the Sussex Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Puli and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Puli versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 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 Puli versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis 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 Puli Versus the Sussex Spaniel

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Puli.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Puli is 92.3 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 92.3 percent, the Puli 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 Puli and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 26 Pulis and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

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

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Puli is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Puli is 150 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Puli

    Popularity of Puli

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Puli Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 136 162
    2014 151 175
    2015 154 173
    2016 159 172
    2017 142 161
    2018 160 180
    2019 160 176
    2020 143 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: Puli versus Sussex Spaniel

    Pulis do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pulis shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Puli or the Sussex Spaniel

    Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

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

    Pulis 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 Pulis Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Puli vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Pulis 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 Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pulis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Pulis get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pulis good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Pulis 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 Pulis and Sussex Spaniels?

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

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

    Is the Puli Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Pulis are not easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

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

    Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Pulis 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 Puli

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

  • Briard (77 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Briard.
  • Welsh Terrier (75 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Scottish Terrier (79 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Scottish Terrier.
  • 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 Puli vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Puli vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Puli vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Puli versus Sheepadoodle     Puli versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Puli versus Beagle     Puli versus Briard     Puli versus Saluki     Puli versus Coton de Tulear     Puli versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Puli versus Vizsla     Puli versus Cockapoo     Puli versus Australian Cattle Dog     Puli versus Pekingese     Puli versus Yorkshire Terrier     Puli versus Vizsla     Puli versus Welsh Terrier     Puli versus Chow Chow     Puli versus Manchester Terrier     Puli versus Tibetan Spaniel     Puli versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Puli versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Puli versus Stabyhoun     Puli versus Silky Terrier     Puli versus Fila Brasileiro     Puli versus Tibetan Spaniel     Puli versus Akita Chow     Puli versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Akbash     Sussex Spaniel versus Golden Retriever     Sussex Spaniel versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Sussex Spaniel versus Biewer Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Japanese Chin     Sussex Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz     Sussex Spaniel versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Sussex Spaniel versus Siberian Husky     Sussex Spaniel versus Australian Kelpie     Sussex Spaniel versus Morkie     Sussex Spaniel versus Collie     Sussex Spaniel versus Dalmatian     Sussex Spaniel versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Valley Bulldog     Sussex Spaniel versus Whoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Borzoi     Sussex Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog     Sussex Spaniel versus Komondor     Sussex Spaniel versus German Pinscher     Sussex Spaniel versus American Foxhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Keeshond     Sussex Spaniel versus Belgian Malinois     Sussex Spaniel versus Mountain Cur     Sussex Spaniel versus Puggle     

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