Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
- Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
- Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sussex Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sussex Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sussex Spaniel
- Lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sussex Spaniel
- Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- The Popularity of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sussex Spaniel
- Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Sussex Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Does the Rhodesian Ridgeback Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs. Sussex Spaniel
- Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Sussex Spaniels?
- Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sussex Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Sussex Spaniel.
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sussex Spaniel
| Factor | Rhodesian Ridgeback | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 14 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 70 to 85 pounds | 35 to 45 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1620 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1250 – $1900 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 84.2 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 40 | 171 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sussex Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sussex Spaniel
The Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sussex Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sussex Spaniel.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sussex Spaniel
The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is 12.5 years.
Sussex Spaniels live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 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 84.2 percent, the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks and 4 Sussex Spaniels.
The Popularity of Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 40 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Rhodesian Ridgeback
Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
| Year | Rhodesian Ridgeback Popularity Rank | Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 39 | 162 |
| 2014 | 39 | 175 |
| 2015 | 40 | 173 |
| 2016 | 42 | 172 |
| 2017 | 41 | 161 |
| 2018 | 41 | 180 |
| 2019 | 42 | 176 |
| 2020 | 42 | 172 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sussex Spaniel
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.
Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Sussex Spaniel
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Sussex Spaniel?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.
Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Does the Rhodesian Ridgeback Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs. Sussex Spaniel
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Sussex Spaniel?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.
Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Sussex Spaniels?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.
Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Sussex Spaniel?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Rhodesian Ridgeback and how the Sussex Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback and of the Sussex Spaniel to other breeds:
Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bedlington Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Labradoodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Bulldog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Akita Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Havanese Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Canaan Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Puggle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Affenpinscher Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cocker Spaniel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Karelian Bear Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Borzoi Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Manchester Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Toy Poodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Belgian Malinois Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boerboel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Australian Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Alaskan Klee Kai Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bichon Frise Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Keeshond Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Azawakh Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Beaglier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Briard Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Norwich Terrier
Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sussex Spaniel versus Bulldog Sussex Spaniel versus Cairn Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Gordon Setter Sussex Spaniel versus Cavachon Sussex Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog Sussex Spaniel versus Havanese Sussex Spaniel versus Cockapoo Sussex Spaniel versus Pomsky Sussex Spaniel versus Belgian Tervuren Sussex Spaniel versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Sussex Spaniel versus Labrador Retriever Sussex Spaniel versus Saluki Sussex Spaniel versus Shetland Sheepdog Sussex Spaniel versus Vizsla Sussex Spaniel versus Toy Poodle Sussex Spaniel versus Maltese Sussex Spaniel versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Sussex Spaniel versus Lhasapoo Sussex Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei Sussex Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Sussex Spaniel versus Golden Retriever Sussex Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer Sussex Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer Sussex Spaniel versus Canaan Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Borzoi
Conclusion: Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.