Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Saint Bernard Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
- Saint Bernard versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
- Saint Bernard versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Saint Bernard and the Sussex Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Saint Bernard and the Sussex Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Saint Bernard versus Sussex Spaniel
- Lifespan of Saint Bernard versus Sussex Spaniel
- Temperament of the Saint Bernard Versus the Sussex Spaniel
- The Popularity of Saint Bernard versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Saint Bernard versus Sussex Spaniel
- Do Saint Bernards shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Saint Bernard or the Sussex Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Saint Bernard or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Does the Saint Bernard Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Do Saint Bernards Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Saint Bernard vs. Sussex Spaniel
- Can Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Saint Bernard or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Are Saint Bernards good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Saint Bernards and Sussex Spaniels?
- Is the Saint Bernard Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Saint Bernard
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Saint Bernard versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Saint Bernard Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard and the Sussex Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard or the Sussex Spaniel.
Saint Bernard versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Saint Bernard and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Saint Bernard is a giant-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Saint Bernard belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
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.
Saint Bernard versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard and the Sussex Spaniel
| Factor | Saint Bernard | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 120 to 180 pounds | 35 to 45 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s | 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 8 to 10 years | 11 to 14 years |
| Average Lifespan | 9.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1320 | No Data |
| Price Range | $875 – $1525 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 84.9 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 49 | 171 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard is 81 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 Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard and the Sussex Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Saint Bernard and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Saint Bernard and the Sussex Spaniel
The Saint Bernard and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Saint Bernard and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Saint Bernard versus Sussex Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Saint Bernard and the Sussex Spaniel.
Saint Bernards weigh 120 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Saint Bernards are 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s 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 Saint Bernard versus Sussex Spaniel
The lifespan of Saint Bernards is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Saint Bernards is 9.0 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 Saint Bernards.
Temperament of the Saint Bernard Versus the Sussex Spaniel
The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Saint Bernard.
This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Saint Bernard is 84.9 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 84.9 percent, the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 53 Saint Bernards and 4 Sussex Spaniels.
The Popularity of Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Saint Bernard is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Saint Bernard is 49 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Saint Bernard
Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
| Year | Saint Bernard Popularity Rank | Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 47 | 162 |
| 2014 | 51 | 175 |
| 2015 | 50 | 173 |
| 2016 | 49 | 172 |
| 2017 | 48 | 161 |
| 2018 | 48 | 180 |
| 2019 | 48 | 176 |
| 2020 | 52 | 172 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Saint Bernard versus Sussex Spaniel
Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.
Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Saint Bernards shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
Saint Bernards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Saint Bernard or the Sussex Spaniel
Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.
Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Saint Bernard or the Sussex Spaniel?
Saint Bernards require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Does the Saint Bernard Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
Saint Bernards 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.
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 Saint Bernards Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.
Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Saint Bernard vs. Sussex Spaniel
Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernard or the Sussex Spaniel?
Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.
Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Saint Bernards good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernards and Sussex Spaniels?
Saint Bernards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Saint Bernard Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
Saint Bernards are not easy to train.
Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Is the Saint Bernard Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?
Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Saint Bernard or the Sussex Spaniel?
Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernard
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard:
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 Saint Bernard and how the Sussex Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Saint Bernard and of the Sussex Spaniel to other breeds:
Saint Bernard Versus Other Dog Breeds
Saint Bernard versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Saint Bernard versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Saint Bernard versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Saint Bernard versus Sloughi Saint Bernard versus Borzoi Saint Bernard versus Bernese Mountain Dog Saint Bernard versus Finnish Lapphund Saint Bernard versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Saint Bernard versus Maltese Saint Bernard versus Bloodhound Saint Bernard versus Rottweiler Saint Bernard versus Irish Terrier Saint Bernard versus Shiba Inu Saint Bernard versus Harrier Saint Bernard versus Brittany Saint Bernard versus Cavapoo Saint Bernard versus Pomsky Saint Bernard versus English Setter Saint Bernard versus English Toy Spaniel Saint Bernard versus Chinook Saint Bernard versus Bernese Mountain Dog Saint Bernard versus Golden Retriever Saint Bernard versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Saint Bernard versus Standard Poodle Saint Bernard versus Sussex Spaniel
Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sussex Spaniel versus Beaglier Sussex Spaniel versus Azawakh Sussex Spaniel versus American Foxhound Sussex Spaniel versus Field Spaniel Sussex Spaniel versus Pointer Sussex Spaniel versus Flat-Coated Retriever Sussex Spaniel versus Australian Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Bichon Frise Sussex Spaniel versus Braque du Bourbonnais Sussex Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Shiba Inu Sussex Spaniel versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Pomchi Sussex Spaniel versus Pharaoh Hound Sussex Spaniel versus Black and Tan Coonhound Sussex Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound Sussex Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo Sussex Spaniel versus Chihuahua Sussex Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer Sussex Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Sussex Spaniel versus Whippet Sussex Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei Sussex Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer Sussex Spaniel versus German Pinscher
Conclusion: Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.