Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Shetland Sheepdog Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
- Shetland Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
- Shetland Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Shetland Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel
- Lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel
- Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Shetland Sheepdog
- The Popularity of Shetland Sheepdog versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Shetland Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel
- Do Shetland Sheepdogs shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Sussex Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Does the Shetland Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Do Shetland Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Shetland Sheepdog vs. Sussex Spaniel
- Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Are Shetland Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Shetland Sheepdogs and Sussex Spaniels?
- Is the Shetland Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Shetland Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Shetland Sheepdog Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog or the Sussex Spaniel.
Shetland Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel are similar in size. The Shetland Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel are both small-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Shetland Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel
| Factor | Shetland Sheepdog | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 11 to 14 years |
| Height | 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | Starts at 20 pounds | 35 to 45 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1590 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 68.9 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 23 | 171 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Shetland Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel
The Shetland Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Shetland Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Shetland Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel.
Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 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 Shetland Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel
The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs 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.
Shetland Sheepdogs live longer than Sussex Spaniels.
Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Shetland Sheepdog
The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Shetland Sheepdog.
This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Shetland Sheepdog is 68.9 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 68.9 percent, the Shetland Sheepdog has a below-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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 515 Shetland Sheepdogs and 4 Sussex Spaniels.
The Popularity of Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shetland Sheepdog is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shetland Sheepdog is 23 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Shetland Sheepdog
Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
| Year | Shetland Sheepdog Popularity Rank | Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 21 | 162 |
| 2014 | 21 | 175 |
| 2015 | 23 | 173 |
| 2016 | 24 | 172 |
| 2017 | 24 | 161 |
| 2018 | 25 | 180 |
| 2019 | 25 | 176 |
| 2020 | 27 | 172 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Shetland Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel
Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Shetland Sheepdogs shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Sussex Spaniel
Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Sussex Spaniel?
Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Does the Shetland Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Shetland Sheepdog vs. Sussex Spaniel
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog or the Sussex Spaniel?
Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs and Sussex Spaniels?
Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Shetland Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Is the Shetland Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?
Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Sussex Spaniel?
Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.
Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog:
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 Shetland Sheepdog and how the Sussex Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog and of the Sussex Spaniel to other breeds:
Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shetland Sheepdog versus German Pinscher Shetland Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Azawakh Shetland Sheepdog versus Peek A Poo Shetland Sheepdog versus Akbash Shetland Sheepdog versus Doberman Pinscher Shetland Sheepdog versus American Hairless Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear Shetland Sheepdog versus American Water Spaniel Shetland Sheepdog versus Bearded Collie Shetland Sheepdog versus Shichon Shetland Sheepdog versus Chorkie Shetland Sheepdog versus Puli Shetland Sheepdog versus Bordoodle Shetland Sheepdog versus Briard Shetland Sheepdog versus Pomeranian Shetland Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Saluki Shetland Sheepdog versus Alaskan Klee Kai Shetland Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Catahoula Bulldog Shetland Sheepdog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Shetland Sheepdog versus American Bulldog Shetland Sheepdog versus Patterdale Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Kai Ken
Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sussex Spaniel versus Plott Sussex Spaniel versus Scottish Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Afghan Hound Sussex Spaniel versus Norwich Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Hovawart Sussex Spaniel versus Irish Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Valley Bulldog Sussex Spaniel versus Canaan Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Lhasapoo Sussex Spaniel versus Frenchton Sussex Spaniel versus Pomchi Sussex Spaniel versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Sussex Spaniel versus Tibetan Spaniel Sussex Spaniel versus Pyredoodle Sussex Spaniel versus Cane Corso Sussex Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo Sussex Spaniel versus Chihuahua Sussex Spaniel versus Black and Tan Coonhound Sussex Spaniel versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Sussex Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer Sussex Spaniel versus Goldador Sussex Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Lowchen Sussex Spaniel versus Belgian Tervuren Sussex Spaniel versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Conclusion: Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.