Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Skye Terrier Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
- Skye Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
- Skye Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Skye Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Skye Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Skye Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
- Lifespan of Skye Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
- Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Skye Terrier
- The Popularity of Skye Terrier versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Skye Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
- Do Skye Terriers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Skye Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Skye Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Does the Skye Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Do Skye Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Can Skye Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Skye Terrier vs. Sussex Spaniel
- Can Skye Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Skye Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Are Skye Terriers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Skye Terriers and Sussex Spaniels?
- Is the Skye Terrier Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Skye Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Skye Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Skye Terrier Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel.
Skye Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
Both the Skye Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are similar in size. The Skye Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are both small-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Skye Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
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.
Skye Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
| Factor | Skye Terrier | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 11 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 40 pounds | 35 to 45 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 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 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $2000 | No Data |
| Price Range | $2000 – $2000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 37.5 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 176 | 171 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier is 82 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 Skye Terrier. 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 Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Skye Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Skye Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
The Skye Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Skye Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Skye Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Skye Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel.
Skye Terriers weigh 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Skye Terriers are 9 to 10 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 Skye Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
The lifespan of Skye Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Skye Terriers is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is 12.5 years.
Skye Terriers live longer than Sussex Spaniels.
Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Skye Terrier
The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Skye Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Skye Terrier is 37.5 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 37.5 percent, the Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 8 Skye Terriers and 4 Sussex Spaniels.
The Popularity of Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Sussex Spaniel is more popular with dog owners than the Skye Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Skye Terrier is 176 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Skye Terrier
Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
| Year | Skye Terrier Popularity Rank | Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 161 | 162 |
| 2014 | 177 | 175 |
| 2015 | 175 | 173 |
| 2016 | 178 | 172 |
| 2017 | 172 | 161 |
| 2018 | 178 | 180 |
| 2019 | 187 | 176 |
| 2020 | 183 | 172 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Skye Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
Skye Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Skye Terriers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
Skye Terriers shed moderately.
Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Skye Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel
Skye Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Skye Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
Skye Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Does the Skye Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Skye Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Skye Terrier vs. Sussex Spaniel
Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Skye Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Skye Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
Skye Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Skye Terriers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terriers and Sussex Spaniels?
Skye Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Skye Terrier Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
Skye Terriers are not easy to train.
Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Is the Skye Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?
Skye Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Skye Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
Skye Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Skye Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Skye Terrier 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 Skye 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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Skye Terrier and how the Sussex Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Skye Terrier and of the Sussex Spaniel to other breeds:
Skye Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Skye Terrier versus Bracco Italiano Skye Terrier versus Papillon Skye Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog Skye Terrier versus Afador Skye Terrier versus Brussels Griffon Skye Terrier versus Bordoodle Skye Terrier versus Papipoo Skye Terrier versus Labrador Retriever Skye Terrier versus Shiranian Skye Terrier versus Greyhound Skye Terrier versus Chi-Poo Skye Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel Skye Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog Skye Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais Skye Terrier versus Basset Hound Skye Terrier versus Manchester Terrier Skye Terrier versus Keeshond Skye Terrier versus Pomeranian Skye Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog Skye Terrier versus Dalmatian Skye Terrier versus Bloodhound Skye Terrier versus Affenpinscher Skye Terrier versus Bichon Frise Skye Terrier versus Boxerdoodle
Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sussex Spaniel versus Pomsky Sussex Spaniel versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Mountain Cur Sussex Spaniel versus Pomapoo Sussex Spaniel versus Pomapoo Sussex Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer Sussex Spaniel versus Affenpinscher Sussex Spaniel versus Xoloitzcuintli Sussex Spaniel versus Kooikerhondje Sussex Spaniel versus French Bulldog Sussex Spaniel versus Komondor Sussex Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff Sussex Spaniel versus Afghan Hound Sussex Spaniel versus Barbet Sussex Spaniel versus Dalmatian Sussex Spaniel versus Cane Corso Sussex Spaniel versus Collie Sussex Spaniel versus Clumber Spaniel Sussex Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler Sussex Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff Sussex Spaniel versus Border Collie Sussex Spaniel versus English Toy Spaniel Sussex Spaniel versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus American Bulldog Sussex Spaniel versus Akbash
Conclusion: Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.