A Detailed Comparison of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel.

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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Soft Coated Wheaten 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.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel

Factor Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Sussex Spaniel
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Height 17 to 19 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
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
Weight 30 to 40 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 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
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1810 No Data
Price Range $1050 – $2200 No Data
Temperament Score 73.0 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 51 171

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 89 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 Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:

  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate cold weather.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel

    The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:

  • Both the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers weigh 30 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are 17 to 19 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 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.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Versus the Sussex Spaniel

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 73.0 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 73.0 percent, the Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 37 Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    The Popularity of Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 51 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Popularity of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 51 162
    2014 49 175
    2015 47 173
    2016 50 172
    2017 49 161
    2018 53 180
    2019 54 176
    2020 58 172

    Tolerates Being Alone: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel

    Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Sussex Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and Sussex Spaniels?

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier:

  • Cavachon (82 percent match with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Cavachon.
  • Lowchen (80 percent match with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Lowchen.
  • Cockalier (81 percent match with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Cockalier.
  • 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Papillon     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus French Bulldog     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Bich Poo     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Affenhuahua     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Hovawart     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Puli     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus American Water Spaniel     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Akita Chow     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Schipperke     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Shihpoo     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Newfoundland     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Boerboel     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Shiloh Shepherd     Sussex Spaniel versus Standard Schnauzer     Sussex Spaniel versus Manchester Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Brittany     Sussex Spaniel versus Bordoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Pomsky     Sussex Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Sussex Spaniel versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Cavachon     Sussex Spaniel versus Shetland Sheepdog     Sussex Spaniel versus Cavapoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Harrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Sussex Spaniel versus Saint Berdoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Newfoundland     Sussex Spaniel versus Bolognese     Sussex Spaniel versus Standard Poodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Bedlington Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog     Sussex Spaniel versus Shetland Sheepdog     Sussex Spaniel versus Bloodhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Yorkipoo     

    Conclusion: Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.