A Detailed Comparison of the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier.

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Sussex Spaniel Versus Toy Fox Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier? 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 Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier 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 Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier 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 Sussex Spaniel and for the Toy Fox Terrier. 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 Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Sussex Spaniel or the Toy Fox Terrier.

Sussex Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the Toy Fox Terrier is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Toy Fox Terrier belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Sussex Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Sussex Spaniel to the Toy Fox Terrier 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 Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier

Factor Sussex Spaniel Toy Fox Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder
Life Span 11 to 14 years 13 to 14 years
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Weight 35 to 45 pounds 3 to 7 pounds
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $875 – $1200
Average Price No Data $1100
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 80.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Congenital Hypothyroidism w/Goiter
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 171 111

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Sussex Spaniel 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 Toy Fox Terrier. 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 Sussex Spaniel is 100 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Toy Fox Terrier is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Sussex Spaniel is a better pet than the Toy Fox 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 Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier are most different:

  • Sussex Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Toy Fox Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Sussex Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Toy Fox Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Sussex Spaniels do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Toy Fox Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Sussex Spaniels have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, Toy Fox Terriers have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Sussex Spaniels have low exercise needs. However, Toy Fox Terriers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Sussex Spaniels can tolerate cold weather. However, Toy Fox Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Sussex Spaniels gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Toy Fox Terriers are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • The Similarities Between the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier

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

  • Both the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier 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 Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Sussex Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier.

    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.

    On the other hand, Toy Fox Terriers weigh 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. Toy Fox Terriers are 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Sussex Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier

    The lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is 12.5 years.

    The lifespan of Toy Fox Terriers is between 13 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Toy Fox Terriers is 13.5 years.

    Toy Fox Terriers live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Toy Fox Terrier Versus the Sussex Spaniel

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Toy Fox Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Toy Fox Terrier is 80.0 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 100.0 percent, the Sussex Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 80.0 percent, the Toy Fox Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 4 Sussex Spaniels and 10 Toy Fox Terriers.

    The Popularity of Sussex Spaniel versus Popularity of Toy Fox Terrier

    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 Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Toy Fox Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Toy Fox Terrier is 111 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 171 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Toy Fox Terrier

    Popularity of Toy Fox Terrier

    Year Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank Toy Fox Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 162 107
    2014 175 115
    2015 173 110
    2016 172 116
    2017 161 112
    2018 180 111
    2019 176 107
    2020 172 113

    Tolerates Being Alone: Sussex Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Toy Fox Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Sussex Spaniels shed more than Toy Fox Terriers?

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Toy Fox Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Sussex Spaniel or the Toy Fox Terrier

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Toy Fox Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Sussex Spaniel or the Toy Fox Terrier?

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Toy Fox Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Sussex Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Toy Fox Terrier?

    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.

    Toy Fox 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.

    Do Sussex Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Toy Fox Terriers?

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

    Toy Fox Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Toy Fox Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Toy Fox Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Sussex Spaniel vs. Toy Fox Terrier

    Sussex Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Toy Fox Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Toy Fox Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Toy Fox Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Sussex Spaniel or the Toy Fox Terrier?

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Toy Fox Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Sussex Spaniels good family dogs? What about Toy Fox Terriers?

    Sussex Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Toy Fox Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Sussex Spaniels and Toy Fox Terriers?

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

    Toy Fox Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Sussex Spaniel Easier to Train than the Toy Fox Terrier?

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Toy Fox Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Sussex Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Toy Fox Terrier?

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Toy Fox Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Sussex Spaniel or the Toy Fox Terrier?

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Toy Fox Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    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 Toy Fox Terrier vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Toy Fox Terrier vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Toy Fox Terrier vs Keeshond.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Toy Fox Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Toy Fox 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 Toy Fox Terrier:

  • Cairn Terrier (78 percent match with Toy Fox Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Ibizan Hound (76 percent match with Toy Fox Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Lowchen (77 percent match with Toy Fox Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Lowchen.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Sussex Spaniel versus Giant Schnauzer     Sussex Spaniel versus Boerboel     Sussex Spaniel versus Shiba Inu     Sussex Spaniel versus Basenji     Sussex Spaniel versus King Shepherd     Sussex Spaniel versus Australian Cattle Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Sussex Spaniel versus Standard Schnauzer     Sussex Spaniel versus Bolognese     Sussex Spaniel versus Kooikerhondje     Sussex Spaniel versus Boston Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Bulldog     Sussex Spaniel versus Basset Hound     Sussex Spaniel versus Scottish Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Pharaoh Hound     Sussex Spaniel versus Valley Bulldog     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinook     Sussex Spaniel versus Schnoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Shichon     Sussex Spaniel versus Norwegian Lundehund     Sussex Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Lhasa Apso     Sussex Spaniel versus Border Terrier     

    Toy Fox Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Toy Fox Terrier versus Papillon     Toy Fox Terrier versus Havanese     Toy Fox Terrier versus Bolognese     Toy Fox Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Toy Fox Terrier versus English Setter     Toy Fox Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Toy Fox Terrier versus Siberian Husky     Toy Fox Terrier versus Pomchi     Toy Fox Terrier versus Pointer     Toy Fox Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Toy Fox Terrier versus Akita     Toy Fox Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Toy Fox Terrier versus Akbash     Toy Fox Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     Toy Fox Terrier versus Chi-Poo     Toy Fox Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Toy Fox Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     Toy Fox Terrier versus Affenpinscher     Toy Fox Terrier versus Mal Shi     Toy Fox Terrier versus Puli     Toy Fox Terrier versus Pekingese     Toy Fox Terrier versus Carolina Dog     Toy Fox Terrier versus Pug     Toy Fox Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Toy Fox Terrier versus Puli     

    Conclusion: Sussex Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier. 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 Sussex Spaniel and the Toy Fox Terrier better suits you and your family.