Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Sussex Spaniel Versus West Highland White Terrier: Introduction
- Sussex Spaniel versus West Highland White Terrier: Overview
- Sussex Spaniel versus West Highland White Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Sussex Spaniel and the West Highland White Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Sussex Spaniel and the West Highland White Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Sussex Spaniel versus West Highland White Terrier
- Lifespan of Sussex Spaniel versus West Highland White Terrier
- Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the West Highland White Terrier
- The Popularity of Sussex Spaniel versus Popularity of West Highland White Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Sussex Spaniel versus West Highland White Terrier
- Do Sussex Spaniels shed more than West Highland White Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Sussex Spaniel or the West Highland White Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Sussex Spaniel or the West Highland White Terrier?
- Does the Sussex Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the West Highland White Terrier?
- Do Sussex Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about West Highland White Terriers?
- Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Sussex Spaniel vs. West Highland White Terrier
- Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Sussex Spaniel or the West Highland White Terrier?
- Are Sussex Spaniels good family dogs? What about West Highland White Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Sussex Spaniels and West Highland White Terriers?
- Is the Sussex Spaniel Easier to Train than the West Highland White Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the West Highland White Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Sussex Spaniel versus West Highland White Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Sussex Spaniel Versus West Highland White Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Sussex Spaniel and the West Highland White 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Sussex Spaniel and the West Highland White 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier.
Sussex Spaniel versus West Highland White Terrier: Overview
Both the Sussex Spaniel and the West Highland White Terrier are similar in size. The Sussex Spaniel and the West Highland White Terrier are both small-sized dogs.
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 West Highland White 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.
Sussex Spaniel versus West Highland White Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Sussex Spaniel to the West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier
| Factor | Sussex Spaniel | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho | 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 11 to 14 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 35 to 45 pounds | 13 to 22 pounds |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 12.5 years | 14.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1600 – $2700 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2220 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 89.7 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 171 | 41 |
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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier is 80 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Sussex Spaniel is a better pet than the West Highland White 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier
Below is a list of where the Sussex Spaniel and the West Highland White Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Sussex Spaniel and the West Highland White Terrier
The Sussex Spaniel and the West Highland White Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Sussex Spaniel and the West Highland White Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Sussex Spaniel versus West Highland White Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Sussex Spaniel and the West Highland White 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, West Highland White Terriers weigh 13 to 22 pounds when fully grown. West Highland White Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Sussex Spaniel versus West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is 14.0 years.
West Highland White Terriers live longer than Sussex Spaniels.
Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the West Highland White Terrier
The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the West Highland White Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the West Highland White Terrier is 89.7 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 89.7 percent, the West Highland White Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Sussex Spaniel and the West Highland White Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 4 Sussex Spaniels and 68 West Highland White Terriers.
The Popularity of Sussex Spaniel versus Popularity of West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the West Highland White Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the West Highland White Terrier is 41 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 West Highland White Terrier
| Year | Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank | West Highland White Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 162 | 36 |
| 2014 | 175 | 38 |
| 2015 | 173 | 41 |
| 2016 | 172 | 41 |
| 2017 | 161 | 42 |
| 2018 | 180 | 42 |
| 2019 | 176 | 44 |
| 2020 | 172 | 44 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Sussex Spaniel versus West Highland White Terrier
Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
West Highland White Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Sussex Spaniels shed more than West Highland White Terriers?
Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.
West Highland White Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Sussex Spaniel or the West Highland White Terrier
Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
West Highland White Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Sussex Spaniel or the West Highland White Terrier?
Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
West Highland White Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Sussex Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the West Highland White 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.
West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terriers?
Sussex Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
West Highland White Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
West Highland White Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Sussex Spaniel vs. West Highland White 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.
West Highland White Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier?
Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
West Highland White Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Sussex Spaniels good family dogs? What about West Highland White Terriers?
Sussex Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
West Highland White Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Sussex Spaniels and West Highland White Terriers?
Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
West Highland White Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Sussex Spaniel Easier to Train than the West Highland White Terrier?
Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
West Highland White Terriers are very easy to train.
Is the Sussex Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the West Highland White Terrier?
Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
West Highland White Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Sussex Spaniel or the West Highland White Terrier?
Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
West Highland White Terriers are very good 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the West Highland White Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Sussex Spaniel and how the West Highland White Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Sussex Spaniel and of the West Highland White Terrier to other breeds:
Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sussex Spaniel versus Mudi Sussex Spaniel versus Goldendoodle Sussex Spaniel versus Bulldog Sussex Spaniel versus Border Collie Sussex Spaniel versus Biewer Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz Sussex Spaniel versus Yorkshire Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Finnish Lapphund Sussex Spaniel versus Keeshond Sussex Spaniel versus Boston Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Australian Cattle Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Collie Sussex Spaniel versus Welsh Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Belgian Malinois Sussex Spaniel versus Chihuahua Sussex Spaniel versus Labradoodle Sussex Spaniel versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Sussex Spaniel versus Great Dane Sussex Spaniel versus Curly-Coated Retriever Sussex Spaniel versus Valley Bulldog Sussex Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo Sussex Spaniel versus Weimaraner Sussex Spaniel versus Lakeland Terrier Sussex Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer
West Highland White Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
West Highland White Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund West Highland White Terrier versus Yorkipoo West Highland White Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound West Highland White Terrier versus Boxerdoodle West Highland White Terrier versus Barbet West Highland White Terrier versus Whippet West Highland White Terrier versus Bull Terrier West Highland White Terrier versus Airedale Terrier West Highland White Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle West Highland White Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog West Highland White Terrier versus French Bulldog West Highland White Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever West Highland White Terrier versus Schipperke West Highland White Terrier versus Sheepadoodle West Highland White Terrier versus Pomsky West Highland White Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier West Highland White Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute West Highland White Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne West Highland White Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier West Highland White Terrier versus Australian Kelpie West Highland White Terrier versus Pekingese West Highland White Terrier versus Collie West Highland White Terrier versus Lowchen West Highland White Terrier versus Shichon West Highland White Terrier versus Shichon
Conclusion: Sussex Spaniel versus West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier better suits you and your family.