Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs Sussex Spaniel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Herding Group
Sussex Spaniel
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Overview
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are distinctive herding dogs with long bodies, short legs, and fox-like faces. Their double coat comes in various colors including red, sable, and brindle, often with white markings. Alert and confident, these intelligent dogs combine a strong work ethic with affectionate companionship, making them excellent family pets while maintaining their herding instincts.
Sussex Spaniel Overview
Sussex Spaniels showcase a distinctive golden-liver colored coat and long, low-set body structure. Their strong, muscular build belies their gentle, even-tempered nature. Notable features include a furrowed brow giving a characteristic frown, pendulous ears, and substantial bone structure. These compact sporting dogs move with a rolling gait, reflecting their historical purpose as deliberate hunting companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Cardigan Welsh Corgis are more energetic than Sussex Spaniels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Cardigan Welsh Corgis require less grooming attention compared to Sussex Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Cardigan Welsh Corgis tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Sussex Spaniels.
- Trainability: Sussex Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their Sussex Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Sussex Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Cardigan Welsh Corgis typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Sussex Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-13 inches 27-32 cm | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm |
| Weight | 25-38 lbs 11-17 kg | 35-45 lbs 16-20 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Smart | Friendly, Merry, Even-Tempered |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Temperament
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is known for being affectionate, loyal, smart, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Sussex Spaniel Temperament
The Sussex Spaniel is characterized by being friendly, merry, even-tempered, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Sussex Spaniel, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rating: 2/5
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Cardigan Welsh Corgis require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Cardigan Welsh Corgis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Sussex Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Sussex Spaniels need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Sussex Spaniels require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- DM
- IVDD
- CHD
Sussex Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Spinal Issues
Pros & Cons
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Loyal family companion
- Good watchdog
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- Prone to back problems
- Heavy shedder
- Can be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
Sussex Spaniel
Pros
- Gentle temperament
- Good with families
- Loyal companion
- Moderate exercise needs
Cons
- Independent nature
- Stubborn streak
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Sussex Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.