Papillon 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.
Papillon
Toy Group
Sussex Spaniel
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Papillon Overview
Graceful and elegant, Papillons are distinguished by their butterfly-like ears adorned with flowing fringed hair. Their refined build combines delicate features with a hardy constitution, sporting a silky coat in white with patches of various colors. Alert and lively, these intelligent companions carry themselves with remarkable poise while maintaining a spirited, friendly demeanor.
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: Papillons are less energetic than Sussex Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Papillons require less grooming attention compared to Sussex Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Papillons 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 Papillons typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Papillon and Sussex Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Papillon | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | France | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Papillon | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm |
| Weight | 5-10 lbs 2-5 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 | Papillon | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Alert, Happy | Friendly, Merry, Even-Tempered |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Papillon | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Papillon Temperament
The Papillon is known for being friendly, alert, happy, 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. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
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 Papillon 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
Papillon
Rating: 5/5
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Papillon
Rating: 1/5
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Papillon Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Papillons require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Papillons 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
Papillon Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Sussex Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Spinal Issues
Pros & Cons
Papillon
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Easy to train
- Good with families
- Adaptable
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Can be yappy
- Delicate build
- May be stubborn
- Separation anxiety prone
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 Papillon and Sussex Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.