Sussex Spaniel vs English Toy Spaniel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Sussex Spaniel
Sporting Group
English Toy Spaniel
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
English Toy Spaniel Overview
English Toy Spaniels feature a distinctive domed head, short muzzle, and large, dark eyes that give them an endearing expression. Their silky coat comes in four color combinations, with long feathering on ears, chest, and legs. Compact and square-proportioned, these gentle companions carry themselves with a dignified yet playful air, typically standing 9-10 inches at the shoulder.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Sussex Spaniels are less energetic than English Toy Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Sussex Spaniels require less grooming attention compared to English Toy Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Sussex Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Toy Spaniels.
- Trainability: English Toy Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their English Toy Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Toy Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Sussex Spaniels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Sussex Spaniel and English Toy Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Sussex Spaniel | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Sussex Spaniel | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm |
| Weight | 35-45 lbs 16-20 kg | 8-14 lbs 4-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Sussex Spaniel | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Merry, Even-Tempered | Gentle, Playful, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Sussex Spaniel | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Sussex Spaniel Temperament
The Sussex Spaniel is known for being friendly, merry, even-tempered, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
English Toy Spaniel Temperament
The English Toy Spaniel is characterized by being gentle, playful, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Sussex Spaniel and English Toy 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
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Sussex Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Sussex Spaniels 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, Sussex Spaniels require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
English Toy Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Toy 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, English Toy 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
Sussex Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Spinal Issues
English Toy Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart Disease
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Syringomyelia
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
Sussex Spaniel
Pros
- Gentle temperament
- Good with families
- Loyal companion
- Moderate exercise needs
Cons
- Independent nature
- Stubborn streak
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
English Toy Spaniel
Pros
- Gentle temperament
- Good with families
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Affectionate nature
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Health issues common
- Can be stubborn
- Temperature sensitive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Sussex Spaniel and English Toy Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.