Sussex Spaniel vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
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
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Miscellaneous Class
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.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Overview
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive short legs and a well-proportioned body. Their smooth, dense coat comes in various color combinations, typically with white as the predominant color. Alert ears, bright eyes, and a confident stance reflect their keen intelligence and spirited nature. These agile terriers move with purpose and grace, embodying both strength and athleticism.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Sussex Spaniels are less energetic than Teddy Roosevelt Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Sussex Spaniels require more grooming attention compared to Teddy Roosevelt Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Sussex Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than Teddy Roosevelt Terriers.
- Trainability: Sussex Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their Sussex Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Teddy Roosevelt Terriers 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 Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Sussex Spaniel | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Sussex Spaniel | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm | 8-15 inches 20-38 cm |
| Weight | 35-45 lbs 16-20 kg | 8-25 lbs 4-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Sussex Spaniel | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Merry, Even-Tempered | Playful, Versatile, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Sussex Spaniel | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Temperament
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is characterized by being playful, versatile, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Sussex Spaniel and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, 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
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 3/5
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.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Teddy Roosevelt Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Sussex Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Spinal Issues
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- von Willebrand's Disease
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Cardiac 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
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Great with families
- Excellent ratters
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- High prey drive
- May bark frequently
- Needs consistent exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Sussex Spaniel and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.