Taiwan Dog 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.
Taiwan Dog
Foundation Stock Service
Sussex Spaniel
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Taiwan Dog Overview
Taiwan Dogs possess a lean, muscular build with distinctive triangular ears and a sickle-shaped tail. Their short, dense coat comes in black, brindle, or fawn colors. Alert and agile, these medium-sized dogs showcase remarkable athleticism and natural hunting abilities. Their facial expressions convey intelligence and vigilance, while their balanced proportions reflect their versatile working heritage.
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: Taiwan Dogs are more energetic than Sussex Spaniels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Taiwan Dogs require less grooming attention compared to Sussex Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Taiwan Dogs tend to be more reserved 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 Taiwan Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Taiwan Dog and Sussex Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Taiwan Dog | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 9-13 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Taiwan Dog | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm |
| Weight | 26-40 lbs 12-18 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 | Taiwan Dog | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Versatile, Intelligent | Friendly, Merry, Even-Tempered |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Taiwan Dog | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Taiwan Dog Temperament
The Taiwan Dog is known for being loyal, versatile, intelligent, 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. 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 Taiwan Dog 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
Taiwan Dog
Rating: 3/5
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Taiwan Dog
Rating: 3/5
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Taiwan Dog
Rating: 5/5
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Taiwan Dog
Rating: 1/5
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Taiwan Dog
Rating: 3/5
Sussex Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Taiwan Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Taiwan Dogs 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, Taiwan Dogs 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
Taiwan Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Allergies
- Dental issues
Sussex Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Spinal Issues
Pros & Cons
Taiwan Dog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent watchdog
- Low maintenance grooming
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Requires extensive exercise
- May be territorial
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 Taiwan Dog and Sussex Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.