Last Updated: Mar 22, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Chihuahua Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
- Chihuahua versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
- Chihuahua versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Sussex Spaniel
- Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Sussex Spaniel
- Temperament of the Chihuahua Versus the Sussex Spaniel
- The Popularity of Chihuahua versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Sussex Spaniel
- Do Chihuahuas shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Sussex Spaniel
- How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Sussex Spaniels?
- Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Sussex Spaniel
- Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Chihuahua Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you.We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Chihuahua and for the Sussex Spaniel. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Chihuahua or the Sussex Spaniel.
Read on.
Chihuahua versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chihuahua is a tiny-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Chihuahua belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
On the other hand, the Sussex Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Chihuahua versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Chihuahua to the Sussex Spaniel based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel
| Factor | Chihuahua | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 18 years | 11 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 3 to 6 pounds | 35 to 45 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1820 | No Data |
| Price Range | $850 – $2500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 69.6 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 30 | 172 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Sussex Spaniel. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Sussex Spaniel, we still believe that the Chihuahua is a better pet than the Sussex Spaniel.
This is because Chihuahuas are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Chihuahua will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Chihuahua :-). We are for the Chihuahua. So get a Chihuahua!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel
The Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Sussex Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel.
Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Sussex Spaniels weigh 35 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Sussex Spaniels are 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho when fully grown.
Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Sussex Spaniel
The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is 12.5 years.
Chihuahuas live longer than Sussex Spaniels.
Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.
Temperament of the Chihuahua Versus the Sussex Spaniel
The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Chihuahua.
This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Chihuahua is 69.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 69.6 percent, the Chihuahua has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Sussex Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 46 Chihuahuas and 4 Sussex Spaniels.
The Popularity of Chihuahua versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chihuahua is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Chihuahua is 30 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 172 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Chihuahua
Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
| Year | Chihuahua Popularity Rank | Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 22 | 162 |
| 2014 | 24 | 175 |
| 2015 | 28 | 173 |
| 2016 | 30 | 172 |
| 2017 | 32 | 161 |
| 2018 | 33 | 180 |
| 2019 | 35 | 176 |
| 2020 | 34 | 172 |
| 2021 | 37 | 177 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Sussex Spaniel
Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.
Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Chihuahuas shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua
Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Sussex Spaniel?
Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.
To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.
Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.
Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Sussex Spaniel?
Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.
Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Chihuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.
Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.
Sussex Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
Chihuahuas are very easy to train.
Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Sussex Spaniel
Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.
Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Sussex Spaniels?
Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
Chihuahuas have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Sussex Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.
Sussex Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Sussex Spaniel
Chihuahuas do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Sussex Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Chihuahuas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?
Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.
Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chihuahua or the Sussex Spaniel?
Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.
Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Chihuahua and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.