Last Updated: Apr 09, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Yorkshire Terrier Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
- Yorkshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
- Yorkshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
- Size Comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
- Lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
- Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Yorkshire Terrier
- The Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Yorkshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
- Do Yorkshire Terriers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Is the Yorkshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Which one drools more, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel
- How Kid-friendly are Yorkshire Terriers and Sussex Spaniels?
- Does the Yorkshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Do Yorkshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Yorkshire Terrier vs. Sussex Spaniel
- Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Yorkshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Yorkshire Terrier Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel.
Yorkshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Yorkshire Terrier 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.
Yorkshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
| Factor | Yorkshire Terrier | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 11 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 4 to 6 pounds | 35 to 45 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $2420 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1600 – $2950 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 83.7 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 9 | 172 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is 76 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 Yorkshire Terrier is a better pet than the Sussex Spaniel.
This is because Yorkshire Terriers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Yorkshire Terrier will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Yorkshire Terrier :-). We are for the Yorkshire Terrier. So get a Yorkshire Terrier!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Yorkshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel
The Yorkshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Yorkshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel.
The Yorkshire Terrier weighs 4 to 6 pounds when fully grown. The Yorkshire Terrier is 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Sussex Spaniel weighs 35 to 45 pounds when fully grown. The Sussex Spaniel is 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho when fully grown.
Lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
The lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of the Sussex Spaniel is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Sussex Spaniel is 12.5 years.
The Yorkshire Terrier live longer than the Sussex Spaniel.
Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Yorkshire Terrier
The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Yorkshire Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Yorkshire Terrier is 83.7 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 83.7 percent, the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 43 Yorkshire Terriers and 4 Sussex Spaniels.
The Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Yorkshire Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Yorkshire Terrier is 9 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 172 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier
Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
| Year | Yorkshire Terrier Popularity Rank | Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 6 | 162 |
| 2014 | 6 | 175 |
| 2015 | 7 | 173 |
| 2016 | 9 | 172 |
| 2017 | 9 | 161 |
| 2018 | 10 | 180 |
| 2019 | 12 | 176 |
| 2020 | 13 | 172 |
| 2021 | 13 | 177 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Yorkshire Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel
Yorkshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Yorkshire Terriers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
Yorkshire Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
Yorkshire Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
Yorkshire Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Yorkshire Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Sussex Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Yorkshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
Yorkshire Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel
Yorkshire Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Yorkshire Terriers and Sussex Spaniels?
Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Yorkshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
Yorkshire Terriers 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.
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 Yorkshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Yorkshire Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Sussex Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Yorkshire Terrier vs. Sussex Spaniel
Yorkshire Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
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 Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Yorkshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?
Yorkshire Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Sussex Spaniel?
Yorkshire Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Yorkshire Terrier compares to other breeds aside from the Sussex Spaniel. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier to other breeds:
Yorkshire Terrier versus Jack Russell Terrier Yorkshire Terrier versus Affenpinscher Yorkshire Terrier versus Pug Yorkshire Terrier versus Borzoi Yorkshire Terrier versus Collie Yorkshire Terrier versus Bordoodle Yorkshire Terrier versus Cavachon Yorkshire Terrier versus Schnoodle Yorkshire Terrier versus American Foxhound Yorkshire Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound Yorkshire Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd Yorkshire Terrier versus Briard Yorkshire Terrier versus Pomapoo
Conclusion: Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.