Why you Should Get the Pomeranian Instead of the Sussex Spaniel.

Last Updated: Apr 12, 2022

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Pomeranian Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian or the Sussex Spaniel.

Pomeranian versus Sussex Spaniel

Pomeranian versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pomeranian is a tiny-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Pomeranian 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.

Pomeranian versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel

FactorPomeranianSussex Spaniel
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/55/5
Life Span12 to 16 years11 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/55/5
Kid-Friendly2/55/5
Dog Friendly2/55/5
Easy To Groom2/54/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Low Prey Drive4/55/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/55/5
Minimal Exercise Needs4/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/55/5
General Health3/54/5
NOT Rambunctious3/54/5
Potential For Playfulness3/54/5
Weight3 to 7 pounds35 to 45 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/55/5
Good For Novice Owners4/55/5
Easygoing2/51/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/55/5
Does NOT Shed2/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/51/5
Easy To Train4/53/5
Intelligence4/55/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl1/52/5
Height7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Average Lifespan14.0 years12.5 years
Average Price$2150No Data
Price Range$1500 – $2500No Data
Temperament Score77.8 percent100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds22172

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian is 79 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 Pomeranian is a better pet than the Sussex Spaniel.

    This is because Pomeranians are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Pomeranian will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Pomeranian :-). We are for the Pomeranian. So get a Pomeranian!

    Pomeranian versus Sussex Spaniel

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:

  • Pomeranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
  • Pomeranians do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs. However, Sussex Spaniels get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel

    The Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:

  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus Sussex Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel.

    The Pomeranian weighs 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. The Pomeranian is 7 to 12 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.

    Size of Pomeranian versus Size of Sussex Spaniel

    Lifespan of Pomeranian versus Sussex Spaniel

    The lifespan of the Pomeranian is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Pomeranian is 14.0 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 Pomeranian live longer than the Sussex Spaniel.

    Pomeranian versus Sussex Spaniel

    Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Pomeranian

    The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Pomeranian.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Pomeranian is 77.8 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 77.8 percent, the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 36 Pomeranians and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

    Pomeranian versus Sussex Spaniel

    The Popularity of Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pomeranian is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pomeranian is 22 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 172 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Pomeranian

    Popularity of Pomeranian

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Popularity of Sussex Spaniel

    Year Pomeranian Popularity Rank Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 19 162
    2014 20 175
    2015 21 173
    2016 22 172
    2017 22 161
    2018 23 180
    2019 24 176
    2020 23 172
    2021 24 177

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pomeranian versus Sussex Spaniel

    Pomeranians do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pomeranians shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

    Pomeranians shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pomeranian or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Pomeranians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Sussex Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Pomeranians are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Sussex Spaniel

    Pomeranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Sussex Spaniels?

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?

    Pomeranians are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Sussex Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pomeranians can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Sussex Spaniel

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pomeranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Pomeranian Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Pomeranians adapt very well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pomeranian or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Pomeranians are very good for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Pomeranian compares to other breeds aside from the Sussex Spaniel. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Pomeranian to other breeds:

    Pomeranian versus Patterdale Terrier     Pomeranian versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Pomeranian versus Shetland Sheepdog     Pomeranian versus Australian Cattle Dog     Pomeranian versus Cavachon     Pomeranian versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Pomeranian versus Pointer     Pomeranian versus Brussels Griffon     Pomeranian versus Standard Schnauzer     Pomeranian versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Pomeranian versus Keeshond     Pomeranian versus Berger Picard     Pomeranian versus German Longhaired Pointer     

    Conclusion: Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.