Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel
- Size Comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel
- Lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel
- Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- The Popularity of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel
- Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel?
- Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Which one drools more, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel
- How Kid-friendly are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Sussex Spaniels?
- Does the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
- Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
- Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. Sussex Spaniel
- Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview
Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are similar in size. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are both small-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel
| Factor | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Sussex Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder | 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho |
| Weight | 13 to 18 pounds | 35 to 45 pounds |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 9 to 15 years | 11 to 14 years |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $2410 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1800 – $3000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 85.5 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 17 | 172 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 91 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a better pet than the Sussex Spaniel.
This is because Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel :-). We are for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. So get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighs 13 to 18 pounds when fully grown. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 12 to 13 inches 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel
The lifespan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is between 9 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 12.0 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 Sussex Spaniel live longer than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Temperament of the Sussex Spaniel Versus the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Sussex Spaniel has a better temperament than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
This is because the temperament score for the Sussex Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 85.5 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 85.5 percent, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has an above-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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 62 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and 4 Sussex Spaniels.

The Popularity of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is more popular with dog owners than the Sussex Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 17 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sussex Spaniel is 172 out of about 200 dog breeds.

Popularity of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Popularity of Sussex Spaniel
| Year | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Popularity Rank | Sussex Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 18 | 162 |
| 2014 | 19 | 175 |
| 2015 | 18 | 173 |
| 2016 | 19 | 172 |
| 2017 | 19 | 161 |
| 2018 | 18 | 180 |
| 2019 | 16 | 176 |
| 2020 | 17 | 172 |
| 2021 | 15 | 177 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed more than Sussex Spaniels?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed moderately.
Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Sussex Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to train.
Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Sussex Spaniels?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Sussex Spaniels?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Sussex Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. Sussex Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Sussex Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel compares to other breeds aside from the Sussex Spaniel. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to other breeds:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Fila Brasileiro Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Scottish Deerhound Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bichon Frise Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Finnish Lapphund Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Briard Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bolognese Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Canaan Dog Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shihpoo Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Irish Setter Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus German Pinscher Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Silky Terrier Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Pekingese Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Australian Cattle Dog Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Chihuahua Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Clumber Spaniel
Conclusion: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel better suits you and your family.