Is the American Water Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel better for families with children?

Both the American Water Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the American Water Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel?

The American Water Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the American Water Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel?

The American Water Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is American Water Spaniel or Sussex Spaniel bigger?

American Water Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, American Water Spaniel or Sussex Spaniel?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, American Water Spaniel or Sussex Spaniel?

For apartment or apartment living, Sussex Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Water Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel: Which Is Calmer?

American Water Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel: full comparison

Trait	American Water Spaniel	Sussex Spaniel
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	Low
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The American Water Spaniel has noticeably higher energy than the Sussex Spaniel.

Size and living space

The American Water Spaniel is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Sussex Spaniel is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The American Water Spaniel needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Sussex Spaniel needs light but regular activity to stay content. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The American Water Spaniel needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Sussex Spaniel needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Water Spaniel takes to training fast and works willingly, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Sussex Spaniel picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, American Water Spaniel announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Sussex Spaniel shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Sussex Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, American Water Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, American Water Spaniel has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, American Water Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, American Water Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Water Spaniel if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Choose the Sussex Spaniel if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Water Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel better for families with children?: Both the American Water Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Water Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel?: The American Water Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the American Water Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel?: The American Water Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is American Water Spaniel or Sussex Spaniel bigger?: American Water Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, American Water Spaniel or Sussex Spaniel?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, American Water Spaniel or Sussex Spaniel?: For apartment or apartment living, Sussex Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Water Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel