Is the Clumber Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the Clumber Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel?

The Clumber Spaniel sheds more than the Sussex Spaniel. If shedding is a concern, the Sussex Spaniel is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Clumber Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Clumber Spaniel or Sussex Spaniel bigger?

Clumber Spaniel is the larger breed; Sussex Spaniel is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Clumber Spaniel or Sussex Spaniel?

Sussex Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Clumber Spaniel is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Clumber Spaniel or Sussex Spaniel?

For apartment or apartment living, Clumber Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Clumber Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel: Which Sheds Less?

Clumber Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel: full comparison

Trait	Clumber Spaniel	Sussex Spaniel
Size	Large	Medium
Energy level	Low	Low
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	High	Medium
Barking	Low	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	11 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Clumber Spaniel is a larger dog than the Sussex Spaniel, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Clumber Spaniel is a big, substantial dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Sussex Spaniel is a mid-sized breed that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Clumber Spaniel needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. The Sussex Spaniel needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Clumber Spaniel needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The Sussex Spaniel needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Clumber Spaniel picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally 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, Clumber Spaniel is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Sussex Spaniel is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Clumber Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Clumber Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Clumber Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Sussex Spaniel has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Sussex Spaniel has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Clumber Spaniel if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Choose the Sussex Spaniel if you want a longer-lived breed, you want less shedding around the home, or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Clumber Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel better for families with children?: Both the Clumber Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Clumber Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel?: The Clumber Spaniel sheds more than the Sussex Spaniel. If shedding is a concern, the Sussex Spaniel is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Clumber Spaniel or the Sussex Spaniel?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Clumber Spaniel or Sussex Spaniel bigger?: Clumber Spaniel is the larger breed; Sussex Spaniel is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Clumber Spaniel or Sussex Spaniel?: Sussex Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Clumber Spaniel is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Clumber Spaniel or Sussex Spaniel?: For apartment or apartment living, Clumber Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Clumber Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel