Sussex Spaniel vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Sussex Spaniel vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed ComparisonSussex Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom but Picardy Spaniel is originated from France. Sussex Spaniel may grow 23 cm / 9 inches shorter than Picardy Spaniel. Both Sussex Spaniel and Picardy Spaniel are having almost same weight. Both Sussex Spaniel and Picardy Spaniel has almost same life span. Both Sussex Spaniel and Picardy Spaniel has same litter size. Both Sussex Spaniel and Picardy Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance.

History

sussex spaniel - historyThe Sussex Spaniel comes from Sussex in southern England. The whole purpose of his development was for him to rush between reeds, causing birds to fly up and for their owners to then shoot them so that they could retrieve them.

His history dates back to the 19th century when breeding for the dog started. The first breed standard was also written during this time.

It was about in 1969 that some of these Sussex Spaniels were imported to the United States where they were referred to as a sporting breed. Today they are still a rare breed.

picardy spaniel - historyThe Picardy Spaniel hails from France and has always been used as a gundog, having been crossed with different British hunting dogs.

While this dog breed is related to the Blue Picardy Spaniel, the Picardy is the older of the two breeds. It has always been sought after by the French nobility for its hunting skills and the fact that its weather resistant coat allowed it to hunt in all kinds of weather conditions.

The dog’s popularity waned in the early 20th century. The UKC have recognized the Picardy Spaniel as a Gun Dog and the breed has also been accepted within the FCI as a Pointing dog group.

Description

sussex spaniel puppy - descriptionWith his low, long body and short legs, this beautiful golden liver color spaniel has long, silky ears and a long, feathery tail.

He is a moderate shedder. He is quite a distinctive looking dog with his silky coat and sombre expression. You’d descibe him as medium sized dog, standing at between 33 – 38cm in height and weighing 16 -20kg.

Temperament:

The Sussex Spaniel is more slow and sedate than the Cocker Spaniel but he still makes an excellent pet and companion.

He is strong and robust. He is clever too, but slightly stubborn, while also being clownish and entertaining. They’re the kind of dogs who bond strongly with their family and aren’t that enthusiastic with strangers.

They take a while to warm towards people they don’t know. He is steady, reliable and determined and makes a good watchdog. Because he is gentle and even tempered he makes an ideal pet for children and he is able to get on well with other dogs too.

It’s good to have them trained and socialized as they become even more amicable around other people and dogs they don’t know.

picardy spaniel puppy - descriptionThe Picardy Spaniel is larger than other spaniels. It is described as a medium sized dog, standing at 56 – 61cm in height and weighing between 20 and 25 kilograms. The body of the spaniel is squarely built and muscular body. The dog has long floppy ears and the coat which is shortish in areas except for feathering around the legs and belly can vary in colour from red to chestnut brown to sandy and chocolate. The tail is long and feathered.

Temperament:

The Picardy Spaniel is a docile breed of dog and makes a great family pet, loving being playful with the children in the home and getting on well with other dogs. He is gentle but sociable and intelligent too and is easy to train and socialize.

Although he has been used as a hunting dog he can slot into life in the city or the countryside. He can be indoors or outdoors and still be happy, so long as his family members are close by.

He is an active dog though, and won’t be content to be sitting around for too long, loving nothing more than to be chasing a ball or going for a walk with you.

Characteristics

The Sussex Spaniel makes the perfect pet for families where there are children.

sussex spaniel dog - characteristicsHe is a low drooling dog and he adapts easily to life with his human family, preferably in the countryside.

He isn’t the most intelligent breed, but most people love him just like that because he’s eager to please and just wants to be your trusted, loyal pet and companion.

picardy spaniel dog - characteristicsThe Picardy Spaniel is a docile dog who forms strong bonds with his human family.

He doesn’t gel easily with strangers though, but socialization and training will at least make him well behaved among strangers.

A well-mannered Picardy Spaniel is a joy in the home, and this gentle dog is guaranteed to make you the most wonderfully loyal and loving pet and companion.

Health Problems

sussex spaniel puppies - health problemsYour Sussex, like any other dog, is going to be prone to some diseases and conditions. If you are going for a puppy, always look for a reputable dog breeder, as this at least gives your dog a better chance of a healthy life.

Some health conditions that can affect your Sussex Spaniel include -

Pulmonic Stenosis: 

This is a congenital heart disease where blood doesn't flow properly and where the right side of the heart works harder and actually enlarges.

If the obstruction is severe, it can cause arrhythmia or congestive heart failure.

If the stenosis is mild, you may not even notice any conditions, but if it's severe, your pet may have difficulty with breathing, his stomach may be distended, and with strenuous exercise he could even collapse.

Intervertebral Disc Disease:

This is when a disc in the spine ruptures and pushes upward into the spinal cord. It can be an injury or an inherited condition.It is painful and will include anti-inflammatory medications and possibly surgery.

picardy spaniel puppies - health problemsWithout any major health issues, your Picardy can reach 14 years of age and possibly even older. A couple of common dog conditions to be on the watch for include:

Ear Infections:

Your beautiful Picardy Spaniel has floppy ears and this opens up the tendency to suffer with ear infections. The inside of the ears are moist and hot and you as the dog owner can try to keep the inside of the ear clean and dry.

He is a dog that loves water too, and swimming encourages dampness. If you prefer not to work on the inside of the ears, dog groomers or your vet can clean the ears for you. An ear infection can be painful for your pet and it will require veterinary intervention.

Obesity:

These are dogs which can pick up weight quite easily. Dogs which are overweight are more prone to developing cancer, diabetes and heart disease, not to mention joint problems.

Other problems to look out for include cancer, bloat, dental disease and parasites.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

sussex spaniel dogs - caringBecause of the long, silky hair, brushing your Sussex twice a week will be necessary to prevent matting from dirt adhering to the fur.

The insides of those long floppy ears can be a breeding spot for bacteria as they don’t easily dry. When you brush him, check inside the ears to make sure they aren't red which could be a sign of ear infection.

Remember, if you don’t like to do all the grooming chores there are, a grooming parlour will do the chores for you. They cut your dog’s hair, check inside his ears, clean his teeth and trim his nails.

Diet:

Every dog needs excellent food to be healthy. Many people feed their pets the wrong kinds of foods and then wonder why they have to fork up so much on vets fees.

If you feed your Sussex Spaniel one of the commercial manufactured foods, make sure its one of the good ones packed with vitamins and minerals. Tasty home-made food added to his kibble a couple of times a week can do him the world of good if its kept simple – no spicey, exotic foods that can upset the stomach.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure a healthy, happy pet.

To avoid skin allergies and a dull coat, try and add in some raw meat occasionally. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

These dogs have been accustomed to a life of running in open spaces and they’re going to want lots of exercise. They love ball games and they love a walk in the countryside with lots of new scents to follow.

It’s why this dog isn’t suited to life in a small city property. He needs space and the outdoors to use up his energy.

Grooming:

picardy spaniel dogs - caringYour Picardy has a thick coat which sheds and the coat should be brushed at least twice a week to prevent matting. The ears of the Picardy Spaniel require special attention. Because they are long they will need to be cleaned and kept dry otherwise an ear infection can develop.

At the same time, check your pet over for ticks and fleas, check his eyes, keep the nails trimmed, and check inside his mouth for rotting teeth which can be the source of many health problems if left untreated.

Feeding your Picardy:

If you have a puppy, you will need to provide 4 bowls of food in a 24 hour period. Check on the directions provided on the food packaging to see how much to feed your puppy.

By the time your Picardy is one year of age, he can move over to 2 bowls of food a day. Only the highest quality commercially manufactured food will be good enough for your dog. Food and its quality impacts the health and longevity of your pet.

Apart from dry kibble, try and provide some home-made food, keeping it as simple as possible. Dogs thrive on simple, consistent foods. Chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots added to the kibble now and then will thrill your pet. Occasionally you can also add in some raw meat.

Avoid feeding your dog things like coffee, chocolates, popcorn, nuts and onions as all these will just upset your dog's digestive system. The secret is to keep things simple and nutritious.

Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, cool water.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Gun dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
France
Height Male:
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
6 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
The Sussex
Épagneul Picard
Colors Available:
Golden liver
chocolate, Chestnut brown, sandy colored markings
Coat:
Quite long, thick, silky
Shortish, dense, slightly wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sussex Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. Sussex Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Sussex Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Sussex Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Sussex Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  6. Sussex Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  7. Sussex Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  8. Sussex Spaniel vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  9. Sussex Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Sussex Spaniel vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Sussex Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Sussex Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  13. Sussex Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  14. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  15. Sussex Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Sussex Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  17. Sussex Spaniel vs Slovakian Hound - Breed Comparison
  18. Sussex Spaniel vs Small Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  19. Sussex Spaniel vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  20. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  21. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Pudelpointer vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Picardy Spaniel vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Picardy Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  30. Picardy Spaniel vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  31. Picardy Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  32. Picardy Spaniel vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Picardy Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Picardy Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  35. Picardy Spaniel vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  36. Picardy Spaniel vs Ariege Pointer - Breed Comparison
  37. Picardy Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Picardy Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Picardy Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  40. Picardy Spaniel vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  41. Picardy Spaniel vs Clumber Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Picardy Spaniel vs Large Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  43. Picardy Spaniel vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  44. Picardy Spaniel vs Cesky Fousek - Breed Comparison
  45. Picardy Spaniel vs Drentse Patrijshond - Breed Comparison
  46. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Stabyhoun vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Vizsla vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Tyrolean Hound vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds