Sussex Spaniel vs Hawaiian Poi Dog - Breed Comparison

Hawaiian Poi Dog is originated from Indonesia but Sussex Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom. Both Hawaiian Poi Dog and Sussex Spaniel are of same height. Both Hawaiian Poi Dog and Sussex Spaniel are having almost same weight. Hawaiian Poi Dog may live 7 years less than Sussex Spaniel. Hawaiian Poi Dog may have less litter size than Sussex Spaniel. Hawaiian Poi Dog requires Low Maintenance. But Sussex Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Sporting dog
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Indonesia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
36 - 38 cm
14 - 15 inches
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
Height Female:
34 - 36 cm
13 - 15 inches
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 15 kg
15 - 34 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 13 kg
13 - 29 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
5 - 8 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
2 - 8
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Native Hawaiian Dog, and Hawaiian Islanders’ Dog., Poi Dog, Ilio, Hawaiian Dog
The Sussex
Colors Available:
any color with white markings, brown mostly
Golden liver
Coat:
short and fine
Quite long, thick, silky
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

The Hawaiian Poi Dog was a descendent of the dogs brought to the Islands by the Polynesian. These Polynesian dogs were themselves descendants of the kuri dog of New Zealand. These kuri dogs were originally from Indonesia. The Hawaiian Poi dog is now extinct but at one time was considered the spiritual protector of Hawaiian children and also used as food by hungry Native Hawaiians.

The dog was called poi which was the word for a food staple mad from the root of Taro and used to put weight on the dogs before they were eaten. Meat was not fed to the dogs because it was too scarce. There was no large mammals to hunt and so the breed was never given a standard. The Poi dog seen by European explorers were short legged, pot bellied canines that lived with the hogs in the towns. Because of what they ate, the dogs were not highly intelligent but were stubborn and hard to train. Because the dogs were not suited for much beyond food and a spiritual charm, they became extinct when the traditional religion was no longer practiced and eating dogs was no longer acceptable. The breed pretty much disappeared by the early 20th century. Very few images of the dogs remain except for ancient petroglyphs.

There was an attempt by the Honolulu Zoo in the late 1960’s to redevelop the breed using local dogs to determine a standard. Then the local dogs were bred as close to the standard as possible. In the third generation one dog was born with the traits of a Poi dog. There was not much more success with this and then the Polynesian ship travel between Tahiti and Hawaii was recreated and a dog taken along.

Today’s mixed breed dogs in Hawaii are called Poi dogs but also have the stubbornness, unique appearance and ability to eat anything it is given like the original Poi. The dogs are small, and should not be confused with the original Poi dogs.

sussex spanielThe 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.

Description

As previously mentioned the Poi dog is somewhat unusual in size and shape due to what they ate. They looked somewhat like the native dogs of Polynesia and New Zealand. They have short legs, long bodies, somewhat obese and a very flat head. He had a short smooth coat, in any color or any pattern. They were however mostly brown and they might or might not have white markings.

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.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

The Hawaiian Poi dog was very friendly and good with children

Special talents

The Poi was considered a good luck charm and a spiritual protector of children

Adaptability

Given what they faced in life, the Poi dog was very adaptable, living anywhere on the islands and eating anything it could find.

Learning ability

Due to their poor diet, the Hawaiian Poi dog was seriously lacking in intelligence and learning ability.

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.

Health Problems

Probably due to its diet, the Poi dog had several problems to their health. Their poor diet led to a sluggishness both in movement and intelligence. Its development was hampered by a lack of protein. Malnutrition and serious over inbreeding caused a weakness and poor oral hygiene. Due to this lack of teeth and chewing the bones in the dogs heads became flat. The Poi had breathing issues and overall lethargy.

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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

With meat being rare in Hawaii, none was available for the dogs. They were fed Poi – from the Taro plant roots. Puppies were fed 2-3 times a day.

Feeding the adult

The adult dog was fed once or twice a day the same as Poi puppies were fed.

Points for Good Health

The Hawaiian Poi dog basically has not good health points.

Games and Exercises

The Poi dog did not need and did not get much exercise, leading to its demise.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  34. Sussex Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Sussex Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Sussex Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Sussex Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Sussex Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Sussex Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Sussex Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Sussex Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Sussex Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Sussex Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Sussex Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Sussex Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Sussex Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Sussex Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Sussex Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Sussex Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Sussex Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison