Sussex Spaniel vs Schnauzerdor - Breed Comparison

With these modern day mixed-breeds, there is no history or records of when they came into being so we assume the USA. And so it it with the Schnauzer Lab mix breed. Each of the parent dogs – the Schnauzer and the Labrador, have their own histories.

It is uncertain how the Schnauzerdor came into being. Not so long ago, puppies born from different parents were simply labeled mongrels, but today they have been specifically bred. With these dogs you are never really sure how the puppies will turn out, and even within one litter, the puppies can be different looking.

The 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.

A Schnauzer Labrador or Schnauzerdor is much the same size of the Labrador if the parents were a Labrador and a standard Schnauzer.

You can expect the height to be roughly between 50 to 62cm and weight could be anything from 20 to 35kg. Everything will depend on the size of the Schnauzer really as there are 3 kinds – miniature, standard and giant.

There’ is no way of knowing what physical characteristics the Schnauzerdor will get from each parent. The coat of these dogs can be anything from smooth to wiry and they can also be in a number of different colors, from yellow to cream, grey, black, brown.

Temperament:

Schnauzers and Labradors are intelligent dogs so the Schnauzerdor is guaranteed to turn out smart. Make sure that your Schnauzerdor receives training and socialization. Clever dogs like this won’t battle with training and it can ensure your pet is obedient and balanced, knowing how to behave around different people and in different situations.

Schnauzers are considered non-shedding and hypoallergenic, so it could be that your Schnauzerdor ends up with a low shedding coat.

Your dog is likely to be social, playful, energetic and a good watchdog. They are loving and loyal to their human family members.

With 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.

The Schnauzer Lab is a crossbreed so this essentially means that your dog can have behavioral traits from either of the parents.

They're social, friendly, loving dogs that can also make good watchdogs. The Schnauzerdor gets on well with children and can get on with other dogs too. With training and socialization he becomes much more amicable and obedient, making a super family companion.

You can be sure that he is going to make your family a great playmate, friend and pet.

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

He 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.

Your Schnauzerdog can live to be between 10 and 14 years of age if looked after well. There are some dog illnesses that many dogs succumb to, regardless of breed or age -

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip dysplasia is when the hip joints don’t develop properly. You notice your dog is reluctant to play and even battles to get up again after lying down. Hip dysplasia can lead to painful arthritis and you will need to get him to the vet for pain relief and a treatment plan.

Obesity:

This dog loves his food, and because you love him so much, it will be tempting to pop treats into his mouth all the time. It is so easy to overfeed these dogs and obesity is a big problem and can contribute to joint problems with a dog as well as strain on the heart and other organs.

Your 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.

Check your Schnauzerdor’s ears and eyes for infection. Look inside his mouth and check for bad teeth. When you brush him twice a week, check him over for new lumps.Trim his claws.

Your Schnauzerdor is an active dog and he will require vigorous exercise every day. A daily walk won't be enough for this dog. He will want runs in the park off his leash as well as rope- and ball games.

Give your Schnauzerdor the best chance to enjoy good health by providing him with good food.

There are some good commercially manufactured dog foods out there and they can be a good, convenient choice, especially if you choose the high quality ones known for their wholesome, natural ingredients.

Give him some home-made food too which can be added into the dry kibble twice a week. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Chop all this up and as a treat, add some of this into the dry kibble.

Your dog’s wagging tail will be all the thanks you need. Try to also include some raw meat occasionally. Never leave your pet without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

Because 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.