Is the Cairn Terrier or the Norwich Terrier better for families with children?

The Cairn Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Cairn Terrier or the Norwich Terrier?

The Cairn Terrier and Norwich Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Cairn Terrier or the Norwich Terrier?

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

Is Cairn Terrier or Norwich Terrier bigger?

Cairn Terrier and Norwich Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Cairn Terrier or Norwich Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Cairn Terrier or Norwich Terrier?

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

Cairn Terrier vs Norwich Terrier: Which Is Calmer?

Cairn Terrier vs Norwich Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Cairn Terrier	Norwich Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	Very High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Very High	High
Typical lifespan	15 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Cairn Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Norwich Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. 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 Cairn Terrier thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. The Norwich Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. 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 Cairn Terrier wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Norwich Terrier wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Cairn Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Norwich Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Cairn Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Norwich Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

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

Which should you choose?

Choose the Cairn Terrier if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the Norwich Terrier if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Cairn Terrier or the Norwich Terrier better for families with children?: The Cairn Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Cairn Terrier or the Norwich Terrier?: The Cairn Terrier and Norwich Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Cairn Terrier or the Norwich Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Cairn Terrier or Norwich Terrier bigger?: Cairn Terrier and Norwich Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Cairn Terrier or Norwich Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Cairn Terrier or Norwich Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Cairn Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Cairn Terrier vs Norwich Terrier