Is the Dachshund or the Norfolk Terrier better for families with children?

Both the Dachshund and the Norfolk Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Dachshund or the Norfolk Terrier?

The Dachshund and Norfolk Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Dachshund or the Norfolk Terrier?

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

Is Dachshund or Norfolk Terrier bigger?

Dachshund and Norfolk Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Dachshund or Norfolk Terrier?

Dachshund tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Norfolk Terrier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Dachshund or Norfolk Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Dachshund and Norfolk Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Dachshund vs Norfolk Terrier: Which Is Calmer?

Dachshund vs Norfolk Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Dachshund	Norfolk Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	High	Medium
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Dachshund is a small but sturdy breed that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Norfolk Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. 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 Dachshund wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Norfolk Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. 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 Dachshund wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Norfolk 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 Dachshund picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and suits families with children particularly well. The Norfolk Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Dachshund is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home, whereas Norfolk Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Dachshund and Norfolk Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Dachshund and Norfolk Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Norfolk Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Norfolk Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Dachshund and Norfolk Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Dachshund if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the Norfolk Terrier if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, you prefer a quieter dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Dachshund or the Norfolk Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Dachshund and the Norfolk Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Dachshund or the Norfolk Terrier?: The Dachshund and Norfolk Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Dachshund or the Norfolk Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Dachshund or Norfolk Terrier bigger?: Dachshund and Norfolk Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Dachshund or Norfolk Terrier?: Dachshund tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Norfolk Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Dachshund or Norfolk Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Dachshund and Norfolk Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Dachshund vs Norfolk Terrier