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

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

Which sheds more, the Dachshund or the Norwich Terrier?

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

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

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

Is Dachshund or Norwich Terrier bigger?

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

Which barks more, Dachshund or Norwich Terrier?

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

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

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

Dachshund vs Norwich Terrier: Which Is Calmer?

Dachshund vs Norwich Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Dachshund	Norwich 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 compact little dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Norwich Terrier is a compact little dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little 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 Dachshund needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Norwich Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous 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 needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Norwich Terrier needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Dachshund trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Norwich Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Dachshund is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home, whereas Norwich Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Dachshund and Norwich Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Dachshund and Norwich Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Norwich Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Norwich Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Dachshund and Norwich 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 Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Dachshund and the Norwich Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Dachshund or the Norwich Terrier?: The Dachshund and Norwich Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Dachshund or the Norwich Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Dachshund or Norwich Terrier bigger?: Dachshund and Norwich Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Dachshund or Norwich Terrier?: Dachshund tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Norwich Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Dachshund or Norwich Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Dachshund and Norwich Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Dachshund vs Norwich Terrier