Lakeland Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier: full comparison
| Trait | Lakeland Terrier | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Energy level | High | High |
| Trainability | Medium | Medium |
| Friendliness | High | High |
| Good with children | High | High |
| Grooming needs | High | Medium |
| Shedding | Low | Medium |
| Barking | Medium | Medium |
| Protectiveness | Medium | Medium |
| Adaptability | High | High |
| Typical lifespan | 14 years | 14 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Size and living space
The Lakeland Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Norfolk Terrier is a small but sturdy breed 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 Lakeland Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Norfolk Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The Lakeland Terrier needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds only lightly. The Norfolk Terrier needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.
Temperament, training and family life
The Lakeland Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and suits families with children particularly well. The Norfolk Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Lakeland Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Norfolk Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Lakeland Terrier and Norfolk Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, Lakeland Terrier and Norfolk Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Lakeland Terrier and Norfolk Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
- For being left alone during the workday, Lakeland Terrier and Norfolk Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
- For allergy sufferers, Lakeland Terrier has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Lakeland Terrier if you want less shedding around the home.
Choose the Norfolk Terrier if you prefer lower grooming upkeep.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Lakeland Terrier or the Norfolk Terrier better for families with children?
- Both the Lakeland Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Lakeland Terrier or the Norfolk Terrier?
- The Norfolk Terrier sheds more than the Lakeland Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Lakeland Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.
- Which is easier to train, the Lakeland Terrier or the Norfolk Terrier?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is Lakeland Terrier or Norfolk Terrier bigger?
- Lakeland Terrier and Norfolk Terrier are a similar size (Small).
- Which barks more, Lakeland Terrier or Norfolk Terrier?
- Both bark a similar amount (medium).
- Which is better for apartment living, Lakeland Terrier or Norfolk Terrier?
- For apartment or apartment living, Lakeland Terrier and Norfolk Terrier are an even match — either can work well.