Lakeland Terrier vs Norwich Terrier: full comparison
| Trait | Lakeland Terrier | Norwich 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 suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Norwich Terrier is a small but sturdy breed 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 Lakeland Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Norwich Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. 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 very little. The Norwich Terrier needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. 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 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. 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, Lakeland 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, Lakeland Terrier and Norwich Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, Lakeland Terrier and Norwich Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Lakeland Terrier and Norwich Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
- For being left alone during the workday, Lakeland Terrier and Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier if you prefer lower grooming upkeep.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Lakeland Terrier or the Norwich Terrier better for families with children?
- Both the Lakeland Terrier and the Norwich Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Lakeland Terrier or the Norwich Terrier?
- The Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is Lakeland Terrier or Norwich Terrier bigger?
- Lakeland Terrier and Norwich Terrier are a similar size (Small).
- Which barks more, Lakeland Terrier or Norwich Terrier?
- Both bark a similar amount (medium).
- Which is better for apartment living, Lakeland Terrier or Norwich Terrier?
- For apartment or apartment living, Lakeland Terrier and Norwich Terrier are an even match — either can work well.