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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Norfolk Terrier or Norwich Terrier bigger?

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

Which barks more, Norfolk Terrier or Norwich Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

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

Norfolk Terrier vs Norwich Terrier: Compared Side by Side

Norfolk Terrier vs Norwich Terrier: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Norfolk Terrier is a small dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Norwich Terrier is a small dog 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 Norfolk Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Norwich Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Norfolk Terrier needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Norwich Terrier needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Norfolk Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Norwich Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Norfolk 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, Norfolk Terrier and Norwich Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Norfolk Terrier and Norwich Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Norfolk Terrier and Norwich Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Norfolk Terrier and Norwich Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Norfolk Terrier and Norwich Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Norfolk Terrier if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Norwich Terrier on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Norwich Terrier if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Norfolk Terrier on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Norfolk Terrier vs Norwich Terrier