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

The Norfolk Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Papillon?

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

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

The Papillon is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Norfolk Terrier or Papillon bigger?

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

Which barks more, Norfolk Terrier or Papillon?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

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

Norfolk Terrier vs Papillon: Which Trains Easier?

Norfolk Terrier vs Papillon: full comparison

Trait	Norfolk Terrier	Papillon
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Very High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	Medium
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	High	Very High
Typical lifespan	14 years	15 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Papillon has noticeably higher trainability than the Norfolk Terrier.

Size and living space

The Norfolk Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Papillon 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 Norfolk Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Papillon 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 Norfolk Terrier wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Papillon wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Norfolk 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. The Papillon is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, Norfolk Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Papillon will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Norfolk Terrier and Papillon are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Norfolk Terrier has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Papillon has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Norfolk Terrier and Papillon are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Norfolk Terrier and Papillon are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Norfolk Terrier if you want the more child-friendly companion.

Choose the Papillon if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Norfolk Terrier or the Papillon better for families with children?: The Norfolk Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Papillon?: The Norfolk Terrier and Papillon shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Norfolk Terrier or the Papillon?: The Papillon is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Norfolk Terrier or Papillon bigger?: Norfolk Terrier and Papillon are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Norfolk Terrier or Papillon?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Norfolk Terrier or Papillon?: For apartment or apartment living, Norfolk Terrier and Papillon are an even match — either can work well.

Norfolk Terrier vs Papillon