Is the Norfolk Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen better for families with children?

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialisation.

Which sheds more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?

The Norfolk Terrier and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Norfolk Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?

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

Is Norfolk Terrier or Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen bigger?

Norfolk Terrier and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Norfolk Terrier or Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Norfolk Terrier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Norfolk Terrier or Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?

For apartment or flat living, Norfolk Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Norfolk Terrier vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen: Quieter?

Norfolk Terrier vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen: full comparison

Trait	Norfolk Terrier	Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	Very High
Good with children	High	Very High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	High
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Norfolk Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a small dog 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 Norfolk Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen 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 Norfolk Terrier wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Norfolk Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Norfolk Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Norfolk Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Norfolk Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Norfolk Terrier and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Norfolk Terrier if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Norfolk Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen better for families with children?: The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialisation.
Which sheds more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?: The Norfolk Terrier and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Norfolk Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Norfolk Terrier or Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen bigger?: Norfolk Terrier and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Norfolk Terrier or Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?: Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Norfolk Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Norfolk Terrier or Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?: For apartment or flat living, Norfolk Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Norfolk Terrier vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen