Is the Norfolk Terrier or the Phalène 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 Phalène?

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

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

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

Is Norfolk Terrier or Phalène bigger?

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

Which barks more, Norfolk Terrier or Phalène?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

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

Norfolk Terrier vs Phalène: Which Trains Easier?

Norfolk Terrier vs Phalène: full comparison

Trait	Norfolk Terrier	Phalène
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 Phalène has noticeably higher trainability than the Norfolk Terrier.

Size and living space

The Norfolk Terrier is a compact little dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Phalène is a compact little dog 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 Norfolk Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Phalène 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 needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Phalène needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Norfolk Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Phalène learns at a pace few breeds can match, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, Norfolk Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Phalène will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Norfolk Terrier and Phalène 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, Phalène 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 Phalène are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Norfolk Terrier and Phalène 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 Phalène if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Which dog do you look like?

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Norfolk Terrier or the Phalène 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 Phalène?: The Norfolk Terrier and Phalène shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Norfolk Terrier or the Phalène?: The Phalène is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Norfolk Terrier or Phalène bigger?: Norfolk Terrier and Phalène are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Norfolk Terrier or Phalène?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Norfolk Terrier or Phalène?: For apartment or apartment living, Norfolk Terrier and Phalène are an even match — either can work well.

Norfolk Terrier vs Phalène