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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Norfolk Terrier or Russell Terrier bigger?

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

Which barks more, Norfolk Terrier or Russell Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

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

Norfolk Terrier vs Russell Terrier: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Norfolk Terrier vs Russell Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Norfolk Terrier	Russell Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	15 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 Russell Terrier 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 Russell Terrier 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 moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Russell Terrier asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Norfolk Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and suits families with children particularly well. The Russell Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Norfolk Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Russell 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 Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Norfolk Terrier and Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Norfolk Terrier and Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Norfolk Terrier and Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Norfolk Terrier and Russell 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 Russell Terrier on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Russell Terrier if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Norfolk Terrier vs Russell Terrier