Is the Norfolk Terrier or the Swedish Vallhund better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Swedish Vallhund?

The Swedish Vallhund sheds more than the Norfolk Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Norfolk Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Norfolk Terrier or the Swedish Vallhund?

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

Is Norfolk Terrier or Swedish Vallhund bigger?

Norfolk Terrier and Swedish Vallhund are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Norfolk Terrier or Swedish Vallhund?

Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund?

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

Norfolk Terrier vs Swedish Vallhund: Which Sheds Less?

Norfolk Terrier vs Swedish Vallhund: full comparison

Trait	Norfolk Terrier	Swedish Vallhund
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	High
Barking	Medium	High
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 Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund 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 consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Swedish Vallhund needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. 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 moderate amount, usually with reason and suits families with children particularly well. The Swedish Vallhund is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Norfolk Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Swedish Vallhund will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Norfolk Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Norfolk Terrier and Swedish Vallhund are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Swedish Vallhund 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 has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Norfolk Terrier if you want less shedding around the home or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Swedish Vallhund if you want an easier dog to train.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Norfolk Terrier or the Swedish Vallhund better for families with children?: Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Swedish Vallhund?: The Swedish Vallhund sheds more than the Norfolk Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Norfolk Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Norfolk Terrier or the Swedish Vallhund?: The Swedish Vallhund is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Norfolk Terrier or Swedish Vallhund bigger?: Norfolk Terrier and Swedish Vallhund are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Norfolk Terrier or Swedish Vallhund?: Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund?: For apartment or apartment living, Norfolk Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Norfolk Terrier vs Swedish Vallhund