Is the Norfolk Terrier or the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

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

Which is easier to train, the Norfolk Terrier or the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

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

Is Norfolk Terrier or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier bigger?

Norfolk Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Norfolk Terrier or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Norfolk Terrier or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

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

Norfolk Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: Easier to Groom?

Norfolk Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: full comparison

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

Key differences at a glance

The Norfolk Terrier has noticeably higher grooming than the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier.

Size and living space

The Norfolk Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a small but sturdy breed 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 demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier 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 regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. 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 picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Norfolk Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Teddy Roosevelt 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 Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Norfolk Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Norfolk Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Norfolk Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Norfolk Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt 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 Teddy Roosevelt Terrier on temperament, size and care.

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

Norfolk Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier