Is the Norfolk Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier better for families with children?

Both the Norfolk Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Norfolk Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier?

The Norfolk Terrier and West Highland White Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Norfolk Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier?

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

Is Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier bigger?

Norfolk Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?

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

Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier: Easier to Groom?

Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Norfolk Terrier	West Highland White Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	High
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
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 West Highland White Terrier 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 needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The West Highland White Terrier needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Norfolk Terrier needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The West Highland White Terrier needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. 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 fair amount, usually for a reason and suits families with children particularly well. The West Highland White Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, 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 West Highland White Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, West Highland White Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Norfolk Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Norfolk Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Norfolk Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Norfolk Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Norfolk Terrier if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Choose the West Highland White Terrier if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Norfolk Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Norfolk Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Norfolk Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier?: The Norfolk Terrier and West Highland White Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Norfolk Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier bigger?: Norfolk Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, West Highland White Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier