Is the Norwich Terrier or the Papillon better for families with children?

The Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier or the Papillon?

The Norwich Terrier and Papillon shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Norwich Terrier or the Papillon?

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

Is Norwich Terrier or Papillon bigger?

Norwich Terrier and Papillon are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Norwich Terrier or Papillon?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Norwich Terrier or Papillon?

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

Norwich Terrier vs Papillon: Which Trains Easier?

Norwich Terrier vs Papillon: full comparison

Trait	Norwich Terrier	Papillon
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 Papillon has noticeably higher trainability than the Norwich Terrier.

Size and living space

The Norwich Terrier is a small dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Papillon 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 Norwich Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Papillon needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Norwich Terrier needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Papillon needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Norwich Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and suits families with children particularly well. The Papillon is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Norwich Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Papillon announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Norwich Terrier and Papillon are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Norwich Terrier has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Papillon has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Norwich Terrier and Papillon are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Norwich Terrier and Papillon are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Norwich Terrier if you want the more child-friendly companion.

Choose the Papillon if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Norwich Terrier vs Papillon