Norwich Terrier vs Phalène: full comparison
| Trait | Norwich Terrier | Phalène |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Phalène has noticeably higher trainability than the Norwich Terrier.
Size and living space
The Norwich Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Phalène 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 Norwich Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Phalène 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 regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Phalène needs regular brushing to stay in good condition 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, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Phalène is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. On guarding instinct, Norwich Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Phalène will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or flat living, Norwich Terrier and Phalène 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, Phalène 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 Phalène are an even match — either can work well.
- For allergy sufferers, Norwich Terrier and Phalène 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 Phalène if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalised match from 300+ breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — in about 2 minutes.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Norwich Terrier or the Phalène 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 socialisation.
- Which sheds more, the Norwich Terrier or the Phalène?
- The Norwich Terrier and Phalène shed a similar amount (medium).
- Which is easier to train, the Norwich Terrier or the Phalène?
- The Phalène is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
- Is Norwich Terrier or Phalène bigger?
- Norwich Terrier and Phalène are a similar size (Small).
- Which barks more, Norwich Terrier or Phalène?
- Both bark a similar amount (medium).
- Which is better for apartment living, Norwich Terrier or Phalène?
- For apartment or flat living, Norwich Terrier and Phalène are an even match — either can work well.