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

Both the Norwich Terrier and the Russell Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Norwich Terrier or the Russell Terrier?

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

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

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

Is Norwich Terrier or Russell Terrier bigger?

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

Which barks more, Norwich Terrier or Russell Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

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

Norwich Terrier vs Russell Terrier: Easier to Groom?

Norwich Terrier vs Russell Terrier: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Norwich Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Russell Terrier is a small but sturdy breed 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 real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Russell Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. 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 Russell Terrier needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over 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 Norwich Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Russell Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Norwich Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Russell Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Norwich Terrier and Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Norwich Terrier and Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Norwich Terrier and Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Norwich Terrier and Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Norwich Terrier and Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Norwich Terrier if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Russell Terrier on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Russell Terrier if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Norwich Terrier vs Russell Terrier