Norwich Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: full comparison
| Trait | Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier has noticeably higher grooming than the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier.
Size and living space
The Norwich Terrier is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a compact little 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 Teddy Roosevelt Terrier 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 sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get 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 Norwich Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Norwich Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Teddy Roosevelt Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Norwich Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, Norwich Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Norwich Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
- For being left alone during the workday, Norwich Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
- For allergy sufferers, Norwich Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt 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 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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See which dog you look likeFrequently asked questions
- Is the Norwich Terrier or the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier better for families with children?
- Both the Norwich Terrier and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Norwich Terrier or the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?
- The Norwich Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
- Which is easier to train, the Norwich Terrier or the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is Norwich Terrier or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier bigger?
- Norwich Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are a similar size (Small).
- Which barks more, Norwich Terrier or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?
- Both bark a similar amount (medium).
- Which is better for apartment living, Norwich Terrier or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?
- For apartment or apartment living, Norwich Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are an even match — either can work well.