Norwich Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

Choosing between Norwich Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier? These two are closely matched on size and energy, so your decision comes down to the finer points — grooming, shedding, trainability and how each fits your household. Below we break down exactly how the two breeds compare on the things that shape daily life with a dog, so you can see which one is the better fit for your home, family and routine.

Norwich Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: full comparison

TraitNorwich TerrierTeddy Roosevelt Terrier
SizeSmallSmall
Energy levelHighHigh
TrainabilityMediumMedium
FriendlinessHighHigh
Good with childrenHighHigh
Grooming needsMediumVery Low
SheddingMediumMedium
BarkingMediumMedium
ProtectivenessMediumMedium
AdaptabilityHighHigh
Typical lifespan14 years15 years
HypoallergenicNoNo

Key differences at a glance

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…

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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Frequently 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.

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