Norwich Terrier vs Tenterfield Terrier

Norwich Terrier vs Tenterfield Terrier: full comparison

Size and living space

The Norwich Terrier is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Tenterfield Terrier is a compact little 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 demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Tenterfield Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Norwich Terrier wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Tenterfield Terrier asks for a light brush once or twice a week 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, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Tenterfield Terrier learns quickly and enjoys the training process, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Norwich Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Tenterfield Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

• For apartment or apartment living, Norwich Terrier and Tenterfield Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
• For families with young children, Norwich Terrier and Tenterfield Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
• For first-time dog owners, Tenterfield Terrier 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 Tenterfield Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
• For allergy sufferers, Norwich Terrier and Tenterfield 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 Tenterfield Terrier on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Tenterfield Terrier if you want an easier dog to train, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Related guides