Is the Norwich Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier better for families with children?

Both the Norwich Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Norwich Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier?

The Norwich Terrier and West Highland White Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Norwich Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier?

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

Is Norwich Terrier or West Highland White Terrier bigger?

Norwich Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Norwich Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Norwich Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?

For apartment or flat living, West Highland White Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Norwich Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier: Compared

Norwich Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier: full comparison

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

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 West Highland White 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 needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The West Highland White Terrier thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Norwich Terrier wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The West Highland White Terrier requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims 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, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and suits families with children particularly well. The West Highland White Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Norwich Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas West Highland White Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, West Highland White Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Norwich Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Norwich Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Norwich Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Norwich Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Norwich Terrier if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Choose the West Highland White Terrier if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Norwich Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Norwich Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Norwich Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier?: The Norwich Terrier and West Highland White Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Norwich Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Norwich Terrier or West Highland White Terrier bigger?: Norwich Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Norwich Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Norwich Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?: For apartment or flat living, West Highland White Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Norwich Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier