Briard vs Norfolk Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Briard
Herding Group
Norfolk Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Briard Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Briard showcases a distinctive shaggy double coat in various shades including black, gray, and tawny. Their muscular build and agile movement reflect their herding heritage, while their intelligent eyes and proud bearing command attention. Standing 23-27 inches at the shoulder with a well-proportioned frame, these dogs combine strength with elegance.
Norfolk Terrier Overview
Norfolk Terriers are compact, sturdy dogs with a hard, wiry coat and expressive dark eyes. Their small, well-balanced frame carries a dignified bearing despite their diminutive size. Distinguished by their broad skull, short back, and well-sprung ribs, these terriers possess strong hunting instincts wrapped in an affectionate, spirited personality.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Briards are less energetic than Norfolk Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Briards require more grooming attention compared to Norfolk Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Briards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Norfolk Terriers.
- Trainability: Norfolk Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Norfolk Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norfolk Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Briards typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Briard and Norfolk Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Briard | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-12 years | 12-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Briard | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm |
| Weight | 55-100 lbs 25-45 kg | 11-12 lbs 5-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Briard | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Faithful | Fearless, Alert, Fun-Loving |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Briard | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Briard Temperament
The Briard is known for being confident, smart, faithful, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Norfolk Terrier Temperament
The Norfolk Terrier is characterized by being fearless, alert, fun-loving, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Briard and Norfolk Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Briard
Rating: 3/5
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Briard
Rating: 3/5
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Briard
Rating: 3/5
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Briard
Rating: 2/5
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Briard
Rating: 5/5
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Briard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Briards require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Briards require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Norfolk Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norfolk Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Norfolk Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Briard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Heart Issues
- Allergies
Norfolk Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Problems
- Eye Issues
- Hip Problems
Pros & Cons
Briard
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Excellent herding instincts
- Good with children
- Intelligent
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Strong-willed nature
- Reserved with strangers
- Requires extensive exercise
Norfolk Terrier
Pros
- Good with families
- Compact size
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May bark frequently
- Prey drive
- Occasional health issues
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Briard and Norfolk Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.