Collie vs Norwich Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Collie
Herding Group
Norwich Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Collie Overview
Graceful and elegant, Collies possess a distinctive wedge-shaped head crowned by a refined muzzle and alert, almond-shaped eyes. Their double coat features a harsh outer layer and soft undercoat, coming in four recognized colors. Standing proudly with an air of intelligence and dignity, Collies exhibit a well-balanced body structure with deep chest and level topline, moving with smooth, effortless strides.
Norwich Terrier Overview
Norwich Terriers are compact, sturdy dogs with a distinctive fox-like expression and alert bearing. Their wiry double coat comes in various shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle. Standing 10 inches at the shoulder with a hardy frame, these spirited terriers feature pricked ears, dark oval eyes, and a slightly foxy face that gives them their characteristic keen expression.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Collies are less energetic than Norwich Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Collies require more grooming attention compared to Norwich Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Collies tend to be more reserved with strangers than Norwich Terriers.
- Trainability: Norwich Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Norwich Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norwich Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Collies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Collie and Norwich Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Collie | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Collie | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm | 10-10 inches 25-25 cm |
| Weight | 50-75 lbs 23-34 kg | 12-12 lbs 5-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Medium coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Medium | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Collie | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Devoted, Graceful, Proud | Affectionate, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Collie | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Collie Temperament
The Collie is known for being devoted, graceful, proud, 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.
Norwich Terrier Temperament
The Norwich Terrier is characterized by being affectionate, alert, curious, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Collie and Norwich 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
Collie
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Collie
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Collie
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Collie
Rating: 1/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Collie
Rating: 4/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Collies 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 medium coat coat, Collies require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Norwich Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norwich Terriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Norwich Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- CEA
- PRA
- MDR1
- Bloat
Norwich Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Tracheal collapse
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Dental disease
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
Collie
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Loyal and protective
- Elegant appearance
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Sensitive personality
- Needs consistent exercise
Norwich Terrier
Pros
- Affectionate with family
- Good with children
- Adaptable
- Low maintenance grooming
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Prone to barking
- Strong prey drive
- May be territorial
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Collie and Norwich Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.