Dachshund 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.
Dachshund
Hound Group
Norwich Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Dachshund Overview
Dachshunds, with their distinctive long bodies and short legs, embody a perfect blend of charm and determination. Their smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired coats come in various colors, complementing their alert, intelligent expressions and paddle-shaped paws. Standing 8-9 inches tall, these compact hounds possess muscular bodies designed for tracking prey into burrows, while their long, tapered muzzles and powerful jaws reflect their hunting heritage.
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: Dachshunds are less energetic than Norwich Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Dachshunds require less grooming attention compared to Norwich Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Dachshunds 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 Dachshunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Dachshund and Norwich Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Dachshund | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Dachshund | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5-9 inches 13-23 cm | 10-10 inches 25-25 cm |
| Weight | 11-32 lbs 5-15 kg | 12-12 lbs 5-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Dachshund | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Curious, Spunky | Affectionate, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Dachshund | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Dachshund Temperament
The Dachshund is known for being friendly, curious, spunky, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. 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 Dachshund 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
Dachshund
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Dachshund
Rating: 4/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Dachshund
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Dachshund
Rating: 2/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Dachshund
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Dachshund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dachshunds 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, Dachshunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
Dachshund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- IVDD
- PRA
- Obesity
- Patella
- Heart
Norwich Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Tracheal collapse
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Dental disease
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
Dachshund
Pros
- Adaptable to various living situations
- Affectionate with family
- Good watchdogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn during training
- Prone to back problems
- May be vocal
- Can be challenging to housebreak
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 Dachshund and Norwich Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.