Gordon Setter 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.
Gordon Setter
Sporting Group
Norwich Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Gordon Setter Overview
Gordon Setters are elegant sporting dogs with distinctive black and tan coats. Their strong, muscular build combines with graceful movement and noble bearing. Standing 24-27 inches at the shoulder, these dogs feature a silky coat, deep chest, and intelligent expression. Their temperament balances confidence with affection, making them both capable hunting companions and devoted family dogs.
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: Gordon Setters are more energetic than Norwich Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Gordon Setters require less grooming attention compared to Norwich Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Gordon Setters tend to be more reserved with strangers than Norwich Terriers.
- Trainability: Gordon Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Gordon Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norwich Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Gordon Setters typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Gordon Setter and Norwich Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 10-10 inches 25-25 cm |
| Weight | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg | 12-12 lbs 5-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Confident, Bold | Affectionate, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Gordon Setter Temperament
The Gordon Setter is known for being affectionate, confident, bold, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
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 Gordon Setter 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
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Gordon Setter
Rating: 5/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Gordon Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Gordon Setters require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Gordon Setters 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
Gordon Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
Norwich Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Tracheal collapse
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Dental disease
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
Gordon Setter
Pros
- Loyal and affectionate
- Excellent hunting companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Not apartment-friendly
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 Gordon Setter and Norwich Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.