Irish Terrier 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.
Irish Terrier
Terrier Group
Norwich Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Irish Terrier Overview
Irish Terriers embody a striking combination of grace and power, featuring a distinctive red coat and well-proportioned frame. Their alert expression and muscular build reflect their heritage as versatile farm dogs. Standing proudly at 18 inches, these dashing terriers possess a wiry double coat, long legs, and a characteristic rectangular head with a beard and whiskers that give them their classic terrier expression.
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: Irish Terriers are less energetic than Norwich Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Irish Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Norwich Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Irish Terrier and Norwich Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Irish Terrier | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Irish Terrier | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-18 inches 46-46 cm | 10-10 inches 25-25 cm |
| Weight | 25-27 lbs 11-12 kg | 12-12 lbs 5-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Irish Terrier | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Bold, Dashing, Tenderhearted | Affectionate, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Irish Terrier | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Irish Terrier Temperament
The Irish Terrier is known for being bold, dashing, tenderhearted, making them excellent family dogs. 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 Irish Terrier 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
Irish Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Irish Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Irish Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Irish Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Irish Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Irish Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish Terriers 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, Irish Terriers 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
Irish Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataract
- Hypothyroidism
- Von Willebrand's
- Hyperkeratosis
Norwich Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Tracheal collapse
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Dental disease
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
Irish Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and affectionate
- Good watchdog
- Low grooming needs
- Adaptable to different environments
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be aggressive with other dogs
- Requires firm training
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 Irish Terrier and Norwich Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.