Lagotto Romagnolo 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.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Sporting Group
Norfolk Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lagotto Romagnolo Overview
Lagotto Romagnolo dogs feature distinctive curly coats resembling water-resistant wool, with well-proportioned, square-built frames. Their expressive eyes and rounded heads give them an alert, intelligent appearance. Known for their keen truffle-hunting abilities, these medium-sized dogs combine affectionate temperaments with remarkable work ethic. Their waterproof double coat comes in various colors including brown roan, orange, and white.
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: Lagotto Romagnolos are less energetic than Norfolk Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lagotto Romagnolos require less grooming attention compared to Norfolk Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Lagotto Romagnolos typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Lagotto Romagnolo and Norfolk Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 15-17 years | 12-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-19 inches 41-48 cm | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm |
| Weight | 24-35 lbs 11-16 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 | Lagotto Romagnolo | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Keen, Undemanding | Fearless, Alert, Fun-Loving |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lagotto Romagnolo Temperament
The Lagotto Romagnolo is known for being affectionate, keen, undemanding, 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.
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 Lagotto Romagnolo 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
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 3/5
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 5/5
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 3/5
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 1/5
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 2/5
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Lagotto Romagnolo Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lagotto Romagnolos 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, Lagotto Romagnolos require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
Lagotto Romagnolo Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Benign Juvenile Epilepsy
- Storage Disease
Norfolk Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Problems
- Eye Issues
- Hip Problems
Pros & Cons
Lagotto Romagnolo
Pros
- Excellent nose work abilities
- Minimal shedding
- Highly trainable
- Good with families
- Adaptable to different environments
Cons
- Requires regular grooming
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Expensive to purchase
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 Lagotto Romagnolo and Norfolk Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.