Lhasa Apso 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.
Lhasa Apso
Non-Sporting Group
Norwich Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lhasa Apso Overview
Lhasa Apsos feature a long, dense double coat flowing to the ground, with a distinctive beard and fall of hair over the eyes. Their compact, sturdy build belies their agile nature. Distinguished by an alert, lion-like expression and well-feathered tail carried over the back, these dogs combine regal bearing with a mischievous charm. Their confident yet reserved demeanor reflects their ancient heritage as Tibetan sentinels.
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: Lhasa Apsos are less energetic than Norwich Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lhasa Apsos require more grooming attention compared to Norwich Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lhasa Apsos 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: Lhasa Apsos adapt better to apartment living, while Norwich Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Lhasa Apso and Norwich Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm | 10-10 inches 25-25 cm |
| Weight | 12-18 lbs 5-8 kg | 12-12 lbs 5-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Comical | Affectionate, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lhasa Apso Temperament
The Lhasa Apso is known for being confident, smart, comical, 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 Lhasa Apso 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
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 2/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 4/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Lhasa Apso Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lhasa Apsos 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, Lhasa Apsos 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
Lhasa Apso Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Cherry Eye
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Norwich Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Tracheal collapse
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Dental disease
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
Lhasa Apso
Pros
- Loyal and devoted
- Good apartment dog
- Long lifespan
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent watchdog
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Reserved with strangers
- Frequent barking
- Independent nature
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 Lhasa Apso and Norwich Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.