Norfolk Terrier vs Cane Corso
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Norfolk Terrier
Terrier Group
Cane Corso
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Cane Corso Overview
Majestic and muscular, the Cane Corso exhibits a powerful build with a large head, pronounced jaw, and athletic stance. Their short coat comes in various colors, including black, gray, and fawn. Distinguished by their noble bearing and confident demeanor, these dogs combine strength with remarkable agility. Their alert expression and imposing presence reflect their heritage as guardians.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norfolk Terriers are less energetic than Cane Corsos, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norfolk Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Cane Corsos.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norfolk Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Cane Corsos.
- Trainability: Cane Corsos may be slightly easier to train due to their Cane Corso's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norfolk Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Cane Corsos typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norfolk Terrier and Cane Corso, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Cane Corso |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years | 9-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Cane Corso |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm | 24-27 inches 60-70 cm |
| Weight | 11-12 lbs 5-5 kg | Unknown Unknown |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Cane Corso |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Fearless, Alert, Fun-Loving | Affectionate, Intelligent, Majestic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Cane Corso |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Norfolk Terrier Temperament
The Norfolk Terrier is known for being fearless, alert, fun-loving, making them excellent family dogs. 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.
Cane Corso Temperament
The Cane Corso is characterized by being affectionate, intelligent, majestic, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Norfolk Terrier and Cane Corso, 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
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Cane Corso
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Cane Corso
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Cane Corso
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Cane Corso
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Cane Corso
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Norfolk Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norfolk 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, Norfolk Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Cane Corso Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Cane Corsos 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, Cane Corsos require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Norfolk Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Problems
- Eye Issues
- Hip Problems
Cane Corso Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Cherry Eye
- Entropion
Pros & Cons
Norfolk Terrier
Pros
- Good with families
- Compact size
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May bark frequently
- Prey drive
- Occasional health issues
Cane Corso
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Intelligent
- Athletic
- Good with family
Cons
- Strong-willed
- Needs extensive training
- High exercise needs
- May be intimidating to strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norfolk Terrier and Cane Corso, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.