Norfolk Terrier vs Irish Wolfhound
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
Irish Wolfhound
Hound 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.
Irish Wolfhound Overview
Majestic Irish Wolfhounds stand as gentle giants of the canine world, with their distinctive rough coat and commanding presence. Their muscular build, deep chest, and long legs create an imposing yet graceful silhouette. Despite their formidable size, these hounds possess remarkably gentle temperaments, combining dignified bearing with patient, calm demeanors that make them exceptional companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norfolk Terriers are less energetic than Irish Wolfhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norfolk Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Irish Wolfhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norfolk Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Irish Wolfhounds.
- Trainability: Irish Wolfhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Irish Wolfhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norfolk Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Irish Wolfhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norfolk Terrier and Irish Wolfhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years | 6-8 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm | 30-32 inches 76-81 cm |
| Weight | 11-12 lbs 5-5 kg | 105-120 lbs 48-54 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Fearless, Alert, Fun-Loving | Courageous, Dignified, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Irish Wolfhound Temperament
The Irish Wolfhound is characterized by being courageous, dignified, calm, 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 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 Norfolk Terrier and Irish Wolfhound, 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
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 3/5
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.
Irish Wolfhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish Wolfhounds 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, Irish Wolfhounds 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
Irish Wolfhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Bloat
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
Irish Wolfhound
Pros
- Gentle and patient temperament
- Good with children
- Minimal barking
- Noble and dignified presence
Cons
- Very short lifespan
- Requires large living space
- High food costs
- Health issues common
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norfolk Terrier and Irish Wolfhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.