Norfolk Terrier vs Working Kelpie
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
Working Kelpie
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Working Kelpie Overview
Working Kelpies are agile, medium-sized herding dogs with a distinctive athletic build and alert expression. Their muscular frame supports tireless work ethic, while their weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors. Sharp intelligence and intense focus characterize their demeanor, complemented by pricked ears and keen eyes that showcase their constant readiness for action.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norfolk Terriers are less energetic than Working Kelpies, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norfolk Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Working Kelpies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norfolk Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Working Kelpies.
- 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 Working Kelpies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norfolk Terrier and Working Kelpie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm | 19-25 inches 48-64 cm |
| Weight | 11-12 lbs 5-5 kg | 28-60 lbs 13-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Fearless, Alert, Fun-Loving | Alert, Eager, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Working Kelpie Temperament
The Working Kelpie is characterized by being alert, eager, intelligent, 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 Norfolk Terrier and Working Kelpie, 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
Working Kelpie
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Working Kelpie
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.
Working Kelpie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Working Kelpies 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, Working Kelpies 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
Working Kelpie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Cryptorchidism
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
Working Kelpie
Pros
- Exceptional working ability
- High intelligence
- Strong endurance
- Loyal companion
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Extremely high exercise needs
- Can be too intense for casual owners
- Strong herding instincts
- May be too energetic for small spaces
- Requires constant mental stimulation
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norfolk Terrier and Working Kelpie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.