Norwich Terrier vs Australian Shepherd
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Norwich Terrier
Terrier Group
Australian Shepherd
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Australian Shepherd Overview
Australian Shepherds showcase a medium-sized, muscular build with distinctive merle coats and striking eye colors, often heterochromatic. Their agile frame supports remarkable herding abilities, while their alert expression and medium-length double coat reflect their working heritage. Athletic and well-proportioned, they move with fluid grace and purpose, demonstrating the perfect blend of strength and agility needed for their herding duties.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwich Terriers are less energetic than Australian Shepherds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwich Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Australian Shepherds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwich Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Australian Shepherds.
- Trainability: Norwich Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Norwich Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norwich Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Australian Shepherds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norwich Terrier and Australian Shepherd, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwich Terrier | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwich Terrier | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-10 inches 25-25 cm | 18-23 inches 46-58 cm |
| Weight | 12-12 lbs 5-5 kg | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwich Terrier | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Alert, Curious | Smart, Work-Oriented, Exuberant |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwich Terrier | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Norwich Terrier Temperament
The Norwich Terrier is known for being affectionate, alert, curious, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Australian Shepherd Temperament
The Australian Shepherd is characterized by being smart, work-oriented, exuberant, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Norwich Terrier and Australian Shepherd, 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
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Norwich Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norwich Terriers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Norwich Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Australian Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Australian Shepherds 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, Australian Shepherds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Norwich Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Tracheal collapse
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Dental disease
- Epilepsy
Australian Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- MDR1 Gene
- CEA
- Epilepsy
- Cataracts
Pros & Cons
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
Australian Shepherd
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent work ethic
- Versatile abilities
- Strong protective instincts
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Intense herding instinct
- Heavy shedding
- Can be too energetic
- Requires constant mental stimulation
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwich Terrier and Australian Shepherd, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.