Norwich Terrier vs Lancashire Heeler
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
Lancashire Heeler
Miscellaneous Class
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.
Lancashire Heeler Overview
Lancashire Heelers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive black and tan coloring. Their alert expression and sturdy build reflect their heritage as skilled herding dogs. Standing 10-12 inches at the shoulder with a weather-resistant double coat, these dogs possess powerful shoulders and strong hindquarters that enable remarkable agility and quick movements.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwich Terriers are less energetic than Lancashire Heelers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwich Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Lancashire Heelers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwich Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Lancashire Heelers.
- Trainability: Norwich Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Norwich Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lancashire Heelers 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 Norwich Terrier and Lancashire Heeler, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwich Terrier | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwich Terrier | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-10 inches 25-25 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 12-12 lbs 5-5 kg | 9-17 lbs 4-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwich Terrier | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Alert, Curious | Affectionate, Versatile, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwich Terrier | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Lancashire Heeler Temperament
The Lancashire Heeler is characterized by being affectionate, versatile, 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 Norwich Terrier and Lancashire Heeler, 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
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 2/5
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.
Lancashire Heeler Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lancashire Heelers 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, Lancashire Heelers 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
Lancashire Heeler Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patella Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Heart Issues
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
Lancashire Heeler
Pros
- Intelligent
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- High exercise needs
- May chase small animals
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwich Terrier and Lancashire Heeler, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.