Norwich Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog
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
Portuguese Water Dog
Working 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.
Portuguese Water Dog Overview
Portuguese Water Dogs showcase a robust, athletic build with a distinctive waterproof coat that can be either wavy or curly. Their muscular frame and webbed feet reflect their heritage as maritime working dogs. Standing proudly with an alert expression, these medium-sized dogs display a well-proportioned head, expressive eyes, and a strong muzzle, embodying both strength and agility.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwich Terriers are less energetic than Portuguese Water Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwich Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Portuguese Water Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwich Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Portuguese Water Dogs.
- 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 Portuguese Water Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norwich Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwich Terrier | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwich Terrier | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-10 inches 25-25 cm | 17-23 inches 43-58 cm |
| Weight | 12-12 lbs 5-5 kg | 35-60 lbs 16-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwich Terrier | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Alert, Curious | Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwich Terrier | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Portuguese Water Dog Temperament
The Portuguese Water Dog is characterized by being affectionate, adventurous, athletic, 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 Portuguese Water Dog, 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
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
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.
Portuguese Water Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Water Dogs 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, Portuguese Water Dogs require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Norwich Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Tracheal collapse
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Dental disease
- Epilepsy
Portuguese Water Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- GM1
- JDCM
- EOPRA
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
Portuguese Water Dog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Non-shedding coat
- Excellent swimming ability
- Great family companion
- Athletic and versatile
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Expensive maintenance
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwich Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.