Parson Russell Terrier vs Norwich Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Parson Russell Terrier
Terrier Group
Norwich Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Parson Russell Terrier Overview
Parson Russell Terriers embody athletic grace with their balanced, square-built frames and intelligent expressions. Distinguished by a predominantly white coat with tan or black markings, they possess strong, muscular bodies built for agility and endurance. Their alert carriage and keen eyes reflect their sharp intelligence and fearless nature, while their compact size belies their tremendous stamina and working ability.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Parson Russell Terriers are more energetic than Norwich Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Parson Russell Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Norwich Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Parson Russell Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Norwich Terriers.
- 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 Parson Russell Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Parson Russell Terrier and Norwich Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-14 inches 33-36 cm | 10-10 inches 25-25 cm |
| Weight | 13-17 lbs 6-8 kg | 12-12 lbs 5-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Clever, Athletic | Affectionate, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Norwich Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Parson Russell Terrier Temperament
The Parson Russell Terrier is known for being friendly, clever, athletic, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Norwich Terrier Temperament
The Norwich Terrier is characterized by being affectionate, alert, curious, 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 Parson Russell Terrier and Norwich Terrier, 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
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Norwich Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Parson Russell Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Parson Russell 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, Parson Russell Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Norwich Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norwich Terriers 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, Norwich Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Parson Russell Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Lens luxation
- Ataxia
- Deafness
- Glaucoma
- Patellar luxation
Norwich Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Tracheal collapse
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Dental disease
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
Parson Russell Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Excellent exercise companion
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be vocal
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Parson Russell Terrier and Norwich Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.