What is the Difference Between Norfolk Terrier and Norwich Terrier?

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Norfolk Terriers and Norwich Terriers are both small terrier breeds with similar appearances, but they have some differences in their physical traits and temperament. Here are the key differences between the two breeds:

  1. Ears: Norwich Terriers have pointed ears, while Norfolk Terriers have folded ears. This difference can be remembered by thinking that "Norwich" has a "witch hat" shape, while "Norfolk" has folded ears.
  2. Size: Both breeds have similar sizes, with Norwich Terriers weighing 11 to 12 lbs and standing 9 to 10 inches tall, and Norfolk Terriers weighing the same but standing slightly shorter.
  3. Coat: Norwich Terriers have a double coat with short, wiry, and soft hair, while Norfolk Terriers have a wire coat with short, wiry, and shaggy hair.
  4. Color Variations: Both breeds can have coat colors such as wheaten, black, tan, red, and grizzle.
  5. Temperament: Norwich Terriers are brave, intelligent, loyal, energetic, and playful with humans and other animals. Norfolk Terriers are clingy to their owners, fearless but not aggressive, and love digging up rodent holes.
  6. Trainability: Norwich Terriers are intelligent and stubborn, while Norfolk Terriers are said to have great concentration and can be unaccustomed to small cats.

Both breeds have a common background, originating in the Eastern Counties of Britain and initially bred for hunting rodents. They were classified as separate breeds in 1964 in the UK and in 1979 in the US.

Comparative Table: Norfolk Terrier vs Norwich Terrier

Here is a table comparing the differences between Norfolk Terrier and Norwich Terrier:

Feature Norfolk Terrier Norwich Terrier
Size Weight: 11 to 12 lbs, Height: 9 to 10 inches Weight: 11 to 12 lbs, Height: 9 to 10 inches
Color Variation Wheaten, black, tan, red, grizzle Wheaten, black, tan, red, grizzle
Coat Wire coat; short, wiry, and shaggy Double coat; short, wiry, and soft
Ear Shape Drop ears Erect ears
Origin Norfolk County, UK Town of Norwich, UK
Temperament Clingy to owners, fearless but not aggressive, loves digging up rodent holes Brave, intelligent, loyal, energetic, and playful with humans and other animals
Trainability Intelligent and stubborn, difficult to train due to distraction and disobedience during training Intelligent and stubborn, but trainable with rewards and treats
Life Expectancy 12-15 years 13 to 15 years

Both breeds share similar backgrounds and appearances, but the main difference between them is their ear shape. Norfolk Terriers have drop ears, while Norwich Terriers have erect ears.