Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Boston Terrier Versus Norfolk Terrier: Introduction
- Boston Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier: Overview
- Boston Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier
- Size Comparison of Boston Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier
- Lifespan of Boston Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier
- Temperament of the Norfolk Terrier Versus the Boston Terrier
- Price of Boston Terrier versus Price of Norfolk Terrier
- The Intelligence of the Boston Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Norfolk Terrier
- Health Problems of Boston Terrier versus Health Problems of Norfolk Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Boston Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier
- Do Boston Terriers shed more than Norfolk Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Boston Terrier or the Norfolk Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Boston Terrier or the Norfolk Terrier?
- Does the Boston Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norfolk Terrier?
- Do Boston Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Norfolk Terriers?
- Can Boston Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Boston Terrier vs. Norfolk Terrier
- Can Boston Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boston Terrier or the Norfolk Terrier?
- Are Boston Terriers good family dogs? What about Norfolk Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Boston Terriers and Norfolk Terriers?
- Is the Boston Terrier Easier to Train than the Norfolk Terrier?
- Conclusion: Boston Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Boston Terrier Versus Norfolk Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier better suits you.We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Boston Terrier and for the Norfolk Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Boston Terrier or the Norfolk Terrier.
Boston Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boston Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Norfolk Terrier is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Boston Terrier belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
On the other hand, the Norfolk Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
Boston Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Boston Terrier to the Norfolk Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier
| Factor | Boston Terrier | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 10 to 25 pounds | 11 to 12 pounds |
| Height | 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 13 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1670 | $2500 |
| Price Range | $1200 – $1999 | $2500 – $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 86.3 percent | 92.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 54 | 56 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boston Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Norfolk Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Boston Terrier is 87 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Norfolk Terrier is 94 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norfolk Terrier is a better pet than the Boston Terrier. So, you should get the Norfolk Terrier!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier
The Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are most similar:
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are good for new dog owners.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are very easy to train.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are highly intelligent.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are very easy to groom.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are very playful.
Size Comparison of Boston Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier.
Boston Terriers weigh 10 to 25 pounds when fully grown. Boston Terriers are 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Norfolk Terriers weigh 11 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Norfolk Terriers are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Boston Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier
The lifespan of Boston Terriers is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Boston Terriers is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is 13.5 years.
Boston Terriers live longer than Norfolk Terriers.
Temperament of the Norfolk Terrier Versus the Boston Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier has a better temperament than the Boston Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Norfolk Terrier is 92.9 percent while the temperament score for the Boston Terrier is 86.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 86.3 percent, the Boston Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 92.9 percent, the Norfolk Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 80 Boston Terriers and 14 Norfolk Terriers.
Price of Boston Terrier versus Price of Norfolk Terrier
The average price of the Boston Terrier puppy is $1670. The price of the Boston Terrier typically ranges from $1200 – $1999. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 865 Boston Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Norfolk Terrier puppy is $2500. The price of the Norfolk Terrier typically ranges from $2500 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Norfolk Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Norfolk Terrier is more expensive than the Boston Terrier.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Boston Terrier and Norfolk Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Boston Terrier puppies or how many Norfolk Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Boston Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Norfolk Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Boston Terrier puppy or the Norfolk Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
The Intelligence of the Boston Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Norfolk Terrier
`| Boston Terrier | Norfolk Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 54 out of 130 dog breeds | 56 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions! |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:- Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
- Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
- Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.Prof. Coren found that the Boston Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 54 out of 130 dog breeds. The Boston Terrier belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Boston Terriers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The Norfolk Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 56 out of 130 dog breeds. The Norfolk Terrier belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Norfolk Terriers tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.
The Boston Terrier is more intelligent than the Norfolk Terrier.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
Health Problems of Boston Terrier versus Health Problems of Norfolk Terrier
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Norfolk Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Boston Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Norfolk Terrier than for the Boston Terrier.
3 health tests are recommended for Boston Terrier while 5 tests are recommended for the Norfolk Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Boston Terriers and in Norfolk Terriers.
Boston Terrier Health Problems
Boston Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Boston Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Boston Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Boston Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Boston Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boston Terriers here.
Norfolk Terrier Health Problems
Norfolk Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Norfolk Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Norfolk Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Norfolk Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Norfolk Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norfolk Terriers here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Boston Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier
Boston Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Norfolk Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Boston Terriers shed more than Norfolk Terriers?
Boston Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Norfolk Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Boston Terrier or the Norfolk Terrier
Boston Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Norfolk Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Boston Terrier or the Norfolk Terrier?
Boston Terriers are very easy to groom.
Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.
Does the Boston Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norfolk Terrier?
Boston Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Norfolk Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Boston Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Norfolk Terriers?
Boston Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Norfolk Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Boston Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Boston Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Norfolk Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Boston Terrier vs. Norfolk Terrier
Boston Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Norfolk Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Boston Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Boston Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Norfolk Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boston Terrier or the Norfolk Terrier?
Boston Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Norfolk Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Boston Terriers good family dogs? What about Norfolk Terriers?
Boston Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Norfolk Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Boston Terriers and Norfolk Terriers?
Boston Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Norfolk Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Boston Terrier Easier to Train than the Norfolk Terrier?
Boston Terriers are very easy to train.
Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.
Is the Boston Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Norfolk Terrier?
Boston Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Norfolk Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boston Terrier or the Norfolk Terrier?
Boston Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Norfolk Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Boston Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Boston Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier better suits you and your family.