A Detailed Comparison of the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier.

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Chinook Versus Norfolk Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook or the Norfolk Terrier.

Chinook versus Norfolk Terrier

Chinook versus Norfolk Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chinook is a large-sized dog while the Norfolk Terrier is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Chinook belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Chinook versus Norfolk Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chinook 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 Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier

Factor Chinook Norfolk Terrier
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Height 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 70 pounds 11 to 12 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $2500 – $2500
Average Price No Data $2500
Temperament Score 77.8 percent 92.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Ichthyosis
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 177 130

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook. 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 Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier are most different:

  • Chinooks are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Norfolk Terriers are good for new dog owners.
  • Chinooks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Norfolk Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier

    The Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Chinook 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 Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chinook versus Norfolk Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier.

    Chinooks weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chinooks are 21 to 27 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 Chinook versus Norfolk Terrier

    The lifespan of Chinooks is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chinooks is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is 13.5 years.

    Temperament of the Norfolk Terrier Versus the Chinook

    The Norfolk Terrier has a better temperament than the Chinook.

    This is because the temperament score for the Norfolk Terrier is 92.9 percent while the temperament score for the Chinook is 77.8 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 77.8 percent, the Chinook has a below-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 Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 9 Chinooks and 14 Norfolk Terriers.

    The Popularity of Chinook versus Popularity of Norfolk Terrier

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Norfolk Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Chinook. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Norfolk Terrier is 130 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Chinook is 177 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Chinook

    Popularity of Chinook

    Popularity of Norfolk Terrier

    Popularity of Norfolk Terrier

    Year Chinook Popularity Rank Norfolk Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 156 129
    2014 171 131
    2015 177 131
    2016 175 134
    2017 179 128
    2018 190 126
    2019 184 131
    2020 186 130

    Health Problems of Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Norfolk Terrier than for the Chinook.

    3 health tests are recommended for Chinook while 5 tests are recommended for the Norfolk Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Chinooks and in Norfolk Terriers.

    Chinook Health Problems

    Chinooks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chinook 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 Chinook puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chinook 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 Chinooks for:

  • Clear By Parentage
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chinooks 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:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Ichthyosis
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norfolk Terriers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Chinooks and Norfolk Terriers

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Chinook Breed is Patella problems.

    This is because the Chinook ranks 5 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 52 Chinooks, 5 of them had Patella problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Chinooks, and how common these diseases are in Chinooks relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Patella problems: Rank 5 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 63 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 82 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Norfolk Terrier Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.

    This is because the Norfolk Terrier ranks 1 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 592 Norfolk Terriers, 30 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Norfolk Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Norfolk Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 1 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 2 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 20 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 29 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 37 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Chinook and in Norfolk Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier:

    Disease Chinook Rank Norfolk Terrier Rank
    Patella problems 5 out of 145 dog breeds 37 out of 145 dog breeds
    Hips problems 63 out of 198 dog breeds 20 out of 198 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 82 out of 182 dog breeds 29 out of 182 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 1 out of 159 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 2 out of 71 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chinook versus Norfolk Terrier

    Chinooks do not like to be left alone.

    Norfolk Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Chinooks shed more than Norfolk Terriers?

    Chinooks shed. They are not recommended 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 Chinook or the Norfolk Terrier

    Chinooks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norfolk Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chinook or the Norfolk Terrier?

    Chinooks require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Chinook Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norfolk Terrier?

    Chinooks 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 Chinooks Bark and Howl? What about Norfolk Terriers?

    Chinooks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Norfolk Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Chinooks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chinooks can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norfolk Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chinook vs. Norfolk Terrier

    Chinooks do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Norfolk Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Chinooks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chinooks can tolerate hot weather.

    Norfolk Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chinook or the Norfolk Terrier?

    Chinooks get along very well with other dogs.

    Norfolk Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Chinooks good family dogs? What about Norfolk Terriers?

    Chinooks 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 Chinooks and Norfolk Terriers?

    Chinooks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Norfolk Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Chinook Easier to Train than the Norfolk Terrier?

    Chinooks are very easy to train.

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Chinook Better for Apartment Owners than the Norfolk Terrier?

    Chinooks adapt very well to apartment living.

    Norfolk Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chinook or the Norfolk Terrier?

    Chinooks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Norfolk Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chinook

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chinook that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Chinook:

  • Keeshond (76 percent match with Chinook). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Keeshond.
  • King Shepherd (75 percent match with Chinook). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs King Shepherd.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norfolk Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Norfolk Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Norfolk Terrier:

  • Boston Terrier (77 percent match with Norfolk Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Chinook vs Boston Terrier.
  • Cockapoo (75 percent match with Norfolk Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Chinook vs Cockapoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Chinook and how the Norfolk Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Chinook and of the Norfolk Terrier to other breeds:

    Chinook Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chinook versus Beaglier     Chinook versus Saint Berdoodle     Chinook versus Affenhuahua     Chinook versus Morkie     Chinook versus Boxer     Chinook versus Standard Schnauzer     Chinook versus American Bulldog     Chinook versus Schnoodle     Chinook versus Italian Greyhound     Chinook versus Bichon Frise     Chinook versus Pharaoh Hound     Chinook versus Pyredoodle     Chinook versus Bull Terrier     Chinook versus Black Russian Terrier     Chinook versus Belgian Malinois     Chinook versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Chinook versus Norwegian Lundehund     Chinook versus Mountain Cur     Chinook versus Havanese     Chinook versus Vizsla     Chinook versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Chinook versus American Foxhound     Chinook versus American Water Spaniel     Chinook versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Chinook versus Australian Kelpie     

    Norfolk Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norfolk Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Norfolk Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     Norfolk Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Norfolk Terrier versus Briard     Norfolk Terrier versus American Foxhound     Norfolk Terrier versus Mountain Cur     Norfolk Terrier versus American Bulldog     Norfolk Terrier versus Basset Hound     Norfolk Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer     Norfolk Terrier versus Papipoo     Norfolk Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Norfolk Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Norfolk Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro     Norfolk Terrier versus Whoodle     Norfolk Terrier versus Pomchi     Norfolk Terrier versus Bich Poo     Norfolk Terrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Norfolk Terrier versus Affenpinscher     Norfolk Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Norfolk Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Norfolk Terrier versus Greyhound     Norfolk Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     Norfolk Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     

    Conclusion: Chinook 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 Chinook and the Norfolk Terrier better suits you and your family.