A Detailed Comparison of the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier.

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Dogo Argentino Versus Norwich Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich 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 Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich 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 Dogo Argentino and for the Norwich Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Dogo Argentino or the Norwich Terrier

Dogo Argentino versus Norwich Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dogo Argentino belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

On the other hand, the Norwich 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.

Dogo Argentino versus Norwich Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino to the Norwich 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.

Factor Dogo Argentino Norwich Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 23 to 27 inches Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds Up to 12 pounds
Life Span 9 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $2510 $2140
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1500 – $2650
Temperament Score 89.5 percent 73.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 93 102

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dogo Argentino 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 Norwich 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 a Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Norwich Terrier is 83 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norwich Terrier is a better pet than the Dogo Argentino. So, you should get the Norwich 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 Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier are most different:

  • Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Norwich Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Norwich Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs. However, Norwich Terriers get along well with other dogs.
  • Dogo Argentinos are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Norwich Terriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Dogo Argentinos are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Norwich Terriers gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier

    The Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Norwich Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier.

    Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Norwich Terriers weigh Up to 12 pounds when fully grown. Norwich Terriers are Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Norwich Terrier Versus the Dogo Argentino

    The Dogo Argentino has a better temperament than the Norwich Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dogo Argentino is 89.5 percent while the temperament score for the Norwich Terrier is 73.3 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 they 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 89.5 percent, the Dogo Argentino has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 73.3 percent, the Norwich Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 19 Dogo Argentinos and 15 Norwich Terriers.

    Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Norwich Terrier

    The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Norwich Terrier puppy is $2140. The price of the Norwich Terrier typically ranges from $1500 – $2650. However, the price of a Norwich Terrier can be as low as $1200 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 14 Norwich Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Norwich Terrier.

    Dogo Argentino Norwich Terrier
    Average Price $2510 $2140
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1500 to $2650

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Dogo Argentino and Norwich Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Dogo Argentino puppies or how many Norwich Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Norwich Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Norwich Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dogo Argentino puppy or the Norwich 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    The Popularity of Dogo Argentino versus Popularity of Norwich 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 Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Dogo Argentino is more popular with dog owners than the Norwich Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Dogo Argentino is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwich Terrier is 102 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Popularity of Norwich Terrier

    Popularity of Norwich Terrier

    Year Dogo Argentino Popularity Rank Norwich Terrier Popularity Rank
    2020 93.0 109
    2013 no data 89
    2014 no data 97
    2015 no data 103
    2016 no data 103
    2017 no data 105
    2018 no data 108
    2019 no data 102

    Health Problems of Dogo Argentino versus Health Problems of Norwich Terrier

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Dogo Argentino.

    3 health tests are recommended for Dogo Argentino while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwich Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dogo Argentinos and in Norwich Terriers.

    Dogo Argentino Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dogo Argentinos here.

    Norwich Terrier Health Problems

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

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

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Dogo Argentinos and Norwich 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 Dogo Argentino Breed is Baer Hearing Test problems.

    This is because the Dogo Argentino ranks 3 out of 21 dog breeds for Baer Hearing Test problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 105 Dogo Argentinos, 3 of them had Baer Hearing Test problems.

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

  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 3 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 16 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 85 out of 144 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 Norwich Terrier Breed is Dentition Database problems.

    This is because the Norwich Terrier ranks 2 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 64 Norwich Terriers, 27 of them had Dentition Database problems.

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

  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 2 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Primary Lens Luxation problems: Rank 13 out of 17 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 22 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 86 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 94 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 109 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Dogo Argentino and in Norwich Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier:

    Disease Dogo Argentino Rank Norwich Terrier Rank
    Baer Hearing Test problems 3 out of 21 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 16 out of 198 dog breeds 86 out of 198 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 85 out of 144 dog breeds 94 out of 144 dog breeds
    Dentition Database problems Not Common 2 out of 49 dog breeds
    Primary Lens Luxation problems Not Common 13 out of 17 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 22 out of 145 dog breeds
    Eyes problems Not Common 109 out of 182 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.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwich Terrier?

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Norwich Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dogo Argentino or the Norwich Terrier?

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Norwich Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Norwich Terriers?

    Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Norwich Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Norwich Terrier

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Norwich Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwich Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Norwich Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Norwich Terriers?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the Norwich Terrier?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Norwich Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Norwich Terrier?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Norwich Terriers are very easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Norwich Terriers?

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

    Norwich Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Norwich Terrier

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Norwich Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwich Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

    Norwich Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Norwich Terriers?

    Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Norwich Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Norwich Terrier?

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Norwich Terrier

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

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

    Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwich Terrier?

    Dogo Argentinos have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Norwich Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino:

  • American Bulldog (78 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Norwich Terrier vs American Bulldog.
  • Fila Brasileiro (80 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Norwich Terrier vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwich Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier:

  • Cavachon (78 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Cavachon.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (81 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Lowchen (78 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Lowchen.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus Valley Bulldog     Dogo Argentino versus Chorkie     Dogo Argentino versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Dogo Argentino versus Whoodle     Dogo Argentino versus Peek A Poo     Dogo Argentino versus Canaan Dog     Dogo Argentino versus German Pinscher     Dogo Argentino versus Welsh Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Xoloitzcuintli     Dogo Argentino versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     

    Norwich Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwich Terrier versus Carolina Dog     Norwich Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Norwich Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier     Norwich Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Norwich Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     Norwich Terrier versus Cockapoo     Norwich Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Norwich Terrier versus Greyhound     Norwich Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Norwich Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     

    Conclusion: Dogo Argentino versus Norwich 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 Dogo Argentino and the Norwich Terrier better suits you and your family.