A Detailed Comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier.

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Norwich Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Norwich Terrier

Dutch Shepherd versus Norwich Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Norwich Terrier is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Dutch Shepherd versus Norwich Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd Norwich Terrier
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Height 21 to 25 inches Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds Up to 12 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1590 $2140
Price Range $900 – $2000 $1500 – $2650
Temperament Score 96.2 percent 73.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • *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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Norwich Terrier is 83 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the Norwich Terrier. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

    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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier are most different:

  • Dutch Shepherds are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Norwich Terriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier

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

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Norwich Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier.

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 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 Dutch Shepherd

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Norwich Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 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 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 26 Dutch Shepherds and 15 Norwich Terriers.

    Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Norwich Terrier

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd 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 Norwich Terrier is more expensive than the Dutch Shepherd.

    Dutch Shepherd Norwich Terrier
    Average Price $1590 $2140
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $1500 to $2650

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. 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 Dutch Shepherd 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Norwich Terrier

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Norwich Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Norwich Terrier

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norwich Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Norwich Terriers?

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Norwich Terrier

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

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

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwich Terrier?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Norwich Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dutch Shepherd or the Norwich Terrier?

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Norwich Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Norwich Terrier?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwich Terrier?

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

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

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwich Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norwich Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwich Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Norwich Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Norwich Terriers?

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Dutch Shepherds and Norwich Terriers?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Norwich Terrier?

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Norwich Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Norwich Terriers?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Norwich Terrier?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Norwich Terriers are very easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd:

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Norwich Terrier vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Norwich Terrier vs Japanese Spitz.
  • 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 Dutch Shepherd vs Cavachon.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (81 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Lowchen (78 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Lowchen.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Dutch Shepherd versus Finnish Spitz     Dutch Shepherd versus English Cocker Spaniel     Dutch Shepherd versus Chi-Poo     Dutch Shepherd versus Shichon     Dutch Shepherd versus Chorkie     Dutch Shepherd versus Boykin Spaniel     Dutch Shepherd versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Dutch Shepherd versus Lhasapoo     Dutch Shepherd versus Pomapoo     

    Norwich Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwich Terrier versus Field Spaniel     Norwich Terrier versus Goldador     Norwich Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Norwich Terrier versus Great Dane     Norwich Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Norwich Terrier versus Westiepoo     Norwich Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Norwich Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Norwich Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Norwich Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     

    Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Norwich Terrier better suits you and your family.