Quick Links: Table of Contents
- French Spaniel Versus Norfolk Terrier: Introduction
- French Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier: Overview
- French Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the French Spaniel and the Norfolk Terrier
- The Similarities Between the French Spaniel and the Norfolk Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of French Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier
- Price of French Spaniel versus Price of Norfolk Terrier
- Health Problems of French Spaniel versus Health Problems of Norfolk Terrier
- Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which one drools more, the French Spaniel or the Norfolk Terrier
- Do French Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Norfolk Terriers?
- Wanderlust Potential: French Spaniel vs. Norfolk Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: French Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier
- Do French Spaniels shed more than Norfolk Terriers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the French Spaniel or the Norfolk Terrier?
- Does the French Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norfolk Terrier?
- Can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- How Kid-friendly are French Spaniels and Norfolk Terriers?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the French Spaniel or the Norfolk Terrier?
- Is the French Spaniel Easier to Train than the Norfolk Terrier?
- Are French Spaniels good family dogs? What about Norfolk Terriers?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norfolk Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: French Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
French Spaniel Versus Norfolk Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the French Spaniel and the Norfolk 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 French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel and the Norfolk Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel or the Norfolk Terrier
French Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the French Spaniel and the Norfolk Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The French Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Norfolk Terrier is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the French Spaniel 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 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.
French Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the French Spaniel 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.
| Factor | French Spaniel | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years. | 12 to 15 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches. | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 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 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds. | 11 to 12 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $4250 | $2500 |
| Price Range | $3875 – $4625 | $2500 – $2500 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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*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 French Spaniel 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 a French Spaniel is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Norfolk Terrier is 94 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norfolk Terrier is a better pet than the French Spaniel. 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 French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel and the Norfolk Terrier
Below is a list of where the French Spaniel and the Norfolk Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the French Spaniel and the Norfolk Terrier
The French Spaniel and the Norfolk Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the French Spaniel and the Norfolk Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of French Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the French Spaniel and the Norfolk Terrier.
French Spaniels weigh 45 to 60 pounds. when fully grown. French Spaniels are 21 to 24 inches. 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.
Price of French Spaniel versus Price of Norfolk Terrier
The average price of the French Spaniel puppy is $4250. The price of the French Spaniel typically ranges from $3875 – $4625. However, the price of a French Spaniel can be as low as $3500 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 French Spaniel 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. However, the price of a Norfolk Terrier can be as low as $2500 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Norfolk Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The French Spaniel is more expensive than the Norfolk Terrier.
| French Spaniel | Norfolk Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $4250 | $2500 |
| Price Range | $3875 to $4625 | $2500 to $2500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the French Spaniel and Norfolk Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many French Spaniel puppies or how many Norfolk Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of French Spaniels. 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 French Spaniel 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 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.
Health Problems of French Spaniel versus Health Problems of Norfolk 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 French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Norfolk Terrier than for the French Spaniel.
3 health tests are recommended for French Spaniel while 5 tests are recommended for the Norfolk Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in French Spaniels and in Norfolk Terriers.
French Spaniel Health Problems
French Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your French Spaniel 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 French Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for French Spaniels 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.
More Discussions on Health Problems in French Spaniels 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 French Spaniel Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the French Spaniel ranks 125 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 254 French Spaniels, 23 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in French Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in French Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
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:
The table below lists the common health problems in French Spaniel and in Norfolk Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the French Spaniel and the Norfolk Terrier:
| Disease | French Spaniel Rank | Norfolk Terrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 125 out of 198 dog breeds | 20 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 1 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 2 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 29 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 37 out of 145 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 French Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Norfolk Terrier?
French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Norfolk Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
French Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Norfolk Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which one drools more, the French Spaniel or the Norfolk Terrier
French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Norfolk Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Do French Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Norfolk Terriers?
French Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Norfolk Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Wanderlust Potential: French Spaniel vs. Norfolk Terrier
French Spaniels 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: French Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier
French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Norfolk Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do French Spaniels shed more than Norfolk Terriers?
French Spaniels shed moderately.
Norfolk Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the French Spaniel or the Norfolk Terrier?
French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.
Does the French Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norfolk Terrier?
French Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the French Spaniel or the Norfolk Terrier?
French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Norfolk Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Norfolk Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
How Kid-friendly are French Spaniels and Norfolk Terriers?
French Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Norfolk Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the French Spaniel or the Norfolk Terrier?
French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Norfolk Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Is the French Spaniel Easier to Train than the Norfolk Terrier?
French Spaniels are very easy to train.
Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.
Are French Spaniels good family dogs? What about Norfolk Terriers?
French Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Norfolk Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the French Spaniel and how the Norfolk Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the French Spaniel and of the Norfolk Terrier to other breeds:
French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
French Spaniel versus Chow Chow French Spaniel versus Belgian Tervuren French Spaniel versus Papillon French Spaniel versus Norwegian Buhund French Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer French Spaniel versus Manchester Terrier French Spaniel versus Akbash French Spaniel versus Pomchi French Spaniel versus Great Dane French Spaniel versus Puggle
Norfolk Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norfolk Terrier versus Bullmastiff Norfolk Terrier versus Borzoi Norfolk Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer Norfolk Terrier versus Airedale Terrier Norfolk Terrier versus Maltese Norfolk Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Norfolk Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel Norfolk Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo Norfolk Terrier versus Puggle Norfolk Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel
Conclusion: French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel and the Norfolk Terrier better suits you and your family.