Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Norfolk Terrier: Introduction
- Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier: Overview
- Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Norfolk Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Norfolk Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier
- The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Norfolk Terrier
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Norfolk Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier
- Do Harriers shed more than Norfolk Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Norfolk Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Norfolk Terrier?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norfolk Terrier?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Norfolk Terriers?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Norfolk Terrier
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Norfolk Terrier?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Norfolk Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Norfolk Terriers?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Norfolk Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norfolk Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Norfolk Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Norfolk Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier or the Norfolk Terrier.
Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Harrier and the Norfolk Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Harrier is a medium-sized dog while the Norfolk Terrier is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier 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 Harrier and the Norfolk Terrier
| Factor | Harrier | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 11 to 12 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $2500 – $2500 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2500 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 183 | 130 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier 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 Harrier is 81 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 Harrier. 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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Norfolk Terrier
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Norfolk Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Norfolk Terrier
The Harrier and the Norfolk Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Norfolk Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Norfolk Terrier.
Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 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 Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is 13.5 years.
Norfolk Terriers live longer than Harriers.
The Popularity of Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier. 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 Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Harrier
Popularity of Norfolk Terrier
| Year | Harrier Popularity Rank | Norfolk Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 173 | 129 |
| 2014 | 181 | 131 |
| 2015 | 183 | 131 |
| 2016 | 186 | 134 |
| 2017 | 183 | 128 |
| 2018 | 189 | 126 |
| 2019 | 186 | 131 |
| 2020 | 190 | 130 |
Health Problems of Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Norfolk Terrier than for the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 5 tests are recommended for the Norfolk Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Norfolk Terriers.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier 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 Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier 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 Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers 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 Harriers 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 Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers 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 Harrier and in Norfolk Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Harrier and the Norfolk Terrier:
| Disease | Harrier Rank | Norfolk Terrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 76 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Norfolk Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Harriers shed more than Norfolk Terriers?
Harriers shed moderately.
Norfolk Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Norfolk Terrier
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Norfolk Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Norfolk Terrier?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norfolk Terrier?
Harriers 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.
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 Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Norfolk Terriers?
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Norfolk Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Norfolk Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Norfolk Terrier
Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Norfolk Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Norfolk Terrier?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Norfolk Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Norfolk Terriers?
Harriers 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 Harriers and Norfolk Terriers?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Norfolk Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Norfolk Terrier?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Norfolk Terrier?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Norfolk Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Norfolk Terrier?
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Norfolk Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:
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 Harrier and how the Norfolk Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Norfolk Terrier to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Lhasapoo Harrier versus Bolognese Harrier versus Pomsky Harrier versus Beaglier Harrier versus Cocker Spaniel Harrier versus Coton de Tulear Harrier versus Pointer Harrier versus Lowchen Harrier versus Miniature Schnauzer Harrier versus Scottish Terrier Harrier versus Afador Harrier versus Lowchen Harrier versus Papillon Harrier versus Maremma Sheepdog Harrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai Harrier versus Portuguese Pointer Harrier versus Boxer Harrier versus Irish Wolfhound Harrier versus Affenhuahua Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel Harrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Harrier versus Redbone Coonhound Harrier versus Chorkie Harrier versus English Cocker Spaniel Harrier versus Cockapoo
Norfolk Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norfolk Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd Norfolk Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel Norfolk Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff Norfolk Terrier versus Keeshond Norfolk Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute Norfolk Terrier versus Shiranian Norfolk Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog Norfolk Terrier versus Sloughi Norfolk Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog Norfolk Terrier versus Borzoi Norfolk Terrier versus Kai Ken Norfolk Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel Norfolk Terrier versus Havanese Norfolk Terrier versus Akbash Norfolk Terrier versus Mal Shi Norfolk Terrier versus Ibizan Hound Norfolk Terrier versus English Setter Norfolk Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli Norfolk Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd Norfolk Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer Norfolk Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer Norfolk Terrier versus Airedale Terrier Norfolk Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog Norfolk Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Norfolk Terrier versus Rottweiler
Conclusion: Harrier 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 Harrier and the Norfolk Terrier better suits you and your family.