A Detailed Comparison of the Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier.

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Lhasa Apso Versus Norfolk Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Lhasa Apso versus Norfolk Terrier

Lhasa Apso versus Norfolk Terrier: Overview

Both the Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier are similar in size. The Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier are both tiny-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Lhasa Apso belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Lhasa Apso versus Norfolk Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier

Factor Lhasa Apso Norfolk Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Weight 12 to 15 pounds 11 to 12 pounds
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Height 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1780 $2500
Price Range $1500 – $1996 $2500 – $2500
Temperament Score 70.4 percent 92.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Ichthyosis
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 71 130
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 68 56

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso is 79 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 Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier

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

  • Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.
  • Lhasa Apsos have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Norfolk Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier

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

  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lhasa Apso versus Norfolk Terrier

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

    Lhasa Apsos weigh 12 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lhasa Apsos are 9 to 11 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 Lhasa Apso versus Norfolk Terrier

    The lifespan of Lhasa Apsos is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apso Versus the Norfolk Terrier

    The Norfolk Terrier has a better temperament than the Lhasa Apso.

    This is because the temperament score for the Norfolk Terrier is 92.9 percent while the temperament score for the Lhasa Apso is 70.4 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 70.4 percent, the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 27 Lhasa Apsos and 14 Norfolk Terriers.

    Price of Lhasa Apso versus Price of Norfolk Terrier

    The average price of the Lhasa Apso puppy is $1780. The price of the Lhasa Apso typically ranges from $1500 – $1996. However, the price of a Lhasa Apso can be as low as $200 and as high as $3499. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 104 Lhasa Apso 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 the 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 Norfolk Terrier is more expensive than the Lhasa Apso.

    Lhasa Apso Norfolk Terrier
    Average Price $1780 $2500
    Price Range $1500 to $1996 $2500 to $2500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Lhasa Apsos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lhasa Apsos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Norfolk Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Norfolk Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Lhasa Apso 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 to buy 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 a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    The Intelligence of the Lhasa Apso versus the Intelligence of the Norfolk Terrier

    Lhasa Apso Norfolk Terrier
    Intelligence Rank 68 out of 130 dog breeds 56 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions! Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions!

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:

  • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
  • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
  • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
  • Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Lhasa Apso has an obedience intelligence rank of 68 out of 130 dog breeds. The Lhasa Apso belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Lhasa Apsos tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.

    The Norfolk Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 56 out of 130 dog breeds. The Norfolk Terrier belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Norfolk Terriers tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.

    The Norfolk Terrier is more intelligent than the Lhasa Apso.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    The Popularity of Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso and the Norfolk Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Lhasa Apso is more popular with dog owners than the Norfolk Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Lhasa Apso is 71 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norfolk Terrier is 130 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Lhasa Apso

    Popularity of Lhasa Apso

    Popularity of Norfolk Terrier

    Popularity of Norfolk Terrier

    Year Lhasa Apso Popularity Rank Norfolk Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 63 129
    2014 67 131
    2015 65 131
    2016 71 134
    2017 77 128
    2018 71 126
    2019 78 131
    2020 78 130

    Tolerates Being Alone: Lhasa Apso versus Norfolk Terrier

    Lhasa Apsos can be left alone for some time without problems.

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

    Do Lhasa Apsos shed more than Norfolk Terriers?

    Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Lhasa Apso or the Norfolk Terrier

    Lhasa Apsos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norfolk Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Lhasa Apso or the Norfolk Terrier?

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

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Lhasa Apso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norfolk Terrier?

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos Bark and Howl? What about Norfolk Terriers?

    Lhasa Apsos are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Norfolk Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Norfolk Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lhasa Apso vs. Norfolk Terrier

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Lhasa Apsos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Norfolk Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Norfolk Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Lhasa Apsos good family dogs? What about Norfolk Terriers?

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos and Norfolk Terriers?

    Lhasa Apsos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Lhasa Apso Easier to Train than the Norfolk Terrier?

    Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Lhasa Apso Better for Apartment Owners than the Norfolk Terrier?

    Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Norfolk Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Lhasa Apsos are very good for new dog owners.

    Norfolk Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lhasa Apso

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso:

  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (77 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Peek A Poo.
  • 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 Lhasa Apso vs Boston Terrier.
  • Cockapoo (75 percent match with Norfolk Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Cockapoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lhasa Apso Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lhasa Apso versus Border Collie     Lhasa Apso versus Norfolk Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus American Hairless Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Cairn Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Swedish Vallhund     Lhasa Apso versus Whoodle     Lhasa Apso versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Cairn Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Mudi     Lhasa Apso versus Papillon     Lhasa Apso versus Afador     Lhasa Apso versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Lhasa Apso versus Norwegian Lundehund     Lhasa Apso versus Briard     Lhasa Apso versus Weimaraner     Lhasa Apso versus Standard Schnauzer     Lhasa Apso versus Toy Poodle     Lhasa Apso versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Lhasa Apso versus Cavapoo     Lhasa Apso versus Labradoodle     Lhasa Apso versus Greyhound     Lhasa Apso versus Skye Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Maltese     Lhasa Apso versus French Bulldog     Lhasa Apso versus Brittany     

    Norfolk Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norfolk Terrier versus Bearded Collie     Norfolk Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Norfolk Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Norfolk Terrier versus Sloughi     Norfolk Terrier versus Cockalier     Norfolk Terrier versus Affenhuahua     Norfolk Terrier versus Standard Poodle     Norfolk Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Norfolk Terrier versus Bull Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Harrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Brittany     Norfolk Terrier versus American Bulldog     Norfolk Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     Norfolk Terrier versus Mal Shi     Norfolk Terrier versus Boxer     Norfolk Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Norfolk Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     Norfolk Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Norfolk Terrier versus Mal Shi     Norfolk Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Norfolk Terrier versus Pomchi     Norfolk Terrier versus Keeshond     Norfolk Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     Norfolk Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     

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