Is the Norfolk Terrier Better than the Pekingese as a Pet? Answer…

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Norfolk Terrier Versus Pekingese: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese 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 Norfolk Terrier and for the Pekingese. 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese.

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

Norfolk Terrier versus Pekingese

Norfolk Terrier versus Pekingese: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Pekingese 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.

Norfolk Terrier versus Pekingese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norfolk Terrier to the Pekingese 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese

Factor Norfolk Terrier Pekingese
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Weight 11 to 12 pounds 7 to 14 pounds
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2500 $1930
Price Range $2500 – $2500 $1288 – $2500
Temperament Score 92.9 percent 93.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Ichthyosis
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 130 86
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 56 73

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Norfolk Terrier 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 Pekingese. 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 Norfolk Terrier is 94 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pekingese is 77 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese

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

  • Norfolk Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Pekingeses shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Norfolk Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Pekingeses have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Norfolk Terriers can tolerate hot weather. However, Pekingeses cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Pekingeses require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Norfolk Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Pekingeses do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Norfolk Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Pekingeses do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Norfolk Terriers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Pekingeses have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese

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

  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norfolk Terrier versus Pekingese

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

    Norfolk Terriers weigh 11 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Norfolk Terriers are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Pekingeses weigh 7 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Pekingeses are 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Norfolk Terrier versus Pekingese

    The lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Pekingeses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pekingeses is 13.5 years.

    Temperament of the Pekingese Versus the Norfolk Terrier

    The Pekingese has a better temperament than the Norfolk Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Pekingese is 93.3 percent while the temperament score for the Norfolk Terrier is 92.9 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 92.9 percent, the Norfolk Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 93.3 percent, the Pekingese has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese by measuring the temperaments of 14 Norfolk Terriers and 15 Pekingeses.

    Price of Norfolk Terrier versus Price of Pekingese

    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 reviewing the prices of 1 Norfolk Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Pekingese puppy is $1930. The price of the Pekingese typically ranges from $1288 – $2500. However, the price of the Pekingese can be as low as $700 and as high as $7500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 138 Pekingese puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Norfolk Terrier is more expensive than the Pekingese.

    Norfolk Terrier Pekingese
    Average Price $2500 $1930
    Price Range $2500 to $2500 $1288 to $2500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Norfolk Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Norfolk Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Pekingeses

    A breakdown of the prices of Pekingeses

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Norfolk Terrier puppy or the Pekingese 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 Norfolk Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Pekingese

    Norfolk Terrier Pekingese
    Intelligence Rank 56 out of 130 dog breeds 73 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions! Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More!

    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 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 Pekingese has an obedience intelligence rank of 73 out of 130 dog breeds. The Pekingese belongs to the `Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Pekingeses tend to learn new commands after 80 to 100 repetitions or more!.

    The Norfolk Terrier is more intelligent than the Pekingese.

    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 Norfolk Terrier versus Popularity of Pekingese

    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 Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pekingese is more popular with dog owners than the Norfolk Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pekingese is 86 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norfolk Terrier is 130 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Norfolk Terrier

    Popularity of Norfolk Terrier

    Popularity of Pekingese

    Popularity of Pekingese

    Year Norfolk Terrier Popularity Rank Pekingese Popularity Rank
    2013 129 77
    2014 131 82
    2015 131 80
    2016 134 93
    2017 128 88
    2018 126 92
    2019 131 83
    2020 130 95

    Tolerates Being Alone: Norfolk Terrier versus Pekingese

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

    Pekingeses can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Norfolk Terriers shed more than Pekingeses?

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

    Pekingeses shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Pekingese

    Norfolk Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pekingeses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Norfolk Terrier or the Pekingese?

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Norfolk Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pekingese?

    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.

    Pekingeses 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.

    Do Norfolk Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Pekingeses?

    Norfolk Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pekingeses Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norfolk Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pekingeses can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norfolk Terrier vs. Pekingese

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

    Pekingeses have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pekingeses Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Norfolk Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Pekingeses cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Norfolk Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Pekingeses do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Norfolk Terriers good family dogs? What about Pekingeses?

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

    Pekingeses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Norfolk Terriers and Pekingeses?

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

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

    Is the Norfolk Terrier Easier to Train than the Pekingese?

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.

    Pekingeses are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Norfolk Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Pekingese?

    Norfolk Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Pekingeses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Norfolk Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Pekingeses are very good for new dog owners.

    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 Pekingese vs Boston Terrier.
  • Cockapoo (75 percent match with Norfolk Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Pekingese vs Cockapoo.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pekingese

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

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Mal Shi (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Mal Shi.
  • Pomeranian (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Pomeranian.
  • Pomsky (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Pomsky.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norfolk Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norfolk Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus American Water Spaniel     Norfolk Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Norfolk Terrier versus Bolognese     Norfolk Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Norfolk Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     Norfolk Terrier versus Greyhound     Norfolk Terrier versus Pomapoo     Norfolk Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Norfolk Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Norfolk Terrier versus Maltese     Norfolk Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Norfolk Terrier versus Chow Chow     Norfolk Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     Norfolk Terrier versus King Shepherd     Norfolk Terrier versus Maltipoo     Norfolk Terrier versus Hovawart     Norfolk Terrier versus French Spaniel     Norfolk Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Norfolk Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Norfolk Terrier versus Cockapoo     Norfolk Terrier versus Saluki     Norfolk Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     

    Pekingese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pekingese versus Chi-Poo     Pekingese versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Pekingese versus Samoyed     Pekingese versus Field Spaniel     Pekingese versus Kooikerhondje     Pekingese versus Japanese Chin     Pekingese versus Hovawart     Pekingese versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Pekingese versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Pekingese versus Australian Kelpie     Pekingese versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Pekingese versus Brussels Griffon     Pekingese versus Azawakh     Pekingese versus English Toy Spaniel     Pekingese versus Finnish Spitz     Pekingese versus Pomsky     Pekingese versus Chorkie     Pekingese versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Pekingese versus Fila Brasileiro     Pekingese versus Stabyhoun     Pekingese versus Komondor     Pekingese versus Chinook     Pekingese versus Akita Chow     Pekingese versus Japanese Spitz     Pekingese versus Cane Corso     

    Conclusion: Norfolk Terrier versus Pekingese. 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Pekingese better suits you and your family.