Which is Better between the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen? A Very Detailed Review.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Norfolk Terrier Versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

Norfolk Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen: Overview

A very important difference between the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Norfolk Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a small-sized dog.

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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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.

Norfolk Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norfolk Terrier to the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

Factor Norfolk Terrier Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
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 30 to 40 pounds
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2500 No Data
Price Range $2500 – $2500 No Data
Temperament Score 92.9 percent 88.9 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 130 151
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 56 62

    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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norfolk Terrier is a better pet than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Below is a list of where the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are most different:

  • Norfolk Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens 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, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train. However, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    The Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are most similar:

  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norfolk Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

    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, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens weigh 30 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Norfolk Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

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

    The lifespan of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens is 13.0 years.

    Norfolk Terriers live longer than Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens.

    Temperament of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Versus the Norfolk Terrier

    The Norfolk Terrier has a better temperament than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

    This is because the temperament score for the Norfolk Terrier is 92.9 percent while the temperament score for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is 88.9 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 88.9 percent, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Norfolk Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen by measuring the temperaments of 14 Norfolk Terriers and 9 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens.

    The Intelligence of the Norfolk Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Norfolk Terrier Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
    Intelligence Rank 56 out of 130 dog breeds 62 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 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has an obedience intelligence rank of 62 out of 130 dog breeds. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.

    The Norfolk Terrier is more intelligent than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

    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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Norfolk Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is 151 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Norfolk Terrier

    Popularity of Norfolk Terrier

    Popularity of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Popularity of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Year Norfolk Terrier Popularity Rank Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Popularity Rank
    2013 129 138
    2014 131 150
    2015 131 143
    2016 134 148
    2017 128 160
    2018 126 156
    2019 131 152
    2020 130 164

    Tolerates Being Alone: Norfolk Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

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

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Norfolk Terriers shed more than Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens?

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

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Norfolk Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Norfolk Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Norfolk Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

    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.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens?

    Norfolk Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norfolk Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norfolk Terrier vs. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

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

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Norfolk Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norfolk Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

    Norfolk Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Norfolk Terriers good family dogs? What about Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens?

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

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Norfolk Terriers and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens?

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

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Norfolk Terrier Easier to Train than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are not easy to train.

    Is the Norfolk Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

    Norfolk Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Norfolk Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

    Norfolk Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are OK 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Boston Terrier.
  • Cockapoo (75 percent match with Norfolk Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Cockapoo.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen:

  • Finnish Spitz (77 percent match with Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Finnish Spitz.
  • Jack Russell Terrier (77 percent match with Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier.
  • Scottish Terrier (78 percent match with Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Scottish Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norfolk Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norfolk Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Westiepoo     Norfolk Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Norfolk Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Norfolk Terrier versus French Bulldog     Norfolk Terrier versus Boxer     Norfolk Terrier versus Cavapoo     Norfolk Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     Norfolk Terrier versus Pomchi     Norfolk Terrier versus Puggle     Norfolk Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     Norfolk Terrier versus Lhasapoo     Norfolk Terrier versus French Bulldog     Norfolk Terrier versus Cockapoo     Norfolk Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     Norfolk Terrier versus French Bulldog     Norfolk Terrier versus Mastiff     Norfolk Terrier versus Shih Tzu     Norfolk Terrier versus Bullmastiff     Norfolk Terrier versus Frenchton     Norfolk Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Norfolk Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Norfolk Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Norfolk Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Boerboel     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Bluetick Coonhound     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Maremma Sheepdog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus English Setter     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Norwegian Lundehund     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Affenpinscher     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Silky Terrier     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Gordon Setter     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Bull Terrier     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Karelian Bear Dog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Bouvier des Flandres     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Valley Bulldog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Boxer     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Shihpoo     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Airedale Terrier     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus French Bulldog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Welsh Terrier     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Norwich Terrier     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Portuguese Pointer     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Tibetan Spaniel     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Tibetan Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Norfolk Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen better suits you and your family.