Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Norfolk Terrier Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
- Norfolk Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
- Norfolk Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- The Similarities Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Norfolk Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Lifespan of Norfolk Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the Norfolk Terrier
- The Popularity of Norfolk Terrier versus Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
- Health Problems of Norfolk Terrier versus Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Norfolk Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Do Norfolk Terriers shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Which one drools more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Norfolk Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Does the Norfolk Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Do Norfolk Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Norfolk Terrier vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
- Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norfolk Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Are Norfolk Terriers good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- How Kid-friendly are Norfolk Terriers and Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Is the Norfolk Terrier Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norfolk Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Norfolk Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Norfolk Terrier Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Norfolk Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd? 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Norfolk Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd.
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 Pyrenean Shepherd.
Norfolk Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Norfolk Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Norfolk Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Norfolk Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Norfolk Terrier to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd
| Factor | Norfolk Terrier | Pyrenean Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 12 pounds | 25 to 30 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 15 to 17 years |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 16.0 years |
| Average Price | $2500 | No Data |
| Price Range | $2500 – $2500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 92.9 percent | 75.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 130 | 178 |
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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norfolk Terrier is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd
Below is a list of where the Norfolk Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most different:
The Similarities Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd
The Norfolk Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Norfolk Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Norfolk Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Norfolk Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd.
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, Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Norfolk Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd
The lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.
Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Norfolk Terriers.
Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier has a better temperament than the Pyrenean Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Norfolk Terrier is 92.9 percent while the temperament score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Pyrenean Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Norfolk Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 14 Norfolk Terriers and 4 Pyrenean Shepherds.
The Popularity of Norfolk Terrier versus Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
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 Pyrenean Shepherd over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Norfolk Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 178 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Norfolk Terrier
Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
| Year | Norfolk Terrier Popularity Rank | Pyrenean Shepherd Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 129 | 169 |
| 2014 | 131 | 178 |
| 2015 | 131 | 176 |
| 2016 | 134 | 176 |
| 2017 | 128 | 180 |
| 2018 | 126 | 181 |
| 2019 | 131 | 182 |
| 2020 | 130 | 182 |
Health Problems of Norfolk Terrier versus Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd
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 Norfolk Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Norfolk Terrier.
5 health tests are recommended for Norfolk Terrier while 5 tests are recommended for the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Norfolk Terriers and in Pyrenean Shepherds.
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.
Pyrenean Shepherd Health Problems
Pyrenean Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pyrenean Shepherds here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Norfolk Terriers and Pyrenean Shepherds
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:
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 Pyrenean Shepherd Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Pyrenean Shepherd ranks 24 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 79 Pyrenean Shepherds, 4 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pyrenean Shepherds, and how common these diseases are in Pyrenean Shepherds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Norfolk Terrier and in Pyrenean Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Norfolk Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd:
| Disease | Norfolk Terrier Rank | Pyrenean Shepherd Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 1 out of 159 dog breeds | 27 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 2 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 20 out of 198 dog breeds | 71 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 29 out of 182 dog breeds | 44 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 37 out of 145 dog breeds | 72 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 24 out of 49 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: Norfolk Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Norfolk Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Do Norfolk Terriers shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
Norfolk Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd
Norfolk Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Norfolk Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.
Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Norfolk Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
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.
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds?
Norfolk Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Norfolk Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Norfolk Terrier vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
Norfolk Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Norfolk Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd?
Norfolk Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Norfolk Terriers good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
Norfolk Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Norfolk Terriers and Pyrenean Shepherds?
Norfolk Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Norfolk Terrier Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.
Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.
Is the Norfolk Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Norfolk Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Norfolk Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Norfolk Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Pyrenean Shepherds are not the best dogs 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Norfolk Terrier and how the Pyrenean Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Norfolk Terrier and of the Pyrenean Shepherd to other breeds:
Norfolk Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norfolk Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Norfolk Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Norfolk Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Norfolk Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund Norfolk Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel Norfolk Terrier versus Keeshond Norfolk Terrier versus Briard Norfolk Terrier versus Shihpoo Norfolk Terrier versus Basset Hound Norfolk Terrier versus Brittany Norfolk Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog Norfolk Terrier versus French Bulldog Norfolk Terrier versus Samoyed Norfolk Terrier versus French Bulldog Norfolk Terrier versus Australian Shepherd Norfolk Terrier versus Great Pyrenees Norfolk Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel Norfolk Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff Norfolk Terrier versus Australian Terrier Norfolk Terrier versus Whippet Norfolk Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel Norfolk Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute Norfolk Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Norfolk Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Norfolk Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Berger Picard Pyrenean Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Beagle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Irish Wolfhound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kerry Blue Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Westiepoo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Newfoundland Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Yorkshire Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Plott Pyrenean Shepherd versus Aussiedoodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bulldog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Dalmatian Pyrenean Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro Pyrenean Shepherd versus Black Russian Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bloodhound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spanish Mastiff Pyrenean Shepherd versus Siberian Husky Pyrenean Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bouvier des Flandres Pyrenean Shepherd versus Goldador Pyrenean Shepherd versus Lhasapoo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shih Tzu Pyrenean Shepherd versus Sealyham Terrier
Conclusion: Norfolk Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.