Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Norfolk Terrier Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Norfolk Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Norfolk Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Norfolk Terrier versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Norfolk Terrier versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Norfolk Terrier Versus the Shih Tzu
- Price of Norfolk Terrier versus Price of Shih Tzu
- The Intelligence of the Norfolk Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Norfolk Terrier versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Norfolk Terrier versus Shih Tzu
- Do Norfolk Terriers shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Norfolk Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Norfolk Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Norfolk Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Norfolk Terrier vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norfolk Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Norfolk Terriers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Norfolk Terriers and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Norfolk Terrier Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norfolk Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Norfolk Terrier versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Norfolk Terrier Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Norfolk Terrier and the Shih Tzu? 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Norfolk Terrier and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu.
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 Shih Tzu.
Norfolk Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Overview
Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shih Tzu are similar in size. The Norfolk Terrier and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Norfolk Terrier to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
| Factor | Norfolk Terrier | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2500 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $2500 – $2500 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 92.9 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 130 | 18 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 56 | 70 |
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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norfolk Terrier is a better pet than the Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Norfolk Terrier and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Shih Tzu
The Norfolk Terrier and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Norfolk Terrier and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Norfolk Terrier versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Norfolk Terrier and the Shih Tzu.
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, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Norfolk Terrier versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Norfolk Terriers live longer than Shih Tzus.
Temperament of the Norfolk Terrier Versus the Shih Tzu
The Norfolk Terrier has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Norfolk Terrier is 92.9 percent while the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 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 77.6 percent, the Shih Tzu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Norfolk Terrier and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 14 Norfolk Terriers and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Norfolk Terrier versus Price of Shih Tzu
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 Shih Tzu puppy is $1820. The price of the Shih Tzu typically ranges from $1200 – $2300. However, the price of the Shih Tzu can be as low as $200 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Norfolk Terrier is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.
| Norfolk Terrier | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2500 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $2500 to $2500 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Norfolk Terrier and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Norfolk Terrier puppies or how many Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzus
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Norfolk Terrier puppy or the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
| Norfolk Terrier | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 56 out of 130 dog breeds | 70 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:
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 Shih Tzu has an obedience intelligence rank of 70 out of 130 dog breeds. The Shih Tzu belongs to the `Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Shih Tzus tend to learn new commands after 80 to 100 repetitions or more!.
The Norfolk Terrier is more intelligent than the Shih Tzu.
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 Shih Tzu
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 Shih Tzu over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shih Tzu is more popular with dog owners than the Norfolk Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shih Tzu is 18 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 Shih Tzu
| Year | Norfolk Terrier Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 129 | 15 |
| 2014 | 131 | 17 |
| 2015 | 131 | 19 |
| 2016 | 134 | 20 |
| 2017 | 128 | 20 |
| 2018 | 126 | 20 |
| 2019 | 131 | 20 |
| 2020 | 130 | 20 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Norfolk Terrier versus Shih Tzu
Norfolk Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Norfolk Terriers shed more than Shih Tzus?
Norfolk Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Shih Tzu
Norfolk Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Norfolk Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Norfolk Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
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.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus?
Norfolk Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Norfolk Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Norfolk Terrier vs. Shih Tzu
Norfolk Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Norfolk Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norfolk Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
Norfolk Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Norfolk Terriers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Norfolk Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Norfolk Terriers and Shih Tzus?
Norfolk Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Norfolk Terrier Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Norfolk Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Norfolk Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Norfolk Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
Norfolk Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Norfolk Terrier and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Norfolk Terrier and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Norfolk Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norfolk Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog Norfolk Terrier versus Akbash Norfolk Terrier versus Spinone Italiano Norfolk Terrier versus Standard Poodle Norfolk Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Norfolk Terrier versus Pomeranian Norfolk Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro Norfolk Terrier versus Harrier Norfolk Terrier versus Cairn Terrier Norfolk Terrier versus Scottish Terrier Norfolk Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff Norfolk Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute Norfolk Terrier versus Border Collie Norfolk Terrier versus Newfoundland Norfolk Terrier versus Australian Shepherd Norfolk Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog Norfolk Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier Norfolk Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher Norfolk Terrier versus Shichon Norfolk Terrier versus Shiba Inu Norfolk Terrier versus Harrier Norfolk Terrier versus Cesky Terrier Norfolk Terrier versus Yorkipoo Norfolk Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier Norfolk Terrier versus Bernedoodle
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Shih Tzu versus Pekingese Shih Tzu versus Papillon Shih Tzu versus Neapolitan Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu versus Miniature Schnauzer Shih Tzu versus Mountain Cur Shih Tzu versus Whippet Shih Tzu versus Bloodhound Shih Tzu versus Keeshond Shih Tzu versus Pekingese Shih Tzu versus Vizsla Shih Tzu versus Braque du Bourbonnais Shih Tzu versus Pomapoo Shih Tzu versus Portuguese Water Dog Shih Tzu versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Australian Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Australian Kelpie Shih Tzu versus Harrier Shih Tzu versus Weimaraner Shih Tzu versus Giant Schnauzer Shih Tzu versus Saint Bernard Shih Tzu versus Flat-Coated Retriever Shih Tzu versus Chi-Poo Shih Tzu versus Korean Jindo Dog
Conclusion: Norfolk Terrier versus Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.