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

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Norfolk Terrier Versus Sloughi: Introduction

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

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

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 Sloughi.

Norfolk Terrier versus Sloughi: Overview

A very important difference between the Norfolk Terrier and the Sloughi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Norfolk Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Sloughi is a large-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 Sloughi 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 Sloughi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norfolk Terrier to the Sloughi 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 Sloughi

Factor Norfolk Terrier Sloughi
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Weight 11 to 12 pounds 40 to 63 pounds
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
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 4/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $2500 No Data
Price Range $2500 – $2500 No Data
Temperament Score 92.9 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Ichthyosis
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Exam by a veterinarian with Board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Cardiology
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination by a board certified ACVO Ophthalmologist- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 130 189

    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 Sloughi. 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 Sloughi is 79 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norfolk Terrier is a better pet than the Sloughi. 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 Sloughi 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 Sloughi

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

  • Norfolk Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Sloughis have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Norfolk Terriers are good for new dog owners. However, Sloughis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Norfolk Terriers gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Sloughis are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • The Similarities Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Sloughi

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

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

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

    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, Sloughis weigh 40 to 63 pounds when fully grown. Sloughis are 24 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Norfolk Terrier versus Sloughi

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

    The lifespan of Sloughis is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Sloughis is 14.0 years.

    Sloughis live longer than Norfolk Terriers.

    Temperament of the Sloughi Versus the Norfolk Terrier

    The Sloughi has a better temperament than the Norfolk Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sloughi is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Sloughi has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Norfolk Terrier and the Sloughi by measuring the temperaments of 14 Norfolk Terriers and 3 Sloughis.

    The Popularity of Norfolk Terrier versus Popularity of Sloughi

    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 Sloughi over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Norfolk Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Sloughi. 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 Sloughi is 189 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Norfolk Terrier

    Popularity of Norfolk Terrier

    Popularity of Sloughi

    Popularity of Sloughi

    Year Norfolk Terrier Popularity Rank Sloughi Popularity Rank
    2013 129 no data
    2014 131 no data
    2015 131 no data
    2016 134 185.0
    2017 128 188.0
    2018 126 192.0
    2019 131 191.0
    2020 130 189.0

    Health Problems of Norfolk Terrier versus Health Problems of Sloughi

    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 Sloughi 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 Sloughi is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norfolk Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Sloughi than for the Norfolk Terrier.

    5 health tests are recommended for Norfolk Terrier while 6 tests are recommended for the Sloughi.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Norfolk Terriers and in Sloughis.

    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:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Ichthyosis
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norfolk Terriers here.

    Sloughi Health Problems

    Sloughis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Sloughi 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 Sloughi puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Sloughi 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 Sloughis for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Exam by a veterinarian with Board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Cardiology
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination by a board certified ACVO Ophthalmologist- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Sloughis here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Norfolk Terrier versus Sloughi

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

    Sloughis can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Norfolk Terriers shed more than Sloughis?

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

    Sloughis shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Sloughi

    Norfolk Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sloughis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Sloughis are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Sloughis 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 Sloughis?

    Norfolk Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Sloughis are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Norfolk Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sloughis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norfolk Terrier vs. Sloughi

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

    Sloughis 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 Sloughis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Norfolk Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Sloughis 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 Sloughi?

    Norfolk Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Sloughis get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Norfolk Terriers good family dogs? What about Sloughis?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Norfolk Terriers and Sloughis?

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

    Sloughis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Norfolk Terrier Easier to Train than the Sloughi?

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.

    Sloughis are fairly easy to train.

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

    Norfolk Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Sloughis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Norfolk Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Sloughis 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:

  • Boston Terrier (77 percent match with Norfolk Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Sloughi vs Boston Terrier.
  • Cockapoo (75 percent match with Norfolk Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Sloughi vs Cockapoo.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sloughi

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

  • Bracco Italiano (78 percent match with Sloughi). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Ibizan Hound (79 percent match with Sloughi). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norfolk Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norfolk Terrier versus American Foxhound     Norfolk Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Norfolk Terrier versus Shichon     Norfolk Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Norfolk Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     Norfolk Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     Norfolk Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Norfolk Terrier versus Schipperke     Norfolk Terrier versus Border Collie     Norfolk Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     Norfolk Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Whippet     Norfolk Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Norfolk Terrier versus Whoodle     Norfolk Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Norfolk Terrier versus Chorkie     Norfolk Terrier versus Bullmastiff     Norfolk Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Norfolk Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Norfolk Terrier versus Berger Picard     Norfolk Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Norfolk Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Norfolk Terrier versus Mastiff     Norfolk Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Norfolk Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     

    Sloughi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sloughi versus Bloodhound     Sloughi versus Papillon     Sloughi versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Sloughi versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Sloughi versus Bluetick Coonhound     Sloughi versus Hovawart     Sloughi versus Portuguese Pointer     Sloughi versus Lakeland Terrier     Sloughi versus Gordon Setter     Sloughi versus Pomchi     Sloughi versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Sloughi versus French Bulldog     Sloughi versus Fila Brasileiro     Sloughi versus Bedlington Terrier     Sloughi versus Beagle     Sloughi versus Weimaraner     Sloughi versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Sloughi versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Sloughi versus Shiloh Shepherd     Sloughi versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Sloughi versus Chow Chow     Sloughi versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Sloughi versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Sloughi versus Pekingese     Sloughi versus Tibetan Mastiff     

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