Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Norwich Terrier Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
- Norwich Terrier versus Shiba Inu: Overview
- Norwich Terrier versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu
- The Similarities Between the Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Norwich Terrier versus Shiba Inu
- Lifespan of Norwich Terrier versus Shiba Inu
- Temperament of the Norwich Terrier Versus the Shiba Inu
- Price of Norwich Terrier versus Price of Shiba Inu
- The Popularity of Norwich Terrier versus Popularity of Shiba Inu
- Health Problems of Norwich Terrier versus Health Problems of Shiba Inu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Norwich Terrier versus Shiba Inu
- Do Norwich Terriers shed more than Shiba Inus?
- Which one drools more, the Norwich Terrier or the Shiba Inu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwich Terrier or the Shiba Inu?
- Does the Norwich Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
- Do Norwich Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
- Can Norwich Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Norwich Terrier vs. Shiba Inu
- Can Norwich Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norwich Terrier or the Shiba Inu?
- Are Norwich Terriers good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
- How Kid-friendly are Norwich Terriers and Shiba Inus?
- Is the Norwich Terrier Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwich Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Norwich Terrier versus Shiba Inu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Norwich Terrier Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu? 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 Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu 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 Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu 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 Norwich Terrier and for the Shiba Inu. 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 Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Norwich Terrier or the Shiba Inu.
Norwich Terrier versus Shiba Inu: Overview
A very important difference between the Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Norwich Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Shiba Inu is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Norwich 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 Shiba Inu 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.
Norwich Terrier versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Norwich Terrier to the Shiba Inu 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 Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu
| Factor | Norwich Terrier | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | Up to 12 pounds | 17 to 23 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $2140 | $2130 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2650 | $1600 – $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 73.3 percent | 67.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 102 | 44 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Norwich 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Norwich Terrier is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shiba Inu is 82 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norwich Terrier is a better pet than the Shiba Inu. So, you should get the Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu
Below is a list of where the Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu
The Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Norwich Terrier versus Shiba Inu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu.
Norwich Terriers weigh Up to 12 pounds when fully grown. Norwich Terriers are Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Shiba Inus weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Shiba Inus are 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Norwich Terrier versus Shiba Inu
The lifespan of Norwich Terriers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Norwich Terriers is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.
Shiba Inus live longer than Norwich Terriers.
Temperament of the Norwich Terrier Versus the Shiba Inu
The Norwich Terrier has a better temperament than the Shiba Inu.
This is because the temperament score for the Norwich Terrier is 73.3 percent while the temperament score for the Shiba Inu is 67.9 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 73.3 percent, the Norwich Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 67.9 percent, the Shiba Inu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu by measuring the temperaments of 15 Norwich Terriers and 28 Shiba Inus.
Price of Norwich Terrier versus Price of Shiba Inu
The average price of the Norwich Terrier puppy is $2140. The price of the Norwich Terrier typically ranges from $1500 – $2650. However, the price of a Norwich Terrier can be as low as $1200 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 14 Norwich Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Shiba Inu puppy is $2130. The price of the Shiba Inu typically ranges from $1600 – $2500. However, the price of the Shiba Inu can be as low as $600 and as high as $6995. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 283 Shiba Inu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Norwich Terrier is more expensive than the Shiba Inu.
`| Norwich Terrier | Shiba Inu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2140 | $2130 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2650 | $1600 to $2500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Norwich Terrier and Shiba Inu. For different price points, the charts show how many Norwich Terrier puppies or how many Shiba Inu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Norwich Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Shiba Inus
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Norwich Terrier puppy or the Shiba Inu 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 Popularity of Norwich Terrier versus Popularity of Shiba Inu
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 Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shiba Inu is more popular with dog owners than the Norwich Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shiba Inu is 44 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwich Terrier is 102 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Norwich Terrier
Popularity of Shiba Inu
| Year | Norwich Terrier Popularity Rank | Shiba Inu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 89 | 46 |
| 2014 | 97 | 47 |
| 2015 | 103 | 45 |
| 2016 | 103 | 44 |
| 2017 | 105 | 45 |
| 2018 | 108 | 44 |
| 2019 | 102 | 45 |
| 2020 | 109 | 43 |
Health Problems of Norwich Terrier versus Health Problems of Shiba Inu
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 Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Norwich Terrier.
3 health tests are recommended for Norwich Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Shiba Inu.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Norwich Terriers and in Shiba Inus.
Norwich Terrier Health Problems
Norwich Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Norwich 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 Norwich Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norwich Terriers here.
Shiba Inu Health Problems
Shiba Inus are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inus for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shiba Inus here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Norwich Terriers and Shiba Inus
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 Norwich Terrier Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Norwich Terrier ranks 2 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 64 Norwich Terriers, 27 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Norwich Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Norwich 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 Shiba Inu Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Shiba Inu ranks 22 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 200 Shiba Inus, 12 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Shiba Inus, and how common these diseases are in Shiba Inus relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Norwich Terrier and in Shiba Inu and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu:
`| Disease | Norwich Terrier Rank | Shiba Inu Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Dentition Database problems | 2 out of 49 dog breeds | 22 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Primary Lens Luxation problems | 13 out of 17 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 22 out of 145 dog breeds | 31 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 86 out of 198 dog breeds | 141 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 94 out of 144 dog breeds | 53 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 109 out of 182 dog breeds | 170 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 91 out of 115 dog breeds |
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: Norwich Terrier versus Shiba Inu
Norwich Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Norwich Terriers shed more than Shiba Inus?
Norwich Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Norwich Terrier or the Shiba Inu
Norwich Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwich Terrier or the Shiba Inu?
Norwich Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.
Does the Norwich Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
Norwich Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Shiba Inus have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Norwich Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
Norwich Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Shiba Inus are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Norwich Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Norwich Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Norwich Terrier vs. Shiba Inu
Norwich Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shiba Inus have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Norwich Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Norwich Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Shiba Inus can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norwich Terrier or the Shiba Inu?
Norwich Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Norwich Terriers good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
Norwich Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shiba Inus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Norwich Terriers and Shiba Inus?
Norwich Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Norwich Terrier Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
Norwich Terriers are very easy to train.
Shiba Inus are not easy to train.
Is the Norwich Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?
Norwich Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Norwich Terrier or the Shiba Inu?
Norwich Terriers are OK for new dog owners.
Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwich Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Norwich Terrier and how the Shiba Inu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Norwich Terrier and of the Shiba Inu to other breeds:
Norwich Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norwich Terrier versus Cockalier Norwich Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute Norwich Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog Norwich Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel Norwich Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier Norwich Terrier versus Sloughi Norwich Terrier versus Stabyhoun Norwich Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel Norwich Terrier versus Coton de Tulear Norwich Terrier versus Lhasa Apso Norwich Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Norwich Terrier versus Japanese Spitz Norwich Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel Norwich Terrier versus Morkie Norwich Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound Norwich Terrier versus Chorkie Norwich Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Norwich Terrier versus Dogo Argentino Norwich Terrier versus Chow Chow Norwich Terrier versus Azawakh Norwich Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Norwich Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli Norwich Terrier versus Chinook Norwich Terrier versus Scottish Terrier Norwich Terrier versus Welsh Springer SpanielShiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiba Inu versus Papillon Shiba Inu versus Cavachon Shiba Inu versus Beaglier Shiba Inu versus Giant Schnauzer Shiba Inu versus Azawakh Shiba Inu versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Shiba Inu versus King Shepherd Shiba Inu versus Bluetick Coonhound Shiba Inu versus Papillon Shiba Inu versus Sealyham Terrier Shiba Inu versus Maremma Sheepdog Shiba Inu versus Belgian Sheepdog Shiba Inu versus Akita Shiba Inu versus Brittany Shiba Inu versus Shiloh Shepherd Shiba Inu versus American Bulldog Shiba Inu versus Borzoi Shiba Inu versus Siberian Husky Shiba Inu versus Toy Fox Terrier Shiba Inu versus Whippet Shiba Inu versus American Eskimo Dog Shiba Inu versus Scottish Deerhound Shiba Inu versus Beagle Shiba Inu versus Icelandic Sheepdog Shiba Inu versus BeaglierConclusion: Norwich Terrier versus Shiba Inu. 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 Norwich Terrier and the Shiba Inu better suits you and your family.