When it comes to choosing a canine companion, there are a seemingly infinite number of options to choose from. Two popular choices are Border Terriers and Norfolk Terriers. So, which one among border terrier vs norfolk terrier is the right breed for you?
Both are compact dogs with short legs and long bodies. They are also similar in terms of energy level, intelligence, and playfulness. However, there are some key differences between the two breeds.
About Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is a small, working terrier of the foxhound type. In addition to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Bedlington Terrier, the Border Terrier has ancestry with the Border Collie. It was traditionally used for hunting foxes by trailing them to their dens, and occasionally going to ground after them, although this activity is now illegal in many countries.
In 1920, the Kennel Club in Great Britain and in 1930, the American Kennel Club recognized the Border Terrier.
They have a flat head with a moderate stop; their ears are V-shaped and fold forward close to the head. Their teeth meet in a scissors bite. The nose is black. The almond-shaped eyes are dark brown. Their neck is strong and of medium length. The body is slightly longer than it is tall. The legs are straight with small, round feet. The dewclaws may be removed. The tail is medium in length, tapering to a point, and carried erect.
The dense, wiry coat may be wheaten (light brownish-yellow), grizzle and tan (a mix of grey, brown, and black hairs), blue and tan, or red. Black and tan are not allowed in show dogs in the United States but are common in working dogs.
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About Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is a small terrier breed originating in the county of Norfolk, England. It is a wire-haired breed and one of the smallest of the working terriers. The coat is hard, dense, and wiry; it may be black and tan, grizzled, and tan, red, or wheaten. The ears fold over at the tips. The Norfolk Terrier breeds are affectionate dogs and a relative of the Norwich Terrier, and in 1932 the Kennel Club merged the two breeds, permitting interbreeding. In America, however, the American Kennel Club maintained the distinction between the two.
The Norfolk Terrier was used for rat-catching in stables and farms, and for hunting small vermin. It is an active and hardy breed, still used for hunting in some parts of the world.
The ideal height of a Norfolk Terrier at the withers is 10 inches (25 cm), although some may be slightly larger or smaller.
The Norfolk Terrier dog breed has a small, compact body. The head is slightly longer than it is wide, with a strong muzzle and teeth that meet in a scissors bite. The eyes are small and dark, set fairly far apart.
The ears are V-shaped and drop down close to the head. The neck is of medium length, and from withers to rump, the topline slopes slightly. The chest is deep, and the ribs are well-sprung. The legs are straight and of medium bone, with small, compact feet. The tail is customarily docked to two-fifths of its original length.
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Border Terrier Vs Norfolk Terrier-Point Of Differences
The Border Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are two breeds of dogs that are often confused with each other. Though they may look similar, there are some key differences between these two breeds.
1. Size
One of the most obvious differences between the Border Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier is their size. The Border Terrier is a medium-sized dog, weighing in at 11-15 pounds and standing 11-14 inches tall at the shoulder. The Norfolk Terrier, on the other hand, is a small breed, weighing in at 10-12 pounds and standing 9-10 inches tall at the shoulder.
2. Coat
Another difference between these two breeds is their coat. The Border Terrier has a double coat, consisting of a rough, outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. The Norfolk Terrier also has a double coat, but its outer coat is not as rough as the BorderTerriers.
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3. Shedding
Because of their difference in coat, these two breeds also differ in how much they shed. The Border Terrier sheds a moderate amount, while the Norfolk Terrier sheds very little.
4. Head
When it comes to their head, the Border Terrier has a slightly longer head than the Norfolk Terrier, with a muzzle that is equal in length to their skull. The Norfolk Terrier has a shorter head, with a muzzle that is shorter than its skull.
5. Ears
Another difference between these two breeds is their ears. The Border Terrier has V-shaped ears that are medium in size and lay close to their head. The Norfolk Terrier has small, button-shaped ears that stand erect on its head.
6. Tail
The tail of the Border Terrier is medium in length and tapers to a point. The Norfolk Terrier has a short, blunt tail that is often described as being “stumpy.”
7. Build
When it comes to their build, the Border Terrier is a long and low dog, while the Norfolk Terrier is more compact.
8. Exercise Needs
The Border Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier have different exercise needs. The Border Terrier is a high-energy breed that needs a lot of exercises, while the Norfolk Terrier is a low-energy breed that is content with a moderate amount of exercise.
9. Temperament
Another difference between these two breeds is their temperament. The Border Terrier is an independent and willful breed, while the Norfolk Terrier is more easygoing and people-oriented.
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10. Grooming Needs
When it comes to grooming, the Border Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier have different needs. The Border Terrier needs to be brushed two to three times a week and its coat should be clipped every few months. The Norfolk Terrier only needs to be brushed once a week and its coat does not need to be clipped.
Despite their similarities, the Border Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are two distinct breeds. When choosing between these two breeds, it is important to consider your lifestyle and needs to find the best fit for you.
Another Interesting Read: What Do Border Terriers Eat
Final Words:
As you can see, there are some key differences between the Border Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier. Though they may look similar, these two breeds are quite different in many ways. When it comes to choosing a breed of dog, it’s important to do your research to make sure you’re choosing the right one for you and your lifestyle.
