Australian TerrierVSNorwich Terrier

The Australian Terrier is known for being spirited, affectionate, courageous, while the Norwich Terrier is typically described as affectionate, fearless, sociable. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Norwich Terrier tends to be more playful, scoring 5/5 versus the Australian Terrier's 4/5. Expect the Norwich Terrier to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Australian Terrier is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Norwich Terrier is quieter at 3/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Norwich Terrier may be the better choice.

The Australian Terrier is a small breed standing 23–28 cm (9–11 in) tall and weighing 6–7 kg (13–15 lbs). In comparison, the Norwich Terrier is a small breed at 24–26 cm (9–10 in) and 5–6 kg (11–13 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The Australian Terrier has a wiry coat available in blue and tan, sandy, red, while the Norwich Terrier sports a wiry coat in red, wheaten, black and tan, grizzle. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Australian Terrier has high energy (4/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Norwich Terrier has high energy (4/5) and moderate exercise needs (3/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (2/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

Grooming-wise, the Norwich Terrier needs more upkeep (3/5) than the Australian Terrier (2/5). The Norwich Terrier's wiry coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $150 for the Australian Terrier and $200 for the Norwich Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Australian Terrier has a lifespan of 11–15 years, while the Norwich Terrier lives 12–15 years. The Norwich Terrier generally has a longer lifespan.

Both breeds score 4/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Australian Terrier include patellar luxation, diabetes, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, allergies. The Norwich Terrier is prone to upper airway syndrome, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $400 for the Australian Terrier and $400 for the Norwich Terrier. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 4/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 4/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

Both the Australian Terrier and Norwich Terrier score 4/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Australian Terrier leans toward obedience intelligence — quickly learning and responding to commands from their handler. The Norwich Terrier, on the other hand, shows strong adaptive intelligence — figuring out new situations on their own and reading social cues effectively.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

If you have other pets, the Norwich Terrier tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Australian Terrier (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Norwich Terrier is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Norwich Terrier is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Australian Terrier tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the Norwich Terrier's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Australian Terrier ranges from $1,000–$2,000, while a Norwich Terrier typically costs $2,000–$3,500. The Norwich Terrier is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $850 for the Australian Terrier and $900 for the Norwich Terrier. The Norwich Terrier costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $25 for the Australian Terrier and $25 for the Norwich Terrier. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.