BulldogVSNorwich Terrier

The Bulldog is known for being docile, willful, friendly, 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 Bulldog's 3/5. Expect the Norwich Terrier to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Norwich Terrier is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Bulldog is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Bulldog may be the better choice.

The Bulldog is a medium breed standing 31–40 cm (12–16 in) tall and weighing 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs). In comparison, the Norwich Terrier is a small breed at 24–26 cm (9–10 in) and 5–6 kg (11–13 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Bulldog is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Norwich Terrier's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Bulldog has a short coat available in brindle, white, fawn, red, piebald, 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 Bulldog has low energy (2/5) with low exercise needs (2/5). The Norwich Terrier has high energy (4/5) and moderate exercise needs (3/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Norwich Terrier, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Bulldog is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

When it comes to shedding, the Bulldog drops more fur with a shedding level of 3/5, while the Norwich Terrier is lighter at 2/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Norwich Terrier will be easier to live with.

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

Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the Bulldog and $200 for the Norwich Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bulldog has a lifespan of 8–10 years, while the Norwich Terrier lives 12–15 years. The Norwich Terrier generally has a longer lifespan.

The Norwich Terrier is generally the healthier breed, scoring 4/5 for health robustness versus the Bulldog's 1/5. This often translates to fewer vet visits and lower medical costs.

Common health issues for the Bulldog include brachycephalic syndrome, hip dysplasia, cherry eye, skin infections. 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 $900 for the Bulldog and $400 for the Norwich Terrier. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the Norwich Terrier, which scores 4/5 for trainability. The Bulldog's score of 2/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

The Norwich Terrier ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 2/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

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.

The Norwich Terrier is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 4/5 to the Bulldog's 2/5. This means the Norwich Terrier generally picks up new commands faster and is better at figuring things out independently. On the flip side, their sharp mind needs regular engagement through puzzle toys, training games, and varied activities to prevent behavioral issues.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in adaptive intelligence. Both are skilled at reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving everyday problems on their own.

The Norwich Terrier's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (4/5 vs 2/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

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 Bulldog (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Norwich Terrier is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The initial purchase price for a Bulldog ranges from $1,500–$4,000, while a Norwich Terrier typically costs $2,000–$3,500. Both breeds have similar purchase prices.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,600 for the Bulldog and $900 for the Norwich Terrier. The Bulldog is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $50 for the Bulldog 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.