Norwich TerrierVSScottish Terrier

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

When it comes to playfulness, the Norwich Terrier has the edge with a 5/5 rating compared to the Scottish Terrier's 3/5. If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for a game of fetch, the Norwich Terrier is your pick.

The Norwich Terrier is a small breed standing 24–26 cm (9–10 in) tall and weighing 5–6 kg (11–13 lbs). In comparison, the Scottish Terrier is a small breed at 25–28 cm (10–11 in) and 8–10 kg (18–22 lbs).

The Scottish Terrier is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

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

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

For apartment dwellers, the Norwich Terrier is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the Scottish Terrier's 4/5. The Scottish Terrier generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

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

Grooming-wise, the Scottish Terrier needs more upkeep (4/5) than the Norwich Terrier (3/5). The Scottish Terrier's wiry coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $200 for the Norwich Terrier and $300 for the Scottish Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Norwich Terrier has a lifespan of 12–15 years, while the Scottish Terrier lives 12–15 years. Both breeds have comparable lifespans.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Norwich Terrier scores 4/5 compared to the Scottish Terrier's 3/5. The Norwich Terrier is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Norwich Terrier include upper airway syndrome, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation. The Scottish Terrier is prone to scottie cramp, von Willebrand's disease, bladder cancer, craniomandibular osteopathy. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $400 for the Norwich Terrier and $500 for the Scottish Terrier. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Norwich Terrier is easier to train with a trainability score of 4/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Scottish Terrier scores 2/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

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 Norwich Terrier and Scottish 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 Norwich Terrier leans toward adaptive intelligence — reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving unfamiliar problems. The Scottish Terrier, on the other hand, shows strong instinctive intelligence — excelling at breed-specific tasks through natural instinct rather than learned behavior.

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.

For families with children, the Norwich Terrier is the stronger choice, scoring 4/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Scottish Terrier's 3/5. The Norwich Terrier's affectionate nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the Norwich Terrier tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Scottish Terrier (2/5). 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 Scottish Terrier tends to be more reserved (2/5). If you frequently have guests, the Norwich Terrier's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Norwich Terrier ranges from $2,000–$3,500, while a Scottish Terrier typically costs $1,000–$2,500. The Norwich Terrier has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $900 for the Norwich Terrier and $1,220 for the Scottish Terrier. The Scottish Terrier costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $25 for the Norwich Terrier and $35 for the Scottish 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.