PuppyBase

Havanese vs Norwich Terrier

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Havanese vs Norwich Terrier

People compare Havanese and Norwich Terriers because they’re both small, big-hearted dogs that fit in apartments and adore their people. At first glance, they seem like two peas in a pod. under 13 pounds, outgoing, great with kids. but live with either for a few weeks and you’ll feel the real difference in their souls. The Havanese is the velcro dog with a showbiz grin. Bred to charm Cuban aristocrats, this pup lives to be near you, follow you, and perform for your coffee refill. They’re easier to train, less likely to shed, and adapt to your schedule like emotional ninjas. But don’t plan on long workdays. Leave them alone too much and they’ll develop separation anxiety. chewing, barking, the whole sad routine. Their coat? Gorgeous, but it needs brushing every single day unless you want mats that hurt to touch. The Norwich is a tiny daredevil in a wiry coat. Don’t let the size fool you. this dog was built to charge into fox dens. They’re feistier, more independent, and need more mental puzzles to stay out of trouble. They’ll still cuddle, but on their terms. You’ll need patience in training because that terrier brain says “Why?” a lot. And yes, they bark. especially at squirrels, mail carriers, and passing shadows. If you want a soft, eager-to-please companion who thrives on attention, go Havanese. If you want a bold, curious little adventurer with a spark of mischief, the Norwich will steal your heart. Here’s what no chart tells you: the Havanese wants to be your shadow. The Norwich wants to be your partner in crime. Pick based on which kind of love story you’re ready for.

Havanese
Norwich Terrier
8.5–11.5 in
Height
9–10 in
7–13 lb
Weight
11–12 lb
14–16 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.5–4.0k
Puppy price
$2.0–4.5k
#24
AKC popularity
#108

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Havanese Norwich Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Other Dogs
Havanese is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Havanese
Shedding Level
Havanese sheds less (1-point difference)
Havanese
Coat Grooming
Norwich Terrier needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Norwich
Playfulness
Havanese is more playful (1-point difference)
Havanese
Watchdog / Protective
Norwich Terrier is more protective (1-point difference)
Norwich
The verdict

Choose the Havanese if…

  • Apartment dwellers
  • Seniors
  • Families with children
  • You value good with other dogsHavanese scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Norwich Terrier if…

  • Active families
  • Apartment or small home living
  • Families with older children
  • You value shedding levelNorwich Terrier scores higher here.
Havanese Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Havanese home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Norwich Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Norwich Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run