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Irish Red and White Setter 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.

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The bottom line

Irish Red and White Setter vs Norwich Terrier

People compare the Irish Red and White Setter and the Norwich Terrier because both are spirited, affectionate dogs with a surprising amount of personality packed into very different sizes. On the surface, they share enthusiasm and loyalty. Dig deeper, and you're looking at two entirely different lifestyles. The Red and White Setter is a big-hearted athlete built for motion. At 35 to 60 pounds, this dog lives to run, fetch, and work beside you in the field or on long trail hikes. It’s eager to learn, thrives on training, and bonds deeply with families. especially active ones with space to burn off that 5/5 energy. You’ll need time for grooming and exercise, but you get a gentle, people-oriented companion in return. It’s not going to bark you out of house and home, but it will expect to be included in everything. The Norwich Terrier, meanwhile, is a 12-pound firecracker with a lion’s courage. Don’t let the size fool you. this tiny guy was bred to go underground after foxes. He’s scrappy, alert, and way more vocal, with a bark that announces every passing squirrel. He adapts to apartment life better, but you’ll battle a stubborn streak during training. And while he adores his people, he might chase your cat or dig at the baseboards when bored. Here’s the real insight: the Setter grows into your life, but the Norwich reshapes it. You’ll plan your day around his small but intense needs. frequent walks, mental puzzles, constant supervision around other animals. The Setter just wants to join yours. Pick the Setter if you hike, hunt, or have a yard and active kids. Choose the Norwich if you want a bold, compact companion who’ll nap on your lap but still demand adventure. loudly.

Irish Red and White Setter
Norwich Terrier
22.5–26 in
Height
9–10 in
35–60 lb
Weight
11–12 lb
11–15 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.5–3.0k
Puppy price
$2.0–4.5k
#146
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.
Irish Red and White Setter Norwich Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Other Dogs
Irish Red and White Setter is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Irish
Trainability
Irish Red and White Setter is easier to train (2-point difference)
Irish
Shedding Level
Irish Red and White Setter sheds less (1-point difference)
Irish
Drooling Level
Norwich Terrier drools less (1-point difference)
Norwich
Playfulness
Norwich Terrier is more playful (1-point difference)
Norwich
The verdict

Choose the Irish Red and White Setter if…

  • Hunters
  • Active families
  • Outdoors enthusiasts
  • You value good with other dogsIrish Red and White Setter 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.
Irish Red and White Setter Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Irish Red and White Setter 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

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