Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
A playful, adaptable companion with bat-like ears and a charming personality. French Bulldogs thrive in city apartments and make excellent companions for singles and families alike.
One of the smallest working terriers, with upright ears and a fearless spirit. Norwich Terriers are affectionate, sociable, and adaptable — equally happy on a country walk or a city apartment.
Quick Answer
Choose French Bulldog if you want a great companion. Choose Norwich Terrier if you want easier to train and better health.
French Bulldog
Attribute
Norwich Terrier
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Norwich Terrier tends to be the healthier breed overall.
French Bulldog
Norwich Terrier
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Life expectancy favors the Norwich Terrier: 12–15 years versus the French Bulldog's 10–12 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Norwich Terrier.
Norwich Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
French Bulldog
Norwich Terrier
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,500–$5,000 for a French Bulldog and $2,000–$3,500 for a Norwich Terrier. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
French Bulldog is calmer; Norwich Terrier is more energetic.
French Bulldog
Norwich Terrier
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The French Bulldog is typically playful, adaptable and affectionate, making them well suited for apartment living, families, first-time owners, seniors and singles.
Norwich Terrier needs more exercise; French Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
French Bulldog
Norwich Terrier
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
The Norwich Terrier needs slightly more exercise (3/5) than the French Bulldog (2/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have high to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Norwich Terrier.
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
French Bulldog
Norwich Terrier
Shedding
Grooming Needs
Both breeds shed at the same rate (2/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Neither breed will leave much hair around the house.
Norwich Terrier is generally easier to train.
French Bulldog
Norwich Terrier
Trainability
Intelligence
The Norwich Terrier has a slight training edge (4/5 vs 3/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Norwich Terrier tends to catch on a bit faster.
French Bulldog is the larger breed; Norwich Terrier is more compact.
French Bulldog
Norwich Terrier
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
The French Bulldog stands 28–33 cm (11–13 in) and weighs 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs), while the Norwich Terrier measures 24–26 cm (9–10 in) and 5–6 kg (11–13 lbs). The French Bulldog is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
French Bulldog
Norwich Terrier
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the French Bulldog if you value lower exercise needs (2/5).
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The French Bulldog and Norwich Terrier are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Norwich Terrier by roughly $500/year.
Choose French Bulldog if...
Choose Norwich Terrier if...
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The French Bulldog scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Norwich Terrier at 4/5. The French Bulldog is specifically recommended for families.
The Norwich Terrier is easier to train, scoring 4/5 versus the French Bulldog's 3/5. The Norwich Terrier's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
A French Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$5,000 while a Norwich Terrier costs $2,000–$3,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,380 for the French Bulldog and $900 for the Norwich Terrier. The French Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
The French Bulldog lives 10–12 years on average, while the Norwich Terrier lives 12–15 years. The Norwich Terrier tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The French Bulldog is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Norwich Terrier (5/5). The French Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.