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Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise Comparison - Dog breed selector: Drop-Eared Norwich Terrier or Roseneath Terrier or Bichon A Poil Frise? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise" Compare Norfolk Terrier and West Highland White Terrier. Which is better: Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier or Bichon Frise?
 
 
 
Name Norfolk Terrier West Highland White Terrier Bichon Frise
OriginsUnited Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom Scotland flagScotland Spain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank1284246
Reviews015
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise breeds.
Drop-Eared Norwich Terrier Roseneath Terrier
Westie
Westy
White Roseneath Terrier
Poltalloch Terrier
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise? Compare adult weight ranges.
10-12 pounds (4½-5½ kg) Male: 15-22 pounds (7-10 kg), Female: 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
11 pounds (5 kg) Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg) 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier or Bichon Frise? Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise height comparison:
10 inches (25 cm) Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
10 inches (25 cm) Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)

Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Find price differences between these breeds.
$2000-$2500 $900-$1200 $700-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier or Bichon Frise?
Frequent: The Norfolk Terrier is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The West Highland White Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.

Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which is easiest to train?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most alert?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most protective?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise? Compare temperaments.
Happy
Intelligent
Selfish
Fearless
Companionable
Spirited
Confidence
Lovable
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise?
Average to High: Norfolk Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Average to High: West Highland White Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise social needs comparison:
Norfolk Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Norfolk Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Norfolk Terrier is a vocal breed.
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A lot: West Highland White Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most playful?
The Norfolk Terrier is a playful breed.
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The West Highland White Terrier is a highly playful breed.
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The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Apartment-friendly dog the Norfolk Terrier breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep West Highland White Terrier indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.

Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most flexible?
Norfolk Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
West Highland White Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier or Bichon Frise?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
West Highland White Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Bichon Frise dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Norfolk Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which uses mouth most during play?
Norfolk Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Norfolk Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

West Highland White Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Norfolk Terrier: 13 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of West Highland White Terrier: 14 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Norfolk Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The West Highland White Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which has fewer health issues?
The Norfolk Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Norfolk Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The West Highland White Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Bichon Frise should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise health problems comparison:
No data available Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Atopic Dermatitis
Hyperplastic Dermatosis
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts

Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most active?
Norfolk Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier or Bichon Frise? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Norfolk Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
West Highland White Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier or Bichon Frise?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Norfolk Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the West Highland White Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which needs most food?
1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Grizzle
Wheaten
White Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Norfolk Terrier requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The West Highland White Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which drools least?
The Norfolk Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The West Highland White Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Norfolk Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Wiry
Shaggy
Dense Curly
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which requires most frequent baths?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier or Bichon Frise? Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Norfolk Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
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Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which is best with kids?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier or Bichon Frise? Which dog is more friendly?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier or Bichon Frise?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier or Bichon Frise?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise?
Yes
Norfolk Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
West Highland White Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Bichon Frise dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Norfolk Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
West Highland White Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Bichon Frise is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Norfolk Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
West Highland White Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.

Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Norfolk Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

West Highland White Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which has most puppies?
2-5 puppies 2-5 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier vs Bichon Frise Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1979 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Norfolk Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bichon Frise. Which has most recognition?
No data available American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Bichon Frise Club Of America

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