Norwich Terrier
Quick Summary
Spirited, adaptable terriers best suited for active owners. Excellent family dogs requiring moderate exercise and training. Consider their strong prey drive and barking tendencies.
Contents
Weight Range
12-12 lbs
♂ Male: 12-12 lbs
♀ Female: 12-12 lbs
Height Range
25-25 inches
♂ Male: 10-10"
♀ Female: 10-10"
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #68
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Terrier Group
Originally bred for Developed in Eastern England during the 1800s, these tenacious terriers served as ratters in stables and farmyards, proving especially valuable in Norfolk county
Popularity
#108
Less common breed
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 10"-10" |
| Female Height | 10"-10" |
| Male Weight | 12-12 lbs |
| Female Weight | 12-12 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 1/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include $1500-2500 for purchase, plus setup expenses. Monthly costs average $100-150 for food and supplies. Annual veterinary care ranges from $500-800, excluding emergencies.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Norwich Terriers combine affectionate companionship with typical terrier alertness and energy. They show strong loyalty to family while maintaining an independent spirit. Social and friendly but can be protective and may bark at unfamiliar sounds.
Social Needs
Highly social dogs requiring regular human interaction and companionship. Generally good with other dogs but need early socialization. Can tolerate short periods alone but prefer company.
Breed Overview
Norwich Terriers are compact, sturdy dogs with a distinctive fox-like expression and alert bearing. Their wiry double coat comes in various shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle. Standing 10 inches at the shoulder with a hardy frame, these spirited terriers feature pricked ears, dark oval eyes, and a slightly foxy face that gives them their characteristic keen expression.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Affectionate with family
- ✓ Good with children
- ✓ Adaptable
- ✓ Low maintenance grooming
Cons
- ✗ Can be stubborn
- ✗ Prone to barking
- ✗ Strong prey drive
- ✗ May be territorial
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Affectionate, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Trainability | Agreeable |
| Grooming Needs | Weekly Brushing |
| Shedding | Seasonal |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Norwich Terriers require 45-60 minutes of daily exercise through brisk walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation activities. Their high energy level demands a mix of physical activities and interactive games at moderate to high intensity.
Diet & Nutrition
Requires 1-1.5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Special attention needed for weight management due to their small size and high energy. Premium food recommended for joint health.
Feed 1-1.5 cups of premium dry dog food daily, divided into two meals. Choose age-appropriate formulas rich in protein. Monitor portion sizes to prevent weight gain, common in small breeds.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Adaptable to apartment living with sufficient exercise, these terriers thrive in homes with secure yards. They can handle various climates but need protection from extreme heat.
Requires minimal space but needs secure outdoor areas for exercise. Adapts well to apartment living with adequate exercise. Fenced yards recommended due to hunting instincts.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Bred in East Anglia, particularly around Norwich, England, these small terriers earned their reputation as exceptional ratters in the late 1800s. Local stable yards and farms valued them for their hunting prowess and compact size.
Historical Purpose
Developed in Eastern England during the 1800s, these tenacious terriers served as ratters in stables and farmyards, proving especially valuable in Norfolk county.
Fun Fact
Despite their small size, Norwich Terriers were historically used to flush out foxes during hunts!
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Regular dental care essential. Needs consistent exercise despite small size. Watch for signs of respiratory issues common in small terriers.