Norwich Terrier
Prick-eared mischief from the stables of East Anglia — small dog, enormous agenda.
Vital stats
| Size | Very small · 24–26 cm |
| Weight | 5–5.5 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Moderate — 45–60 min/day |
| Shedding | Low, seasonal |
| Coat | Hard wiry coat · red, wheaten, black-and-tan, grizzle |
| Group | Terrier · FCI №72 / AKC |
| Origin | East Anglia, England |
| FCI group | 3 — Terriers · FCI 72 |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
The Norwich Terrier by the numbers
The Norwich Terrier facts owners search for most — price, lifespan, weight, shedding and colours, in one place.
Widely bred, so you can usually find a litter from a registered breeder without a long wait. Ongoing costs stay modest — it eats little and routine vet care sits at the lower end.
We don't quote a single figure: the real price swings with breeder, region, bloodline and health testing — and a rescue costs a fraction of a breeder's litter. Adopting is almost always the cheapest route.
Temperament
Bred to clear East Anglian stables of rats and bolt foxes for the hunt, the Norwich worked in packs — leaving it cheerier with other dogs and people than terrier convention demands. At home it is affectionate, plucky and perpetually optimistic, certain that today is the day something exciting rustles.
Habits & quirks
The greeting spin
Homecomings are celebrated with full-body rotation.
Toy interrogations
Squeaky toys are shaken until they confess.
The garden census
Every rustle in the borders is investigated at a sprint.
Lap opportunism
For a working terrier, it accepts soft furnishings with suspicious ease.
Care
| Grooming | Hand-strip the harsh jacket roughly twice a year; clipping softens the colour and weatherproof texture. |
| Exercise | A lively daily hour of walks and games keeps body and terrier brain in order. |
| Training | Bright and willing but easily bored — keep sessions short, and build recall before trusting it off-lead. |
| Health | A sturdy little breed overall; choose breeders who screen for hips and breathing soundness. |
Life expectancy
This breed has a typical life expectancy of 12–15 years.
Similar breeds
Breeds with a similar build and background — worth a look if this one isn't quite the fit.
Breeds that look like this
Common questions
What is the difference between a Norwich and a Norfolk Terrier?
The ears: pricked on the Norwich, folded on the Norfolk. They were a single breed until 1964 and remain alike in nearly everything else.
Are Norwich Terriers hard to find?
Yes — litters are small and demand is steady, so reputable breeders often keep waiting lists. Patience, not shortcuts, finds a well-bred puppy.
Are Norwich Terriers good apartment dogs?
Very good, given a real daily outing — they are small, moderately vocal, and devoted company. A bored one, however, will find projects you won't approve of.
Does the Norwich Terrier shed a lot?
Not much. The Norwich Terrier is a low-shedding breed, so loose hair around the home stays minimal. It still needs regular grooming, but you won't be fighting drifts of fur.
Is the Norwich Terrier hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but the Norwich Terrier comes closer than most: its low-shedding coat releases less of the dander that triggers allergies. Many allergy sufferers manage well with this breed, but spend time around one before committing.
Is the Norwich Terrier good with children?
Generally yes. The Norwich Terrier is a friendly, people-loving breed that usually does well with children when raised and socialised well. As with any dog, teach children to be gentle and supervise around toddlers.
Is the Norwich Terrier easy to train?
Reasonably. The Norwich Terrier is trainable with consistency and rewards, though it isn't the quickest study. Keep sessions short and positive, and be patient with the basics like recall.