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 |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
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. |
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.