Norfolk Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

5 to 5.4 kg

Height

23-25 cm

Lifespan

12-16 years

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About the Norfolk Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Liza Cahn

Veterinarian

The Norfolk Terrier is a bundle of joy and energy, packed into an adorable little package. They’re feisty, loyal, and incredibly social dogs, who love spending time with the family.

If you’re looking for a small-sized dog that loves long walks, cuddles, and is easy to care for, then the Norfolk Terrier may be the right dog for you! We’ve laid out a helpful guide so that you can decide if the Norfolk is your perfect match.

What is the history & origin of the Norfolk Terrier?

Hailing from England, these dogs were bred to hunt vermin in the 1800s. Originally Norfolk and Norwich Terriers were both known as Norwich Terriers. Though they were considered to be the same breed, the Norfolk Terrier had drop ears and the Norwich Terrier had prick ears, the only distinguishing feature.

In the 1930s the breed became officially recognised in Great Britain and the United States, but the ears became an issue. Breeders wanted the two breeds to be separated, and in 1964 the English Kennel Club designated that the prick-ear dogs would remain Norwich Terriers, whilst the drop-ear dogs would be Norfolk Terriers.

What is a Norfolk Terrier breed?

Smaller than the typical terrier, the Norfolk Terrier is sometimes mistaken for a lap dog. But, as they were bred to hunt in packs, Norfolk’s are very social, active, and always up for an adventure.

This dog breed is known for its cuteness, loyalty, and charm. Characterized by a wiry, weather-resistant coat and distinctive drop ears, this breed is both sturdy and adorable. Their expressive eyes often gleam with mischief, hinting at their spirited and energetic temperament.

Who is a Norfolk Terrier best for?

Due to their friendly and loving nature, Norfolk Terriers are very easy to care for and make great pets for older couples and families with children. As long as they are socialised from an early age they also usually get along well with other dogs too.

Because they were bred to hunt, they tend to have a habit of chasing cats and other small animals. Over time they usually become used to them, but they may still fare better in cat-free households.

Norfolks absolutely love being outdoors, so they’re best suited to living somewhere with a decent yard area. However, they do have a fondness for digging, so if you take great pride in the tidiness of your lawn, this may possibly not be the ideal breed for you.

Norfolk Terrier Grooming & Shedding

Norfolk Terriers have a beautiful double coat in rich colours including wheaten, red, and black and tan. The coat consists of a soft undercoat and a hardy outer coat, made up of wiry fur. Due to this, the breed doesn’t shed much.

The American Kennel Club recommends that you should trim fur around their paws and drop ears regularly, and brush them once a week. The coat will also need to hand stripped twice a year. Nails should be trimmed as needed and teeth brushed daily if possible, as small breed dogs are especially prone to developing dental disease.

Do Norfolk Terriers bark a lot?

The Norfolk Terrier isn’t overly yappy when compared to other dogs. They don’t tend to bark for no reason, and will usually only do so if they’re bored or if they think something is wrong. So, as long as they’re given enough walks and mental stimulation, they’ll be a happy, peaceful pooch.

What is the average weight & height of a Norfolk Terrier dog?

As one of the smallest terriers, both males and females grow to be around 25cm tall. An adult dog will usually weigh around 5 to 5.4kgs.

Are Norfolk Terriers easy to train?

Norfolk Terriers are intelligent dogs, but a stubborn nature may challenge the patience of their owners if they don’t receive proper obedience training. It’s recommended that they are socialised early and attend puppy training classes so that they grow up to be a cooperative companion.

Due to their strong prey drive, they can pose a danger to some other animals, such as mice and hamsters. Because of this, they should be kept on a leash when in areas that aren’t properly secured with a fence.

How do Norfolk Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

As they were bred to hunt in packs, the Norfolk Terrier is a very gregarious dog breed that loves company. They want to be involved in every aspect of family life, and can’t get enough of spending time with their owners, making them an ideal family pet.

Norfolks are active dogs with a good deal of energy, so they need vigorous exercise daily. Usually, a long walk in the morning and some game time in the afternoon will keep them happy.

Their sociable personality also means they usually get on well with other dogs, but they can have an issue living with other pets such as cats and other small animals.

Does the Norfolk Terrier have any common health issues?

Norfolk Terriers are usually healthy dogs, but as with all breeds, there are some conditions that they are prone to.

Mitral Valve Disease: A condition where the heart’s mitral valve doesn’t function properly, potentially leading to more serious heart problems.
Patellar Luxation: The knee cap slides in and out of place, causing discomfort, difficulty walking, or pain.
Hip Dysplasia: A malformation where the femur doesn’t fit snugly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint leading to pain and arthritis.
Ichthyosis: A skin condition characterized by dry, flaky skin and sometimes leading to more severe symptoms.
Eye Problems: This encompasses a range of potential issues, including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
Regular veterinary check-ups: and early detection are vital for managing and preventing these conditions.

What is the lifespan of a Norfolk Terrier?

The average life expectancy for a Norfolk Terrier is 12 to 16 years. However, if properly cared for and given lots of regular activity, these dogs can live into their late teens. So, be prepared for a long life of companionship with your furry pal.

How much does a Norfolk Terrier need to be fed?

You should work together with your trusted veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to decide the most appropriate food for your pup.

When choosing a diet, look for WSAVA and AAFCO seals of approval, indicating that the food is complete and balanced. Avoid boutique diets such as raw and grain-free, as these have been linked to infection and heart disease.

Most owners feed two meals per day after puppyhood, with the amount depending on your dog’s diet, size, and activity level. This breed has a tendency to become overweight and may overeat if given the chance. You can give your dog quality treats in moderation, especially during training, but avoid feeding table scraps as this could be unhealthy and also result in unwanted begging behaviour.

Fresh water should always be available.

How much can you expect to pay for a Norfolk Terrier in Australia?

As Norfolk Terriers are purebred dogs they tend to be pretty expensive, with prices ranging from $2,500 to $6,500. It’s essential to recognize that the initial cost of the puppy is only a small part of the total expenses. Ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and other necessities should also be factored into your budget.

Be sure that you find a breeder who follows responsible breeding practices and utilizes appropriate testing and veterinary care to contribute to the health and temperament of their puppies.

You can always visit your local animal shelter or seek out a breed-specific rescue to adopt a puppy or an adult dog – rescue dogs make fantastic pets too!

Norfolk Terrier FAQs

Are Norfolk Terriers ideal for first-time dog owners?

Norfolk Terriers are ideal dogs for most owners, first-time or experienced! They get on well with other dogs, so they don’t have to be your only canine buddy.

As a first-time dog owner, you might find training a Norfolk to be quite taxing. So, it’s recommended that you take them to training classes when they’re young.

Do Norfolk Terriers like to cuddle?

Norfolk’s are highly social dogs and need all the attention they can get from their owners. They love cuddling up on laps, but they’re also active and full of energy. So, by all means, cuddle away! But, just make sure they’re also getting lots of daily exercise.

How do you bathe a Norfolk Terrier?

When bathing any dog it’s important to use a dog (not human) shampoo and follow the instructions on the bottle. Additional grooming requirements for this breed require hand stripping of the coat twice a year.

How long can a Norfolk Terrier be left alone?

Norfolk Terriers are very social dogs and have a constant desire for attention from their owners. Because of this, they don’t like being left at home alone for long periods.

If you work long hours and are considering keeping a Norfolk as a pet, you should look at arranging for someone to look after them whilst you’re away from the house. If they spend too much time alone, they can start to engage in disruptive behaviours, such as excessive barking.