Norfolk Terrier
One of the smallest working terriers, bred in East Anglia to bolt vermin, the Norfolk (drop-eared cousin of the prick-eared Norwich) is friendly, sociable and unusually good with other dogs. Hardy and adaptable. It suits families who'll enjoy a characterful little companion, manage the usual terrier digging and chasing, and hand-strip the wiry coat.
Norfolk Terrier scorecard
Overview
The Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest of the working terriers, a compact, sturdy little dog standing roughly 23 to 26 cm at the shoulder and weighing around 5 to 5.5 kg. It is most easily distinguished from its very close relative the Norwich Terrier by its ears: the Norfolk's are dropped, folding neatly forward, while the Norwich carries pricked, upright ears. Otherwise the two share the same hardy, low-set build, the same harsh, weatherproof wire coat in shades of red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle, and the same big-hearted, game character packed into a small frame. The Kennel Club lists the Norfolk in its Terrier group.
Despite their working roots, Norfolk Terriers have a reputation as one of the more sociable and even-tempered terriers. They are friendly, affectionate and generally good with families and other dogs, and were traditionally kept and worked in packs, which has left them less inclined to the squabbling sometimes seen in other terriers. They remain true terriers, however — busy, curious, fond of digging and chasing, and quite capable of barking and going their own way — so they still need sensible training, daily exercise and early socialisation. For owners who want a small, hardy, characterful companion with plenty of charm and a sturdy constitution, the Norfolk is a popular and rewarding choice that often lives well into its teens.
Good to know — a Norfolk Terrier is flat-friendly and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Norfolk Terrier shares its early history with the Norwich Terrier, the two having been considered a single breed for much of the twentieth century. Both descend from small working terriers kept in the East Anglian counties of Norfolk and the surrounding area in the late 1800s, where they were used to control rats and to bolt foxes. The breed's development is often linked to small red terriers around Cambridge and the work of local breeders and dealers, and the dogs became popular as both ratters and lively companions, including among university students.
The Norwich Terrier was recognised by The Kennel Club in the early twentieth century with both drop-eared and prick-eared dogs included under one name. Breeders increasingly felt that the two ear types should be separated, and in 1964 The Kennel Club formally recognised the drop-eared variety as a distinct breed, the Norfolk Terrier, with the prick-eared dogs remaining as Norwich Terriers. Since then the two have been bred separately, though they remain very closely related in type, temperament and history. The Norfolk continues to be valued both as a working terrier and as a small, robust family companion.
Temperament & family fit
Norfolk Terriers are renowned for being friendly, sociable and good-natured, and they are often considered one of the more companionable terrier breeds. They are affectionate with their families, enjoy human company and tend to get along well with children and, when properly introduced, with other dogs. Their pack-working background means they are generally less prone to the dog-to-dog friction sometimes seen in solitary working terriers, and many live happily in multi-dog households.
That said, the Norfolk is still a terrier at heart: alert, fearless for its size, and keen to dig, explore and chase. It has a notable prey drive and may not be trustworthy with small pets such as rodents, and it will usually bark to announce visitors or anything of interest, though typically with less of the relentless yapping associated with some toy breeds. They are adaptable and people-oriented, disliking being left alone for long periods, and they thrive on involvement in family activities. Early socialisation helps them grow into the confident, well-mannered little dogs the breed is known for.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
For a terrier, the Norfolk is reasonably biddable and eager to please, which makes training a little more straightforward than with some of its more headstrong relatives. They are intelligent and quick to pick up new things, but they can also be independent and easily distracted by interesting smells, so short, fun, reward-based sessions work best. Positive, reward-based methods recommended by The Kennel Club and welfare charities such as the PDSA and Blue Cross — using treats, toys and praise — bring out the best in this sociable little dog.
As with all terriers, recall needs particular work because a Norfolk locked onto a scent or a small animal can become temporarily deaf to commands, so training recall early and practising in safe, enclosed areas is wise. House-training and early socialisation with people, other dogs and everyday situations should begin in puppyhood. Because they form close bonds and dislike isolation, gradual training to be left alone for short, manageable periods helps prevent separation-related problems. Their willingness and intelligence mean Norfolks can also enjoy and do well at activities such as scent work and small-dog agility.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Norfolk Terrier typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Norfolk Terrier has a harsh, wiry double coat that is relatively low-maintenance day to day but needs proper attention to stay in good order. A weekly brush and comb keeps the coat clean and free of tangles, paying attention to the slightly longer furnishings around the face and legs. To maintain the correct harsh texture and a neat outline, the coat is traditionally hand-stripped a couple of times a year rather than clipped; clipping keeps a dog tidy but softens the coat over time. Routine care should also include regular ear checks — important in a drop-eared breed — along with nail trimming and dental care to support overall health.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Norfolk Terriers do well on a good-quality complete dog food suited to their age, size and activity level, fed in measured portions divided into two meals a day for adults. Being a small breed, their daily requirement is modest and it is easy to overfeed, especially when treats feature heavily in training, so treats should be accounted for within the overall daily allowance. The PDSA and other welfare charities advise weighing food rather than guessing and regularly checking body condition, as even a small amount of excess weight is significant on a little dog and can strain the joints and heart. Fresh water should always be available, and diet changes should be introduced gradually.
Norfolk Terrier health & costs
Before bringing a Norfolk Terrier home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£250–400 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£15–32 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Norfolk Terrier is generally a healthy, hardy and long-lived breed, with a typical lifespan of around 13 to 15 years. Its sturdy, no-nonsense construction and working background have helped keep it relatively free of the exaggerations that affect some breeds, and with sensible care many Norfolks remain active and sound into old age. As with any pedigree dog, buying from a responsible breeder who health-tests their breeding stock and prioritises temperament and soundness gives the best start.
The breed is not free of inherited and age-related conditions, however, and prospective owners should discuss health screening with breeders and stay alert to issues common in small terriers. Maintaining a healthy weight, keeping up with dental care, vaccination, worming and flea treatment, and arranging regular veterinary check-ups all help protect long-term health. Pet insurance is worth considering to help with the cost of any unexpected illness or injury.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Mitral valve disease - a degenerative heart-valve condition that becomes more common with age in small breeds, picked up as a heart murmur on veterinary examination.
- Patellar luxation - slipping of the kneecap, seen in many small breeds, which can cause intermittent lameness and sometimes requires surgery.
- Hip dysplasia - although primarily a large-breed problem, it is recognised in some small terriers and breeders may screen for it.
- Dental disease - small jaws predispose to plaque, tartar and gum disease, so regular tooth brushing and dental checks are important.
- Eye conditions - including cataracts and other inherited eye problems; eye examination of breeding stock helps reduce the risk.
- Upper airway and breathing issues - a small number of lines can show narrowed airways, so any noisy breathing or exercise intolerance should be checked by a vet.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Norfolk Terrier; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Norfolk Terrier puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Norfolk Terrier
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Friendly, sociable and good with families
- Hardy and adaptable
Things to consider
- Still a terrier that likes to dig and chase
- Wiry coat benefits from hand-stripping
Compare the Norfolk Terrier
See how the Norfolk Terrier measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Norfolk Terrier and a Norwich Terrier?
The two are very close relatives, most easily told apart by their ears: the Norfolk's are dropped, folding neatly forward, while the Norwich carries pricked, upright ears. Otherwise they share the same hardy, low-set build, the same harsh weatherproof wire coat and the same big-hearted, game character packed into a small frame.
How big is a Norfolk Terrier?
The Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest of the working terriers, standing roughly 23–26cm at the shoulder and weighing around 5–5.5kg. It is compact and sturdy, with a low-set build and a harsh, weatherproof wire coat. Despite its small size, it has the bold, busy character of a true working terrier.
Are Norfolk Terriers good with other dogs and children?
Norfolk Terriers are renowned as one of the more sociable, good-natured terriers. They tend to get along well with children and, when properly introduced, with other dogs — their pack-working background means less of the friction seen in some terriers. They do have a notable prey drive, however, so small pets such as rodents are best kept apart.
What colours do Norfolk Terriers come in?
The Norfolk Terrier's harsh wire coat comes in shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, and grizzle. The coat is weatherproof and relatively low-shedding. Slightly longer furnishings appear around the face and legs, which benefit from regular brushing to stay neat and tangle-free.
Are Norfolk Terriers easy to train?
For a terrier, the Norfolk is reasonably biddable and eager to please, making training a little more straightforward than with some headstrong relatives. Short, fun, reward-based sessions work best, as recommended by The Kennel Club and welfare charities. Recall needs particular work, as a Norfolk locked onto a scent can become temporarily deaf to commands.
How much exercise does a Norfolk Terrier need?
Although small, the Norfolk is active and energetic, needing around an hour of exercise a day for a healthy adult, made up of walks, play and off-lead time in secure areas. They have good stamina and enjoy exploring and sniffing, and appreciate mental work such as scent games. They should not be treated as a sedentary lap dog.
How long do Norfolk Terriers live?
The Norfolk Terrier is generally healthy, hardy and long-lived, with a typical lifespan of around 13–15 years. Its sturdy construction and working background have kept it relatively free of harmful exaggerations. Buying from a responsible breeder who health-tests, plus a healthy weight, good dental care and routine veterinary checks, all help protect long-term health.
Are Norfolk Terriers good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Norfolk Terriers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Norfolk Terrier need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Norfolk Terrier needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Norfolk Terriers shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Norfolk Terriers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Norfolk Terriers are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Norfolk Terriers bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Norfolk Terriers good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Norfolk Terriers suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Norfolk Terrier can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) - Norfolk Terrier breed information, breed standard and Terrier group classification: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- PDSA - dog health, feeding, weight management and small-breed care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/dogs
- Blue Cross - dog care, training and behaviour guidance: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- RSPCA - dog welfare, exercise and responsible ownership guidance: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs
- Royal Veterinary College (RVC) VetCompass - epidemiological research on canine health in UK dogs: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.