Norfolk Terrier
Overview
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.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Norfolk Terrier is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a quiet, and as a guide they are manageable for committed beginners. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Norfolk Terrier typically needs around an hour of exercise a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content; mental stimulation matters as much as the distance covered. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is regular brushing and shedding is low. Brush regularly (a few times a week) to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Norfolk Terrier should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a small breed will eat relatively little compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +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
Is a Norfolk Terrier right for you?
On space, a Norfolk Terrier is flat-friendly — they can adapt to a flat as long as they get their daily exercise and company. For experience level, they are manageable for committed beginners. First-time owners can absolutely succeed, but should be ready for consistent training, exercise and (ideally) some support.
Kit that suits a Norfolk Terrier
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
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.