Norfolk Terrier
- Height at the withers
- 23 to 25 cm
- Weight
- 5 to 5.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Norfolk, England
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
A small, sturdy and fearless terrier with a weather-resistant wiry coat and its trademark drop ears. Known for its spirited, affectionate nature, it was bred for ratting and companionship.
History and origins
Developed in Norfolk and East Anglia, England, between the 1880s and the early 20th century as a farm dog to control vermin and hunt foxes. Originally classed as the drop-eared variety of the Norwich Terrier, it became a separate breed in 1964.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Mitral valve disease
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin allergies
- Dental problems
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, wiry coat. Low shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Norfolk Terrier FAQ
How big does the Norfolk Terrier get?
The Norfolk Terrier stands 23 to 25 cm at the withers and weighs 5 to 5.5 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Norfolk Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs little care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide.
Can the Norfolk Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Norfolk Terrier need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Norfolk Terrier good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Norfolk Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are mitral valve disease and patellar luxation.
