Norwich Terrier
- Height at the withers
- 23 to 25 cm
- Weight
- 5 to 5.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- East Anglia, 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 compact terrier with its trademark prick ears, a wiry double coat and a lively temperament. Known for its robust build and its fearless yet affectionate nature.
History and origins
Developed in East Anglia, England, in the 1880s as a sturdy earth terrier for ratting and bolting foxes. Officially separated from the Norfolk Terrier in 1964 on the basis of ear carriage (Norwich: prick ears, Norfolk: drop ears).
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Norwich upper airway obstructive syndrome
- Epilepsy and paroxysmal dyskinesia
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Difficult births (frequent C-sections)
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
Norwich Terrier FAQ
How big does the Norwich Terrier get?
The Norwich Terrier stands 23 to 25 cm at the withers and weighs 5 to 5.5 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Norwich 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 Norwich 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 Norwich 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 Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are norwich upper airway obstructive syndrome, as well as epilepsy and paroxysmal dyskinesia.
