Norfolk Terrier
One of the smallest working terriers: sturdy, cheerful and sociable, with a wiry coat and folded ears.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at the withers
- Males 24–26 cm · Females 23–25 cm
- Weight
- Males 5–6 kg · Females 4.5–5.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Exercise
- 45–60 min a day
- Grooming
- Regular trips to a groomer
- Coat
- Wire-haired, Double coat, medium
- Colours
- Red, Wheaten, Black and tan, Grey
- Bred for
- Terrier work, Companionship
- Country of origin
- United Kingdom
- FCI
- Group 3, no. 272 · Terriers
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 5/5 – Very high |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 4/5 – High |
| Good with other dogs | 4/5 – High |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 4/5 – High |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Prey drive | 4/5 – High |
| Watchful and protective | 2/5 – Low |
| Barking | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 4/5 – High |
| Suits apartment living | 4/5 – High |
| Adaptability | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 3/5 – Moderate |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a small but sturdy, outgoing dog
- enjoy daily walks in town or countryside
- are home a lot or can take the dog along
Think twice if you …
- have a garden you want undug
- keep pet rodents or rabbits
- want a dog that can be left alone for long days
Care
Temperament
Norfolks are confident, affectionate and generally less scrappy with other dogs than many terriers. They are curious and busy, and they like company more than solitude.
Exercise
About an hour a day of walks and play suits most adults. They enjoy scent games, earthdog trials and agility at a relaxed level.
Grooming
The harsh, weatherproof coat needs weekly brushing and hand-stripping a couple of times a year to keep its texture. Clipping softens the coat and changes its colour.
Training
Norfolks are clever and eager for rewards but have an independent streak. Short, positive sessions and a solid recall practised in safe areas work best.
Health
Norfolks are fairly robust, but mitral valve disease, patellar luxation and some hip problems occur, and whelping can be difficult. Ask the breeder for heart and joint results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Heart
- Kneecaps (patella)
- Hips (HD)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Norfolk Terrier comes from East Anglia in England, where small, game ratting terriers were kept on farms and in stables in the late 19th century. For decades it shared a name with the Norwich Terrier, and the two were only separated by ear carriage: the Norfolk has dropped ears, the Norwich pricked ones.
Living with a Norfolk means having a small dog with a big, friendly personality. It is usually good with people and other dogs, adapts to town or country life and likes to be included in everything. It is still a real terrier, though: it digs, chases and should not be trusted off lead near small animals.
Did you know?
Norfolk and Norwich Terriers were shown as one breed in Britain until 1964, when The Kennel Club split them by ear type.