Members
01/Overview
The Norwich Terrier is a small, sturdy terrier known for its compact build, erect ears, wiry coat, and lively expression. Developed in England as a capable vermin hunter, the breed combines courage and determination with an affectionate, outgoing personality that has made it a popular companion.
Highlights
02/History
The Norwich Terrier originated in England during the late nineteenth century, particularly in East Anglia and the county of Norfolk. Small red and grizzle terriers were kept by farmers, horsemen, and students to control rats and other vermin around barns, stables, and rural properties.
These early terriers were valued more for working ability than uniform appearance. They needed to be small enough to pursue quarry into tight spaces, but also strong, energetic, and confident enough to handle demanding farm work.
The breed became associated with Cambridge University, where small terriers were popular among students around the turn of the twentieth century. Some of these dogs were known as Trumpington Terriers, named after Trumpington Street in Cambridge, and they contributed to the development of both the Norwich and Norfolk Terriers.
Early Norwich Terriers could have either erect or drop ears. Both ear types were originally accepted within the same breed and were bred together for many years.
The breed was officially recognized by The (Royal) Kennel Club in 1932. As breeding became more standardized, differences between the prick-eared and drop-eared varieties became increasingly distinct.
In 1964, The Kennel Club separated the two varieties. The prick-eared dogs retained the name Norwich Terrier, while the drop-eared dogs became known as Norfolk Terriers. The American Kennel Club followed the same distinction in 1979.
The American Kennel Club originally recognized the Norwich Terrier in 1936 and today places the breed in the Terrier Group. The Norwich Terrier Club of America serves as the breed’s American Kennel Club parent club.
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale also recognizes the Norwich Terrier as a British breed and places it in Group 3, Terriers, Section 2, Small-Sized Terriers.
03/Appearance
A mature Norwich Terrier stands about 10 inches tall at the withers and typically weighs around 12 pounds.
Skull: The Norwich Terrier has a broad, slightly rounded skull with good width between the ears. The stop is well defined, and the head should appear strong and proportionate to the dog’s compact body.
Expression: The expression is keen, alert, and intelligent, reflecting the breed’s lively and confident terrier character.
Eyes: The eyes are small, dark, oval-shaped, and set well apart. They should convey a bright, attentive expression.
Ears: The ears are erect, medium-sized, and pointed at the tips. They are set well apart on top of the skull and carried upright when the dog is alert.
Muzzle: The muzzle is strong and wedge-shaped, with good strength of jaw. It should not appear weak, narrow, or excessively pointed.
Nose: The nose is black.
Bite: The Norwich Terrier has large teeth that meet in a scissor bite, with the upper incisors closely overlapping the lower incisors.
The Norwich Terrier is compact, sturdy, and well balanced, with a body that is slightly longer than the height at the withers. The overall outline should appear strong and athletic without looking heavy or coarse.
The chest is broad and moderately deep, with well-sprung ribs, a short back, and a strong loin. Bone is substantial for the dog’s small size, providing the strength needed for working vermin while preserving agility and freedom of movement.
Texture: The Norwich Terrier has a hard, wiry, straight outer coat with a close, dense undercoat. The coat lies close to the body and provides protection from weather and rough cover, with slightly longer hair around the neck and shoulders forming a modest ruff.
Standard Colors
04/Consider
The Norwich Terrier is energetic, affectionate, alert, and strongly influenced by its working terrier background. Anyone considering the breed should be prepared for consistent training, regular exercise, early socialization, and routine coat care.
Interaction With Family
The level of affection a breed typically shows towards family members and familiar individuals.
Good With Other Dogs
The innate friendliness of a dog towards other dogs can depend on its breed.
Good With Young Children
The degree to which a breed will typically be patient with young children.
Amount Of Shedding
How much hair a breed typically leaves behind on clothes, furniture and floors.
Frequency Of Grooming
How often a breed needs brushing, bathing or a professional trim to stay in condition.
Amount Of Drooling
How prone a breed is to drool — worth knowing before you keep a towel by the door.
Openness To Strangers
How openly a breed tends to greet new people, visitors and strangers.
Protective Nature
How likely a breed is to alert you to — and stand between you and — anything unfamiliar.
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic a breed stays about games and play well past puppyhood.
Trainability Level
How readily a breed takes direction and works with you rather than around you.
Barking Level
How much a breed uses its voice, and how readily.
Energy Level
How much get-up-and-go a breed brings to an average day.
Health
The Norwich Terrier is generally considered a healthy and hardy breed with a typical lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Preventive veterinary care, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, good dental hygiene, and maintenance of a healthy weight can help support long-term health.
The Norwich Terrier is affectionate, alert, curious, and confident. Despite its small size, it has the bold character of a working terrier and often approaches daily life with enthusiasm.
The breed is generally outgoing with family and can be friendly with unfamiliar people when properly socialized. It may still be assertive with other dogs and can have a strong instinct to chase small animals.
Norwich Terriers can live successfully with respectful children, especially when raised with them. Their sturdy build and playful nature can suit active families, although interactions with young children should always be supervised.
Exercise Expectations
A healthy adult generally benefits from about 45 to 60 minutes of activity each day. Scent games, retrieving, puzzle toys, and dog sports can provide additional mental engagement. Because of the breed’s strong prey drive, off-leash exercise should take place only in a securely enclosed area.
Grooming Expectations
The Norwich Terrier can adapt well to apartment living when given enough exercise, training, and mental activity. Its alert nature and tendency to bark may require additional management in homes with close neighbors.
A securely fenced yard can provide space for play, but fencing should be checked carefully because the breed may dig beneath barriers or pursue small animals. Outdoor time should not replace walks, training, and interaction with the family.
The Norwich Terrier usually does best in a household that appreciates its confidence, energy, and affectionate nature. Regular companionship, consistent routines, and structured activity help the breed thrive.
05/Puppies
Norwich Terrier puppies are lively, curious, and affectionate, with plenty of confidence for their small size. Early routines, positive socialization, patient training, and appropriate outlets for their natural terrier instincts help each pup develop into a confident and well-mannered adult.
A Norwich Terrier puppy benefits from a predictable daily schedule that includes regular meals, potty breaks, sleep, play, training, and quiet time. A crate or secure puppy area can provide a safe place to rest and support housetraining when direct supervision is not possible.
Early socialization should introduce the puppy to different people, well-mannered dogs, household sounds, surfaces, vehicles, and unfamiliar environments. These experiences should remain positive and appropriate for the puppy’s age.
Training can begin as soon as the puppy arrives home. Short sessions can introduce name response, recall, leash walking, basic manners, impulse control, and calm behavior around visitors. Because the breed can be curious and easily distracted, recall and focus exercises are especially valuable.
A Norwich Terrier puppy should receive a complete and balanced diet formulated for growth. Exercise should focus on supervised play, short walks, and gentle exploration rather than forced running or repetitive jumping while the puppy is still developing.
Regular veterinary visits are important during the first year. Grooming should also begin early so that the puppy becomes comfortable with brushing, nail trimming, ear checks, tooth brushing, and general handling.
06/Activities
Norwich Terriers are energetic, intelligent, and determined dogs that often enjoy activities involving scent, speed, problem-solving, and close work with a handler. Here are some of the dog sports and activities in which Norwich Terriers may participate:
Earthdog: Norwich Terriers can use their natural hunting instincts to locate quarry underground in a controlled setting.
Barn Hunt: Barn Hunt allows the breed to search for safely enclosed rats hidden among bales of straw.
Agility: The Norwich Terrier’s speed, balance, and enthusiasm can make Agility an engaging outlet for physical and mental energy.
Obedience: Obedience Trials test the breed’s ability to perform exercises accurately while working closely with a handler.
Rally: Rally Obedience combines movement through a course with varied obedience exercises that can help maintain the breed’s interest.
Scent Work: Norwich Terriers can search for specific odors hidden in containers, indoor spaces, outdoor areas, or vehicles.
Fast CAT: This timed 100-yard dash provides a controlled opportunity for the breed to use its speed and chasing instinct.
Conformation Shows: Norwich Terriers compete in Conformation Shows, where judges evaluate each dog according to the Breed Standard, including structure, movement, coat, expression, temperament, and overall type.
Trick Dog: Trick training provides mental stimulation and gives the Norwich Terrier a productive way to use its intelligence and enthusiasm.
Canine Good Citizen: Norwich Terriers may participate in programs that evaluate everyday manners, social behavior, and reliability around people and other dogs.
Gallery
07/Standards
The Norwich Terrier is recognized by the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations, which categorize the breed into a specific Group based on its unique characteristics. This breed is recognized worldwide under the following Group designations:
The ideal Norwich Terrier is described by a Breed Standard that is approved by each of the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations. The Standards for this breed may be found in the following links:
08/Clubs
Norwich Terrier clubs support breed education, responsible breeding, health initiatives, rescue work, and participation in Conformation shows and Performance events.
Norwich Terrier Club of America: Founded in the 1930s, this is the national breed club for the Norwich Terrier in the United States and the breed’s AKC parent club.
The Norwich Terrier Club: Established in 1932, the United Kingdom’s national breed club promotes the Norwich Terrier through dog shows and educational initiatives.
09/Rescue
Breed-specific rescue organizations help Norwich Terriers that have been surrendered, abandoned, or found in shelters. These groups may provide foster care, veterinary treatment, behavioral evaluation, and placement with an appropriate adoptive family.
Norwich Terrier Club of America Rescue: The breed’s AKC parent club provides rescue information and may help connect Norwich Terriers in need with foster or adoptive homes across the United States.
The Norwich Terrier Club Rescue: The United Kingdom breed club supports the welfare of Norwich Terriers and may assist with rescue or rehoming.
Because the Norwich Terrier is a relatively uncommon breed, dogs available through dedicated rescue programs may be limited. Local shelters, broader terrier rescue organizations, adoption databases, and breed clubs can provide additional information about a Norwich Terrier or Norwich mix currently needing a home.
10/Facts
Named for Norwich, England
The breed takes its name from the city of Norwich in East Anglia, where small working terriers became especially popular.
Once Included Drop-Eared Dogs
Norwich Terriers originally included both prick-eared and drop-eared varieties. The drop-eared dogs were later recognized separately as Norfolk Terriers.
A Favorite Ratting Terrier
Early Norwich Terriers were used around farms, stables, and other rural properties to control rats and other vermin.
Associated with Cambridge University
Small terriers related to the breed became popular among students around the turn of the twentieth century and were sometimes known as Trumpington Terriers.
11/FAQ
Norwich Terriers can make excellent pets for people who appreciate an affectionate, lively, and confident companion. They need regular exercise, consistent training, routine grooming, and plenty of interaction with their family.
Official Standard of the Norwich Terrier
General Appearance: The Norwich Terrier, spirited and stocky with sensitive prick ears and a slightly foxy expression, is one of the smallest working terriers. This sturdy descendent of ratting companions, eager to dispatch small vermin alone or in a pack, has good bone and substance and an almost weatherproof coat. A hardy hunt terrier-honorable scars from fair wear and tear are acceptable.
Size, Proportion, Substance: One of the smallest of the terriers, the ideal height should not exceed 10 inches at the withers. Distance from the top of the withers to the ground and from the withers to base of tail are approximately equal. Good bone and substance. Weight approximately 12 pounds. It should be in proportion to the individual dog's structure and balance. Fit working condition is a prime consideration.
Head: A slightly foxy expression. Eyes small, dark and oval shaped with black rims. Placed well apart with a bright and keen expression. Ears medium size and erect. Set well apart with pointed tips. Upright when alert. The skull is broad and slightly rounded with good width between the ears. The muzzle is wedge shaped and strong. Its length is about one-third less than the measurement from the occiput to the well-defined stop. The jaw is clean and strong. Nose and lip pigment black. Tight-lipped with large teeth. A scissor bite.
Neck, Topline, Body: Neck of medium length, strong and blending into well laid back shoulders. Level topline. Body moderately short. Compact and deep. Good width of chest. Well-sprung ribs and short loins. Tail medium docked. The terrier's working origin requires that the tail be of sufficient length to grasp. Base level with topline; carried erect.
Forequarters: Well laid back shoulders. Elbows close to ribs. Short, powerful legs, as straight as is consistent with the digging terrier. Pasterns firm. Feet round with thick pads. Nails black. The feet point forward when standing or moving.
Hindquarters: Broad, strong and muscular with well-turned stifles. Hocks low set and straight when viewed from the rear. Feet as in front.
Coat: Hard, wiry and straight, lying close to the body with a definite undercoat. The coat on neck and shoulders forms a protective mane. The hair on head, ears and muzzle, except for slight eyebrows and whiskers, is short and smooth. This breed should be shown with as natural a coat as possible. A minimum of tidying is permissible but shaping should be heavily penalized.
Color: All shades of red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle. White marks are not desirable.
Gait: The legs moving parallel, extending forward, showing great powers of propulsion. Good rear angulation with a true, yet driving movement. The forelegs move freely with feet and elbows the same distance apart, converging slightly with increased pace. Hind legs follow in the track of the forelegs, flexing well at the stifle and hock. The topline remains level.
Temperament: Gay, fearless, loyal and affectionate. Adaptable and sporting, they make ideal companions.
Approved October 13, 1981
Reformatted March 23, 1990
The tail is set high and carried upright, contributing to Norwich Terrier’s alert and confident outline. It may be naturally long or traditionally docked in countries where the practice is permitted, and should remain in balance with the breed’s compact body.
A Note About Color: All shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle are seen. White marks are not desirable.
Coat Type
Wiry, Double
The structure of the coat this breed carries.
Coat Length
Short
How long the breed's coat grows when kept in condition.
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed copes with changes in home, routine, noise and weather.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much a breed needs a job, a puzzle or training to stay content.
A Norwich Terrier should receive a complete and balanced diet suited to the dog’s age, activity level, and body condition. Portions should be measured carefully because even a small amount of excess weight can place unnecessary strain on the joints.
A puppy generally needs three or four small meals each day before gradually moving to two meals. Most adults are fed twice daily, with the amount adjusted according to the food’s caloric density and the dog’s level of activity.
Treats can be useful during training but should remain limited. Fresh water should always be available.
The Norwich Terrier is intelligent and quick to learn, but it can also be independent and easily distracted. Training is most effective when sessions are short, varied, and supported by praise, food rewards, toys, or play.
Early socialization should introduce the puppy to different people, well-mannered dogs, environments, sounds, and surfaces. Recall, leash manners, impulse control, and calm greetings are especially useful because the breed may quickly react to movement or scent.
Clear and consistent expectations help prevent unwanted habits such as digging, excessive barking, or ignoring commands. Patient, reward-based training usually produces the best results.
Dogs kept in a traditional show coat are hand-stripped to remove dead outer hair while preserving the coat’s harsh texture and natural color. Pet coats are sometimes clipped for convenience, although clipping may soften the texture over time. Bathing is needed only occasionally unless the dog becomes particularly dirty. Nails should be trimmed regularly, ears should be checked for irritation or debris, and teeth should be brushed routinely.
