Norwich Terrier

Breed overview

The Norwich Terrier is a breed of dog originating in England, and was bred to hunt small rodents. One of the smallest terriers, these dogs are relatively rare. Their drop-eared variety is the Norfolk Terrier.

• Breed classification: terrierBreed reference breed group.
• Breed type: dog breedBreed reference breed kind.
• Country of origin: EnglandBreed reference country of origin.

Breed facts

• Fox hunting terriers resembling the Norwich have been described since the 19th century.
• The Norwich Terrier is a breed of dog originating in England, and was bred to hunt small rodents.
• One of the smallest terriers, these dogs are relatively rare.
• Ears are usually erect , but can be laid back when the dog is calm , and set apart with good width between them.
• Tail is of moderate length when not docked, thick at the base with tapering near the top.

Size and appearance

These terriers are one of the smallest working terriers weighing approximately 12 lb and ideally not being above 10 in at the withers, with prick ears and a double coat, which comes in all shades of red, tan, wheaten, black and tan, and grizzle. The skull is broad and slightly rounded with a well defined stop. The muzzle ratio to the head is 2:3. The eyes are small and oval-shaped. Ears are usually erect , but can be laid back when the dog is calm , and set apart with good width between them. The tips are pointed. The back is short with good depth and a well sprung loin. Legs are short with the elbows being more proximal than distal. Tail is of moderate length when not docked, thick at the base with tapering near the top. Tail should be 'carried jauntily' and 'not excessively gay'. The American Kennel Club standard calls for a 'medium docked' tail with enough of the tail being left on so that it can be held or grabbed.

• Body mass reference: 5 - 5.5 kgAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 5.0 - 5.5 kg. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
• Height reference: 24 - 25.5 cmAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 24 - 25.5 cm. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
• Height reference: 25 cmBreed reference height.

• Coat layers: double
• Coat texture: wiry
• Height category: short
• Weight category: small

Personality and behavior

Occasionally, this breed will display barking and digging behaviours, which are reflective of their terrier heritage. Consistent and early training can help manage these habits.

Exercise and activities

Care planning: build a weekly routine with walks, play and time to explore. Enter the minutes and sessions that work for your dog, then compare the weekly total with your available time. Keep notes about the activities your dog enjoys and adjust the routine together.

Training and enrichment

Care planning: choose one everyday skill to practice and keep a record of each session. Note the cue, the reward your dog enjoys and what went well. Rotate familiar games and new activities, and use your notes to choose the next small step.

Coat and grooming

Care planning: use the coat details above to discuss a grooming routine with your groomer. Record brushing sessions, baths and appointments in the app. Add the tools you use and your preferred schedule so the whole household can follow the same routine.

• Coat layers: double
• Coat texture: wiry

Health and lifespan

A study in the UK found a life expectancy of 14 years for the Norwich Terrier.

Living with this breed

Care planning: compare this profile's adult dimensions, coat care and available activity information with your household's routine. Make a shortlist, plan who will handle daily care and save the questions you want to ask a breed club, rescue or breeder.

Compare breeds

Compare supported adult height and weight ranges, matching research measures and sourced coat and care categories.

Breed history

Fox hunting terriers resembling the Norwich have been described since the 19th century. Two extinct breeds are often suggested as being the ancestor of the Norwich Terrier: the Cantab terrier and the Trumpington terrier.

Clubs and further reading

• Norwich Terrier Club of America
• Norwich Terrier - article and references

Sources

1. Norwich Terrier - WikipediaWikipedia contributors Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted excerpts from Wikipedia contributors, Norwich Terrier, revision 1368886131. CC BY-SA 4.0. Formatting, citations and selection changed. Source history: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Norwich_Terrier&action=history
2. Wikidata structured breed dataWikimedia contributors Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC0 1.0. Wikidata contributors (CC0).
3. National C-BARQ breed and all-breed means from USA.PLOS ONE / Figshare Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY 4.0. Bohland, Kyle R.; Lilly, Meghan Leanne; Herron, Meghan E.; Arruda, Andréia G.; O’Quin, Jeanette M. (2023). National C-BARQ breed and all-breed means from USA.. PLOS ONE. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289356.s003 CC BY 4.0. Selected rows and field names adapted; values unchanged.
4. File:Norwichterrier.jpgWikimedia Commons Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Norwichterrier.jpg - H. Gisin. CC BY-SA 3.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Norwichterrier.jpg. License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
5. Palipaws everyday care planningPalipaws Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Palipaws original factual summaries. Palipaws. Original care-planning text, separate from breed measurements and licensed article summaries.
6. AKC national parent club directoryAmerican Kennel Club Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Factual reference only. Names and verified external links only. No source descriptions, logos or endorsement reused.