Norwich Terrier
FearlessLoyalAffectionate
England · 12–15 years
About the Norwich Terrier
The Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest working terriers, bred in East Anglia, England, to hunt rats and bolt foxes from their dens. Distinguished from their close cousin the Norfolk Terrier by their prick (upright) ears, Norwich Terriers are fearless, spirited, and stocky little dogs with a lovable, scrappy charm. They were popular ratters at Cambridge University in the late 1800s, where students kept them in their dormitory rooms. Norwich Terriers are among the most agreeable terrier breeds — less fiery than many terriers while retaining the classic terrier pluck and determination.
Breed stats
- Height
- 10–10 in
- Weight
- 12–12 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Group
- Terrier
- Coat
- Hard, wiry, straight outer coat with undercoat
- Origin
- England
Coat colors
- Red
- Wheaten
- Black and Tan
- Grizzle
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
30–45 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.5–0.75 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Upper airway syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Mitral valve disease
Not every Norwich Terrier will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Norwich Terriers eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Norwich and Norfolk Terriers were once considered the same breed but were split in 1964 (UK) and 1979 (US). The primary visual difference is ear type: Norwich Terriers have prick (upright, pointed) ears, while Norfolk Terriers have drop (folded) ears. An easy way to remember: Norwich ears point up like a witch's hat (Nor-witch). Both breeds are similar in size, temperament, and appearance otherwise. Some breeders and owners report subtle temperament differences — Norfolks may be slightly softer and more sociable, while Norwich may be slightly more independent — but individual variation exceeds breed differences.
- Norwich Terriers are excellent apartment dogs. Their small size (about 12 pounds), moderate exercise needs, and adaptable nature make them well-suited to apartment living. They need 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise, which is easily manageable with walks and indoor play. They are sturdy enough to be true companions without being so small as to be fragile. Their main apartment challenge is barking — they will alert you to visitors and unusual sounds. Training a 'quiet' command early helps manage this. Overall, they are one of the best terrier breeds for small-space living.
- Norwich Terriers are among the most expensive terrier breeds, typically costing $2,500 to $4,000 or more from reputable breeders. Their high price reflects very small litter sizes (averaging only 1-3 puppies), a high rate of C-section deliveries, and the breed's relative rarity. Many Norwich breeders have waiting lists of a year or longer. Health testing, which responsible breeders invest in extensively, adds to costs. The breed's popularity has increased while the breeding population remains small, creating strong demand that further drives prices up.
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