Norwich Terriers are known to be one of the smallest working terrier breeds. These dogs feature short, harsh, and wiry or straight coats that cover their sturdy bodies. They come in various colors, including red, wheaten, black and tan, black and gray, or red and white.
Although these dogs look adorably cute, they are fearless and tough. First-time dog owners may find these dogs too much to handle. Their size may be convenient for you, but be reminded that these dogs are highly energetic. If you find yourself able to cope up with their spirited drive, Norwich Terriers are wonderful family companions who can certainly make you laugh.
Norwich Terrier Breed Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Terrier |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Height | 10 inches |
| Weight | 12 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
Norwich Terrier Breed Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
Norwich Terrier History
Norwich Terriers share the same history with the Norfolk Terrier, which originated in East Anglia, England. They are one of the dog breeds developed to help control the population of rodents in Britain. At the same time, they were also used in fox hunts, which makes them more friendly than other terrier dogs.
By the 1880s, Norwich Terriers were popular at Cambridge University. Students got these dogs from a stable near Trumpington Street, and they called them Trumpington Terriers. They were also handy dogs as pets and dorm-room ratters.
One of the most popular Trumpington Terriers (Norwich Terrier now) is Rags. Rags then sired several litters of Norwich Terriers of high-quality. Today, he is considered as the granddad of modern Norwich.
Norwich Terriers didn’t reach the US lands until 1914. Several years later, the American Kennel Club then recognized the dog breed, but they were still categorized with the Norfolk Terriers. It was only in 1979 when the breed was finally recognized as a separate breed.
Now, this dog ranks 108th as the most popular dog breed in the US. They are feisty and tough, but they are also great guardians and faithful family companions.
Norwich Terrier Temperament
Norwich Terriers are generally affectionate, alert, and curious dogs. True to their terrier heritage, these dogs can be stubborn and full of drive. However, unlike their other terrier counterparts, these dogs are more agreeable.
Norwich dogs are known to be adaptable to any living conditions as long as they will be given enough exercise. They are also very friendly and love to join in family activities.
As excellent companions, these dogs demand for your time and affection. They are not best to be put inside cages. They thrive for human companionship, and they do well even with other pets or children around.
Their personality towards strangers can vary between being friendly and reserved. You can expect them to bark when they see someone suspicious, but they are never aggressive.
Socialization is highly essential to make them more well-rounded. This will also help control his behavior, so there won’t be exaggerated responses when he sees someone or something new.
Training can be challenging, but necessary. You need to be firm and consistent at all times to make him follow your commands. Positive reinforcements are very helpful too. Never be harsh, as this may have negative impacts on them.
Norwich Terrier Care Requirements
- Nutrition: Norwich Terriers need a high-quality and well-balanced meal to keep them healthy. There are no special dietary requirements as long as their food is complete of all the essential nutrients. It’s highly necessary only to choose high-quality ingredients when you’re cooking a home-cooked meal. If you’re going to give them dog food, check the label and make sure it doesn’t contain fillers, by-products, and additives that can be harmful to your dog. The number of calories your dog eats in a day should also be monitored. Ask your vet for advice regarding this to ensure that you don’t overfeed your Norwich Terrier.
- Grooming: Norwich Terriers have harsh, double coats that shed seasonally. It’s recommended to do weekly brushing to remove any excess hair and dirt on the coat. But you might need to do this daily when it’s shedding season. Hand-stripping is essential to keep the coats beautiful and shiny. Take them to a professional groomer every once or two months for this process. Baths can be given at this frequency too. Make sure to clean the ears regularly to avoid ear infection. Nails should be kept short, too, so they don’t feel any pain and discomfort.
- Exercise: Norwich Terriers originally hunting dog breeds. They are naturally energetic and need regular but moderate exercise daily to keep them healthy and happy. You can take them out on daily walks, but make sure to keep them on-leash. You can also let them run around a securely fenced yard. Create activities that you can do together, especially play sessions that will stimulate them physically and mentally.
- Health: Norwich Terriers are generally healthy dogs. But as dog owners, it’s essential to know what diseases they are prone to so you can prevent it. For Norwich Terriers, it’s essential to watch out for three common health conditions: Tracheal Collapse, Elongated Soft Palate, Epilepsy. As these diseases may be hereditary or a birth defect, it’s best to meet one of the dog’s parents to be aware of what conditions may affect your dog. Try to observe any changes in your dog’s behavior and make sure to take him for a check-up.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of Norwich Terriers is 12-15 years.
Famous Norwich Terriers
- Winky: A Norwich Terrier who won Best in Show in the Mayflower Dog Show
- Bert: Simon Heffer’s Norwich Terrier
- Rags: The father of the modern Norwich Terrier dogs
- Willum: The first Norwich Terrier imported to America
Fun Facts About Norwich Terriers
- Norwich Terriers originated from the Eastern Countries of Britain.
- This dog breed is the cousin of the Norfolk Terriers.
- These dogs were developed as ratters to help control the vermin population in Britain.
- They are one of the smallest working terrier dog breeds.
- They have other names: Jones Terrier, Trumpington Terrier, and Cantab Terrier.
- University students in Cambridge University owned a Norwich Terrier in the 19th century.
- These dogs were only separated from the Norwich Terriers in 1965 in England.
- The American Kennel Club recognized them as a separate breed in 1979.
Check Out Other Terrier Dog Breeds:
Airedale Terrier, American Hairless Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Border Terrier, Bull Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Cesky Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Glen of Imaal Terriers, Irish Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, Russell Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terriers, Skye Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Welsh Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier
