Norfolk Terrier
The Good
- Perfect for apartment living
- Friendly and cheerful nature
- Brave and intelligent
- Excellent companions
- Get along well with other animals
The Real
- Can be quite jealous
- Prone to certain health conditions
- Lack protective instincts
- Don't cope well with being alone
- Rare and expensive breed
Gallery
Breed Overview
Meet the Norfolk Terrier - one of Australia's most charming small companions that perfectly balances terrier spirit with lap dog affection. Standing no taller than 25cm and weighing just 5-5.5kg, these little legends pack enormous personality into their compact frames.
What sets Norfolk Terriers apart from their Norwich cousins? Those adorable folded ears that give them an eternally sweet expression. But don't let that fool you - these were originally working dogs bred to hunt rats and foxes in late 1800s England, and that fearless spirit remains intact today.
In Australian homes, Norfolk Terriers adapt brilliantly to our varied lifestyle. Whether you're in a Sydney apartment or a Brisbane suburban home, they're equally content as long as they're with their people. Their moderate exercise needs make them perfect for busy Australian families - a good walk around the neighbourhood and some backyard play will keep them happy.
These dogs are genuinely affectionate without being needy, intelligent without being stubborn, and brave without being aggressive. They're patient with children, social with other pets, and absolutely devoted to their families. However, they do have that typical terrier independence and can be a bit jealous if they feel they're not getting enough attention.
For Australian families seeking a small dog with a big personality, excellent health, and moderate care requirements, the Norfolk Terrier could be your perfect match.
History
History
The Norfolk Terrier's story begins in the 1880s in Norwich, a town in Norfolk County, England, where small terriers were developed as skilled ratters. These hardy little dogs quickly became the unofficial mascots of Cambridge University students, who loved keeping them in their dormitories as companions and conversation starters.
The breed's development really took off thanks to Frank 'Roughrider' Jones, an English horseman and dog breeder of the early 20th century. Jones bred these small red terriers specifically for hunting rats and bolting foxes from their dens. Initially called "Cantab Terriers" after Cambridge, then later "Trumpington Terriers" after Jones's stable, these dogs were prized for their courage and tenacity.
Here's where it gets interesting - Norfolk and Norwich Terriers were originally considered the same breed, with ear carriage being the only difference. Some had erect ears (now Norwich), others had drop ears (now Norfolk). This continued until 1964 when the English Kennel Club finally recognised them as separate breeds, though it took until 1979 for American recognition to follow suit.
The Norfolk's journey to Australia began much later, with the first dogs arriving in the late 2000s. Today, while still relatively rare compared to other terrier breeds, they're gaining recognition among Australian dog lovers who appreciate their perfect size for our urban lifestyle and their adaptable, friendly nature that suits our outdoor culture perfectly.
Traits & Characteristics
Norfolk Terrier characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Norfolk Terriers are generally robust little dogs with impressive longevity - many live 12-16 years, which is excellent for any breed. However, like all purebreds, they do have some health considerations that Australian owners should be aware of.
The most significant concern is myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), a degenerative heart condition where blood flows backward through the heart valve. This creates a heart murmur that your vet can detect during routine check-ups. While some dogs with MMVD live normal lives, others may develop congestive heart failure requiring medication and specialist care. Regular vet visits are crucial for early detection.
Being a small breed, Norfolk Terriers are prone to dental disease, which is particularly common in Australia's smaller dog population. Daily tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste is essential, along with professional dental cleanings under anaesthesia when recommended by your vet.
Patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation) and hip dysplasia can also occur, though maintaining a healthy weight significantly reduces these risks. Given Australia's outdoor lifestyle, this is usually manageable with proper exercise and diet control.
Australian owners should also be vigilant about tick prevention, particularly in Queensland and NSW coastal areas where paralysis ticks pose serious risks. Regular tick checks after bush walks or beach visits are essential.
The good news? Responsible Australian breeders health test their breeding stock for heart, eye, and joint issues, significantly reducing the risk of inherited problems in puppies.
Feeding your Norfolk Terrier properly is straightforward, but there are some breed-specific considerations that matter in the Australian context. These little dogs have hearty appetites and can easily become overweight, which is particularly concerning given their predisposition to joint issues.
Choose a high-quality dog food appropriate for small breeds and your dog's life stage. Puppy, adult, and senior formulations have different nutritional profiles that support proper development and aging. In Australia, premium brands specifically designed for small breeds work well, as they have smaller kibble sizes perfect for tiny mouths.
Norfolk Terrier puppies should eat three to four small meals daily to maintain stable blood sugar, while adults do best with two measured meals per day. This routine approach suits most Australian families' schedules - morning before work and evening after dinner works perfectly.
Portion control is crucial because these dogs are prone to weight gain. Your vet can calculate specific caloric needs based on your dog's size, activity level, and metabolism. Remember, a slightly overweight Norfolk faces increased risks of joint problems and heart disease.
Given Australia's warm climate, ensure fresh water is always available, especially during summer months. If you're camping or travelling around Australia with your Norfolk, pack extra water and maintain their regular feeding schedule.
Dental-focused diets can be particularly beneficial for Norfolk Terriers, as small breeds commonly develop dental issues. Some Australian owners also add omega-3 supplements (with vet approval) to support joint health and maintain that lovely coat condition.
The Norfolk Terrier's distinctive wiry double coat is actually quite manageable for Australian owners, though it does require some specific care to look its best. Their weather-resistant coat handles our varied climate well, from Brisbane's humidity to Melbourne's cooler winters.
Regular brushing two to three times weekly will keep loose hair under control and prevent matting. During their twice-yearly "coat blowing" periods, daily brushing becomes essential. A slicker brush and metal comb work best for their coat texture.
Here's where Norfolk grooming gets interesting - traditional hand-stripping is the gold standard for maintaining that proper wiry texture. This involves plucking out dead outer coat hairs rather than cutting them. While many Australian pet owners skip this for companion dogs, it does help reduce shedding and maintains the coat's natural protective qualities. Professional groomers experienced with terriers can handle this, though it's becoming a specialised skill.
For most Australian pet owners, regular brushing plus professional grooming every 6-8 weeks works perfectly. Bath only when necessary - about every 4-6 weeks or when they've had a particularly muddy adventure at the local dog park.
Those adorable folded ears need weekly cleaning to prevent infections, especially in Australia's humid coastal areas. Use vet-approved ear cleaner and watch for redness or odour.
Daily teeth cleaning is non-negotiable for this breed - small dogs are notorious for dental problems. Start this routine early so your Norfolk accepts it as part of daily life, just like their morning walk around the neighbourhood.
Norfolk Terriers are brilliant little students who genuinely want to please their families, making them relatively easy to train for Australian households. Their intelligence combined with food motivation means positive reinforcement training works exceptionally well - think treats, praise, and play rewards.
Start socialisation early, especially if you're planning to take your Norfolk to busy Australian locations like weekend markets, beach walks, or camping trips. Puppy school is invaluable for teaching them to cope with Australia's diverse environments and social situations.
These dogs have that classic terrier independence, so consistency is key. They'll test boundaries, especially during adolescence, but respond well to firm, fair leadership. Obedience training isn't just recommended - it's essential for managing their strong prey drive around Australia's abundant wildlife.
Exercise needs are moderate but important. A 30-minute walk morning and evening suits most Norfolk Terriers perfectly, fitting well into typical Australian work schedules. They love exploring different routes around your neighbourhood and are excellent companions for weekend bushwalks, though always keep them leashed due to their hunting instincts.
Mental stimulation is equally important. These clever dogs excel at puzzle toys, scent work, and learning new tricks. Many Australian dog sports clubs offer activities perfect for Norfolk Terriers - agility, nose work, and obedience competitions can provide excellent outlets for their energy and intelligence.
In Australia's warmer regions, time exercise for cooler parts of the day. Early morning beach walks or evening neighbourhood strolls work perfectly, and they'll happily settle for indoor play during the hottest midday hours.
Who is an ideal owner?
Norfolk Terriers make fantastic companions for a wide range of Australian households, from young families in Adelaide to retirees on the Gold Coast. They're particularly well-suited to first-time dog owners because of their manageable size and relatively straightforward care requirements.
These dogs thrive with people who appreciate their social nature and can provide consistent companionship. They're not suited to households where they'll be left alone for long periods - FIFO workers or those with demanding travel schedules should consider other breeds unless reliable daily care is available.
Active individuals or families who enjoy regular walks, weekend market visits, or camping trips will find Norfolk Terriers excellent companions. They're portable enough for caravan holidays around Australia and adaptable enough to enjoy both city apartment living and suburban backyard life.
Families with children do particularly well with Norfolk Terriers, as these dogs are patient and playful without being overwhelming. However, young children need supervision around any small dog to prevent accidental injuries.
If you're considering a Norfolk Terrier, you should be prepared for moderate grooming needs and regular vet check-ups for heart monitoring. They're also not the right choice if you want a guard dog - while they'll alert you to visitors, protection isn't their strong suit.
These dogs are perfect for people who want a genuine terrier personality in a manageable package, appreciate intelligence and independence, and can provide the attention and companionship these social dogs crave.
Interesting facts about the Norfolk Terrier
Interesting Fact
Norfolk Terriers were originally considered the same breed as Norwich Terriers until 1979, with the only difference being ear carriage - Norfolk ears fold over, Norwich ears stand erect
Interesting Fact
These little dogs were unofficial mascots for Cambridge University students, who kept them in dormitories as fashionable companions in the early 1900s
Interesting Fact
Frank 'Roughrider' Jones developed the breed specifically for fox hunting, creating dogs brave enough to bolt foxes from their dens despite their tiny size
Interesting Fact
Norfolk Terrier litters are typically very small, usually producing only 2-3 puppies, which contributes to their rarity and higher cost
FAQ
Norfolk Terriers make excellent pets for the right households. They're loving, affectionate companions who enjoy both adventure and cuddle time. While they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related mischief like excessive barking or digging, they're generally well-mannered family dogs. Just remember they may not get along with very small pets due to their hunting heritage.
Norfolk Terriers are considered moderate maintenance rather than high maintenance. They need regular brushing, occasional professional grooming, and twice-yearly hand stripping for show quality coats, but daily care is straightforward. Their exercise needs are reasonable, and they're intelligent enough to train relatively easily with positive methods.
The main difference is ear carriage - Norfolk Terriers have folded ears while Norwich Terriers have erect, pointed ears. Norfolk Terriers also tend to be slightly less rounded in build, with longer legs and a softer coat texture. In temperament, Norfolk Terriers are often more independent and adaptable to new situations.
Absolutely! Norfolk Terriers adapt brilliantly to Australian apartment life, especially in cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Their small size and moderate exercise needs make them ideal urban companions. A couple of good walks daily plus some indoor play keeps them perfectly content in smaller spaces.
Norfolk Terriers cope well with Australia's varied climate thanks to their double coat. They handle warm weather reasonably well but may need cooling strategies during extreme heat in Perth or Darwin summers. In cooler regions like Melbourne or Canberra, they might appreciate a coat during winter walks.
Yes, Norfolk Terriers are known for their patience and love of children, making them excellent family dogs. However, young children should be taught how to interact gently with small dogs. They're also social enough to enjoy family activities like weekend camping trips or beach visits around Australia.
Norfolk Terriers need about 30-60 minutes of exercise daily, which works perfectly with Australian lifestyles. Morning and evening walks around the neighbourhood, plus some backyard play or weekend bush walks, keep them happy. Always keep them leashed due to their strong prey drive around native wildlife.