Norwich Terrier
The Good
- Excellent family companion with friendly temperament
- Adaptable to various living situations including apartments
- Minimal shedding with weather-resistant coat
- Intelligent and generally eager to please
- Forms strong bonds with family members
- Good with children and other pets
The Real
- High energy levels requiring daily exercise and mental stimulation
- Can be vocal with tendency to bark when excited or alerted
- Strong hunting instincts may lead to chasing small animals
- Requires consistent grooming including hand-stripping
- Can be independent and sometimes stubborn during training
- Prone to digging behaviours due to terrier heritage
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Norwich Terrier is a compact bundle of energy packed into a 5-6 kilogram frame that thinks it's much bigger than it actually is. Originally bred in East Anglia, England, during the late 19th century, these plucky little earthdogs were developed as skilled ratters and fox hunters, which explains their fearless attitude and social nature compared to other terriers.
What makes Norwich Terriers special is their perfect balance of terrier spirit and family-friendly temperament. They're confident, alert, and bold, yet affectionate enough to enjoy hours of lap time with their favourite humans. Their wiry, weather-resistant double coat comes in colours including red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle, and those distinctive erect ears give them a perpetually perky expression that's hard to resist.
These dogs are brilliant for Australian families who want a small dog with a big personality. They adapt well to both urban apartments and rural properties, though their strong prey drive means a secure yard is a must. Norwich Terriers are particularly popular with families who enjoy an active lifestyle, as these little athletes can keep up with weekend adventures while being perfectly content to snuggle on the couch afterwards. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them excellent companions, though their independent streak means training requires patience and consistency.
History
The Norwich Terrier's story begins in the late 1800s in East Anglia, England, where they were developed as working terriers for controlling rodent populations. These hardy little dogs were created by crossing small Irish Terriers with other short-legged terrier breeds, resulting in a compact but fearless hunter that could tackle rats and work in packs during fox hunts.
Originally, both prick-eared and drop-eared varieties were simply called Norwich Terriers, named after the English city where they gained popularity. The breed found particular favour at Cambridge University, where they were known as Cantab Terriers and became beloved companions to students. This university connection helped establish their reputation as intelligent, adaptable dogs that could work hard and play harder.
The breed's social nature, unusual for terriers, came from their pack-hunting background. Unlike many terrier breeds developed to work alone, Norwich Terriers needed to get along with other dogs during group hunts, which bred out much of the typical terrier aggression towards other dogs.
The breed was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1936, but it wasn't until 1979 that the prick-eared Norwich and drop-eared Norfolk varieties were officially separated into distinct breeds. Today, the Norwich Terrier's erect ears are their distinguishing feature from their Norfolk cousins.
In Australia, Norwich Terriers have found their niche with families who appreciate their compact size, robust health, and adaptable nature. They've proven particularly well-suited to our varied climate and active outdoor lifestyle.
Traits & Characteristics
Norwich Terrier characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Norwich Terriers are generally robust little dogs with lifespans averaging 12-15 years. However, like all purebreds, they have some health considerations that Australian owners should be aware of. Reputable breeders will screen for these issues, so always ask for health clearances.
One of the most common issues is luxating patella, where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position. This can range from mild intermittent lameness to more severe mobility issues. Treatment often involves weight management, with surgery needed in serious cases. Another concern is tracheal collapse, a condition common in small breeds where the windpipe weakens. Using a harness instead of a collar is a simple but vital step to protect their delicate throat, especially during active play.
Dental problems are also prevalent. Their small mouths can lead to crowded teeth and rapid plaque buildup, so daily brushing and annual vet cleanings are essential for preventing periodontal disease. In Australia's warm climate, it’s also vital to watch for signs of heat stress. On days over 30°C, especially in humid areas like coastal Queensland, ensure they have a cool place to rest and limit intense activity.
Responsible ANKC registered breeders screen for hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and certain eye conditions. Choosing a breeder who prioritises health testing is your best defence against these genetic conditions.
Feeding a Norwich Terrier properly means balancing their high energy needs with their small size to maintain an ideal weight of around 5-6 kilograms. These active little dogs thrive on high-quality nutrition to fuel their busy lifestyles.
Choose a premium dog food formulated for small breeds, as the kibble size is designed for easier chewing and digestion. Given their susceptibility to dental issues, some owners opt for kibble that helps reduce tartar buildup. Always ensure the food meets AAFCO standards for your dog's life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).
Norwich Terriers generally do best with two small meals per day rather than one large one. This helps manage their appetite and prevents obesity, which these food-motivated dogs can be prone to. If your Norwich tends to gobble their food, a puzzle feeder or slow-feeder bowl is an excellent way to slow them down and provide some mental stimulation.
Portion control is critical. While feeding guides on dog food bags are a good start, you'll need to adjust the amount based on your dog's age, metabolism, and activity level. Your vet can help you determine the perfect portion to keep your dog in lean, healthy condition.
If your dog is on a complete and balanced diet, supplements usually aren't necessary. However, a vet might recommend omega-3s for coat health or a joint supplement like glucosamine if there are signs of luxating patella.
The Norwich Terrier's distinctive double coat is both beautiful and functional, but it requires specific care to maintain its weather-resistant texture. The good news is that while their grooming needs are consistent, they're quite manageable once you get into a routine.
Their wiry outer coat and soft undercoat need brushing at least twice a week to prevent tangles and remove loose hair. Despite being a double-coated breed, Norwich Terriers are minimal shedders, which is a big plus for keeping the house tidy. Focus on areas like the legs and chest, where the hair is longer and more prone to matting.
Here's the most important part: the coat should be hand-stripped, not clipped. Hand-stripping involves pulling out dead outer hairs by hand, which preserves the coat's wiry texture and rich colour. Clipping will cause the coat to become soft, lose its protective qualities, and fade the colour. You can learn to do it yourself, or find a professional groomer. In cities like Sydney or Melbourne, expect to pay around $100-$150 for a professional hand-stripping session every few months.
Bathing should be infrequent, perhaps only every three months or so, as over-bathing can strip the coat's natural oils. Check their ears weekly for any signs of irritation and trim their nails monthly. Finally, daily tooth brushing is ideal to combat their predisposition to dental issues.
Norwich Terriers are intelligent, spirited dogs that respond well to positive training, though their terrier stubbornness means you'll need patience and a good sense of humour. These clever dogs are eager to please but will definitely question if a task is worth their time.
Early socialisation is key. Exposing your Norwich puppy to various people, sounds, and environments—from busy suburban streets to quiet bush tracks—will help them grow into the confident, friendly adults the breed is known for. Puppy school is a fantastic start.
Keep training sessions short and fun. They excel at dog sports like agility, obedience, and earthdog trials, which are offered by many dog clubs across Australia and provide a great outlet for their minds and bodies. These activities help channel their smarts and prevent boredom.
Don't let their small size fool you; Norwich Terriers need more exercise than you might think. Aim for 45-60 minutes of activity daily, including brisk walks and active play. They make great companions for morning jogs or weekend hikes, but always keep them on a lead or in a securely fenced area. Their strong hunting instinct means they will chase after anything that moves.
In Australia's climate, it's crucial to adjust their exercise schedule. During hot summers in Perth or Brisbane, stick to walks in the cool of the early morning or evening to avoid heatstroke.
Who is an ideal owner?
The ideal owner for a Norwich Terrier is someone who wants a 'big dog' personality in a small, manageable package. These dogs thrive with active individuals or families who can match their energy and enthusiasm, making them a superb fit for Australia's outdoor lifestyle.
They are an excellent choice for first-time owners who are prepared for a bit of terrier cheekiness. They're also fantastic family dogs, being patient, playful, and sturdy enough to handle the chaos of a busy household with children. Their social nature means they usually get along well with other pets, provided they've been socialised from a young age.
Norwich Terriers are highly adaptable and can live happily in a Sydney apartment or on a rural Queensland property, as long as their exercise needs are met. However, if you're in an apartment, be prepared to manage their tendency to bark. They are best suited to homes where someone is around for a good part of the day, as they bond closely with their family and prefer to be involved in daily life.
The perfect owner understands the commitment to their grooming, which involves either learning to hand-strip the coat or budgeting for a professional groomer. They also accept that consistent training and secure fencing are non-negotiable parts of owning a terrier with a strong prey drive. They are not for someone seeking a quiet, low-maintenance lap dog; a Norwich has opinions and loves to share them.
Interesting facts about the Norwich Terrier
Separated by an Ear
Norwich and Norfolk Terriers were considered the same breed until 1979. They were officially separated based on one key difference: Norwich Terriers have erect, prick ears, while Norfolks have dropped ears.
Cambridge University's Mascot
In the early 1900s, the breed became very popular with students at Cambridge University, where they were affectionately known as 'Cantab Terriers' and served as unofficial mascots.
Hunted with Foxhounds
Despite weighing only 5-6 kilograms, these fearless terriers were originally bred to work in packs alongside much larger Foxhounds to bolt foxes from their dens during hunts.
Built for British Weather
The breed's hard, wiry, and weather-resistant double coat was specifically developed to protect them from the harsh, wet, and often cold conditions of their native East Anglia.
FAQ
The main difference is ear shape - Norwich Terriers have erect, pointed ears while Norfolk Terriers have dropped ears that fold forward. Otherwise, they're virtually identical in size, temperament, and coat. Both breeds were considered the same until 1979 when they were officially separated.
Absolutely! Norwich Terriers are among the more affectionate breeds in the terrier group and love cuddle time with their families. They form strong bonds with multiple family members and will often seek out closeness, making them excellent lap dogs when they're not busy being active.
Yes, Norwich Terriers are excellent with children. They're patient, playful, and sturdy enough to handle typical family activities. Their friendly temperament and social nature make them wonderful family pets, though as with any dog, supervision with very young children is always recommended.
Norwich Terriers need 30-45 minutes of exercise daily, but timing matters in Australia's heat. Exercise them during cooler parts of the day - early morning or evening - particularly in warmer states like Queensland and Western Australia. They handle moderate temperatures well but may need cooling strategies during extreme heat.
Yes, Norwich Terriers adapt well to apartment living provided their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met. They're small enough for unit living but energetic enough to need daily outings. Be prepared for some barking, which may require management in close-quarters living situations.
Norwich Terriers benefit from professional grooming every 2-3 months, particularly for hand-stripping to maintain their coat's proper texture and colour. Between professional visits, brush them twice weekly and maintain basic hygiene like nail trims and ear cleaning.