Discover Everything About Norwich Terriers
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The Norwich Terrier is a small, compact dog with a lot of charm and character. Although he is one of the smallest terriers, he should not be underestimated. It is robust and durable, with a striking, wiry, medium-length coat that comes in colors such as red, wheat, black and tan or gray. The powerful, well-angled hind legs give it the ability to both run and dig quickly. The Norwich Terrier's ears are medium sized, erect and pointed, giving him an intelligent and attentive expression. It belongs to FCI Group 3, Section 2, and carries standard number 72. There is no distinct separation between performance and show lines in Norwich Terriers. Every Norwich Terrier, whether he wins shows or not, is capable of carrying out his original work tasks.
| Height | 25 - 25 cm (Female), 25 - 25 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 5 - 6 kg (Female), 5 - 6 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Friendly, brave, independent |
| Coat | Double layer, wiry, medium length |
| Coat Color | All shades of red, wheat, black with tan, gray |
| Price | 1800 - 3500 € € |
History
The story of the Norwich Terrier begins in East Anglia, England, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a time when the popularity of fox hunting was growing, and there was a need for small, brave dogs capable of chasing foxes and other vermin from their hiding places. Different species of terriers, including the Irish Terrier and the Little Red Terrier, were crossed to create these new working dogs. The breed was originally known as the Trumpington Terrier and was named after the Trumpington Street dormitory in Cambridge, where these dogs were very popular. The name later changed to Norwich Terrier, after the county where the breed originated. Originally there were two variants of the Norwich Terrier - those with erect ears and those with drooping ears. However, these were declared two separate breeds in the 1960s, and the drooping variant is now known as the Norfolk Terrier. The Norwich Terrier as we know it today, with erect ears, was recognized as a separate breed by the English Kennel Club in 1964 and by the American Kennel Club in 1979.
The Norwich Terrier was used to hunt foxes and fight rats.
England
1800
Character & Temperament
You'll find that the Norwich Terrier has a big personality despite its small size. He is known for his kindness, courage and independence. A Norwich Terrier loves being around his people and makes a wonderful family dog. He enjoys the company of children and generally gets along well with other dogs and pets. Although he has an independent side, the Norwich Terrier is very people-oriented and enjoys being a part of the action. He is playful and loves chasing and retrieving toys, but he is also content just being around his family. It is important to note that the Norwich Terrier, like many terriers, tends to exhibit strong prey and hunting behavior. Therefore, he must always be kept in a safe area or kept on a leash when outside. The Norwich Terrier has high energy levels and needs a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. But he is not a hyperactive dog and can also enjoy quiet moments. Although he can adapt to living in an apartment, he still enjoys the opportunity to run around in the garden and dig. An important aspect of the Norwich Terrier's character is his alertness. He is always on guard and ready to protect his family, making him an excellent watchdog. But he doesn't tend to bark for no reason. His barking is usually a sign that something has caught his attention. When it comes to being alone, the Norwich Terrier shows a good ability to be alone as long as it is well exercised and is not left alone for long periods of time. He is happy when he has a comfortable place to rest, but he should not be isolated for long periods as he needs the company of his humans. With the right home and care, the Norwich Terrier will become a loyal and loving member of the family. He is a brave little dog with a lot of heart and character, and he will certainly bring a lot of joy and entertainment into your life. His hardy nature and friendly personality make him an excellent choice for active families, the elderly, and anyone looking for a cheerful and engaging companion.
| Trainability | |
| Watchfulness | |
| Openness to Strangers | |
| Hunting or Herding Drive |
Did you know that the Norwich Terrier was originally bred to hunt rats? Today he is more of a happy family dog, but his lively and courageous personality still reminds of his brave hunting days.
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
Norwich Terriers are small, active dogs that like to be kept busy. They are versatile and adapt well. They are also motivated to hunt.
Housing & Care
The Norwich Terrier is definitely suitable as a city dog. He adapts well to different living conditions as long as he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. He generally gets along well with children and can also get along with other pets, including cats, as long as he is properly socialized.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Raising a Norwich Terrier is a fulfilling but also challenging task. They are intelligent and capable of learning, but can also be stubborn and independent. Early socialization and positive, reward-based parenting are key here. Note that Norwich Terriers have strong prey instincts, so impulse control and recall training are particularly important. You definitely need something meaningful to do, but be careful not to overwhelm yourself - balance is the key here. Agility, obedience and trick training can be great ways to exercise your Norwich Terrier physically and mentally.
Nutrition & Care
The Norwich Terrier is an active dog that requires a balanced, nutritious diet. Be careful not to overfeed him, as being overweight can put a strain on his health. The Norwich Terrier has a dual coat texture - a soft undercoat and a wiry top coat. This makes it relatively well protected against cold and wet, which means that it also tolerates the German climate well. He doesn't shed excessively, but regular grooming (about once a week) will help remove loose hair and keep the coat in good condition.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding | |
| Trainability |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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