Norfolk Terrier
Field demon by day, lap warmer by night.
- Weight
- 11–12 lbs
- Height
- 9–10 in
- Lifespan
- 12–15 yrs
In short
The Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest working terriers, bred in East Anglia, England, to hunt rats and foxes, weighing 11–12 lbs and living 12–15 years. Bold, sociable and a keen digger, it needs a secure fence and leashed walks because its prey drive is strong.
Is it right for you?
A great match if you…
- want a small, sturdy dog with a big personality
- enjoy brisk daily walks
- want a terrier that's usually dog-friendly
Think twice if you…
- keep rabbits, rodents or birds
- want reliable off-leash walks
- prize a perfectly dug-free garden
The daily plan
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Training
- 2–3 × 5–10 min sessions × length
- Treat limit
- 40 kcal all treats, 10% rule
At a glance
TrainabilityWilling learner7.5/10
EnergyActive7.0/10
Calm at homeCalm indoors8.5/10
SheddingLight shedder3.0/10
What sets it apart
-
01
Folded drop ears
The drop ears set it apart from the prick-eared Norwich Terrier, its closest cousin.
-
02
Wiry, weatherproof coat
Needs hand-stripping a couple of times a year to stay tidy and weather-resistant.
-
03
Short legs, big drive
Built to go to ground after vermin, so expect digging and chasing.
Size & coat
| Weight | 11–12 lbs | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9–10 in | |
| Lifespan | 12–15 yrs | |
| Coat | Hard, wiry, straight double coat | |
Personality
Norfolks are fearless, cheerful and less quarrelsome than many terriers. They want to be involved in everything and bring a big-dog attitude in a small, sturdy body.
With kids
Generally good with respectful kids; sturdy enough for gentle play.
With other pets
Usually sociable with other dogs, but rodents, squirrels and small pets are prey.
With strangers
Friendly and outgoing with visitors, with an alert bark.
Alone time
Tolerates short absences but gets bored, which leads to digging and barking.
Training
Norfolk Terriers are clever and eager but independent, and their nose often wins. Fun, short, reward-based sessions work best.
-
How often
2–3 sessions a day of 5–10 minutes each, ending while the dog still wants more.
-
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)
Between 8–16 weeks, prioritize calm exposure to cats and small animals under control, plus handling for grooming and hand-stripping.
-
Self-control
Recall and 'leave it' matter most for a dog this keen on chasing. Practice on a long line around distractions, and give digging a legal outlet like a dig box.
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What it works for
Food and chase games are the big motivators. Use small, high-value pieces within 10% of daily calories and a quick flirt-pole chase as a jackpot.
Exercise
Norfolks need brisk walks plus chances to sniff, dig and chase in safe ways, not just a stroll.
Exercise a day
60–90 min
CouchModerateAthlete
Good outlets
- Brisk walks on a leash
- Flirt-pole chase games
- Play in a securely fenced yard
Brain work
- Barn hunt or earthdog
- Scent work
- Dig box with buried toys
Best home
Fine in an apartment with daily walks; yards need fencing that stops digging.
Watch for Strong prey drive makes off-leash walks risky near roads, so keep them leashed outside fenced areas.
Feeding
Adult maintenance for a typical Norfolk Terrier (11–12 lbs) lands around 375–400 kcal a day. Feed to body condition, not the bag's chart alone, and keep treats inside the 10% rule.
Puppy (to 12 mo)
- Daily calories
- 475–500 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 16–20%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 50 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 2–3 pieces a day
Adult Maintenance
- Daily calories
- 375–400 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 14–18%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 40 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- about 2 pieces a day
Active / Working
- Daily calories
- 525–550 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 18–22%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 55 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- about 3 pieces a day
Senior
- Daily calories
- 325–350 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 12–16%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 35 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- about 2 pieces a day
Compare every life stage
| Life stage | Daily calories | Protein | Fat | Treat limit (all treats) | Saylor's liver, suggested / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (to 12 mo) | 475–500 kcal | 26–30% | 16–20% | 50 kcal | 2–3 pieces |
| Adult Maintenance | 375–400 kcal | 24–28% | 14–18% | 40 kcal | about 2 pieces |
| Active / Working | 525–550 kcal | 26–30% | 18–22% | 55 kcal | about 3 pieces |
| Senior | 325–350 kcal | 24–28% | 12–16% | 35 kcal | about 2 pieces |
The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.
Health & grooming
Generally healthy, with mitral valve disease, hip dysplasia and patellar luxation reported. Keeping the dog lean and choosing a breeder who screens hearts and joints help most.
| Watch for | Ask the breeder or vet for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Mitral valve disease | Cardiac exam by a veterinarian or cardiologist | In breeding dogs, ideally yearly |
| Hip dysplasia | OFA hip evaluation | Once, in breeding dogs (ask the breeder) |
| Patellar luxation | OFA patella exam | Once, in breeding dogs (ask the breeder) |
| Inherited eye disease | Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist (CAER) | Yearly in breeding dogs |
Official health tests for breeding dogs
The OFA's CHIC program asks Norfolk Terrier breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.
- Heart exam
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- Kneecap (patella) check
Also recommended
- Hip evaluation
- Ichthyosis
Grooming Low to moderate; needs hand-stripping
Brush weekly and hand-strip about twice a year (or clip, which softens the coat). Trim nails every 2–3 weeks, check ears weekly and brush teeth several times a week.
History
1880s–1900s
East Anglian ratters
Small red terriers were bred in Cambridge and Norwich to hunt rats and foxes.
1932
Norwich Terrier recognized
The Kennel Club recognized the Norwich Terrier in 1932, including both prick- and drop-eared dogs.
1964–1979
Separate breed
Drop-eared dogs became the Norfolk Terrier in the UK in 1964 and in the AKC in 1979.
Questions owners ask
Are Norfolk Terriers easy to train?
Moderately. They are clever and eager but independent, and their nose often wins. Short, fun sessions and a long line for recall help.
Are Norfolk Terriers good with kids and other pets?
Usually, yes, with kids and other dogs. They are sturdy and friendly, but small pets like rodents or birds trigger their hunting instinct.
How much exercise does a Norfolk Terrier need?
About 60–90 minutes a day. Brisk walks and chances to sniff, dig and chase keep them happy.
Do Norfolk Terriers shed?
Lightly. Brush weekly and hand-strip the wiry coat a couple of times a year; clipping is easier but softens the coat.
What health problems do Norfolk Terriers have, and how long do they live?
They typically live 12–15 years. The breed is generally healthy; mitral valve disease, hip dysplasia and patellar luxation are reported, so ask for heart and joint results on the parents.
Is a Norfolk Terrier good for apartments or first-time owners?
Yes, often. They are small and adaptable, and a first-timer can do well if they exercise them daily and keep them leashed.
Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats
Back in stock soon
We're restocking. When it's back, a Norfolk Terrier needs only about 2 pieces a day, well inside the 40 kcal treat limit.
See the productWhere the Norfolk Terrier ranks
Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.
Breeds like the Norfolk Terrier
Closest in size, energy, trainability, calm at home and shedding.
