People usually look up Norfolk Terriers when they’re weighing up a small dog that can keep up on walks, live happily in a compact home, and still feel like a proper terrier—bright-eyed, sturdy, and always ready to investigate the next scent trail. The details matter: size, coat care, barking, and the health checks that can save a lot of worry later.
Norfolk Terriers are among the smallest terriers, with a hard, wiry coat and distinctive drop ears. They’re typically affectionate with their people, alert in the house, and energetic outdoors—best suited to homes that enjoy daily exercise and steady, practical training.1, 2
Norfolk Terrier at a glance
- Origin: East Anglia, England1
- Size: Small; ideal height about 25 cm at the withers (breed standard)2
- Weight: Often around 5–6 kg, though individuals vary (breed guides commonly place them in a small range)1
- Coat: Hard, wiry, straight, lying close to the body; thicker around neck and shoulders2
- Colours: Red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle (white marks generally undesirable in breed standards)2
- Typical lifespan: Over 10 years (many live into their teens with good care)1
History and origin
The Norfolk Terrier developed in England’s East Anglia, where small working terriers were valued for dispatching vermin around farms and stables. In the show world, Norfolk and Norwich Terriers were historically grouped together; both ear types were seen under the same umbrella for many years.1
In the UK, the broader type was recognised in 1932, and the modern separation came later: the drop-eared variety became known as the Norfolk Terrier, while the prick-eared variety became the Norwich Terrier.1
Physical characteristics and appearance
A Norfolk Terrier is compact and low to the ground, built with surprising substance for a small dog. The head is wedge-shaped, the eyes are dark and alert, and the ears are a defining feature—medium-sized, V-shaped, and dropping forward close to the cheek.2
The coat is a practical working jacket: hard, wiry and straight, with more roughness around the neck and shoulders. It’s designed to cope with weather and undergrowth, not to sit silky and flat.2
Personality and temperament
Norfolk Terriers are typically lively and watchful, with the classic terrier habit of noticing everything. Breed standards describe them as alert and fearless, and they often carry themselves that way—small body, busy mind, quick feet.2
With their own people, they’re often affectionate and keen to be involved. With strangers, some are immediately friendly; others take a moment to assess. Early socialisation helps them stay steady and adaptable as adults.
Training and exercise needs
Norfolk Terriers tend to learn quickly, but they can also test boundaries if training is inconsistent. Short, frequent sessions work well—clear cues, rewards that matter to the dog, and calm repetition rather than pressure.
Most will do well with about up to an hour of exercise a day, split between walks, sniffing time, and play. They’re small enough for apartment living, but not built to be ornamental; they still need daily outlets for energy and curiosity.1
- Best kind of exercise: brisk walks, scent games, short training sessions, and supervised off-lead play in safe areas.
- Common weak spots: recall around wildlife, digging, and barking when under-stimulated or over-excited.
Grooming and everyday care
The Norfolk Terrier’s coat is low-shed compared with many breeds, but it isn’t “no maintenance”. Expect regular brushing and periodic hand-stripping (or careful clipping, depending on your goals and your groomer’s advice) to keep the coat harsh and weather-resistant. Over-bathing can soften the coat and irritate the skin, so keep baths occasional unless the dog is truly dirty.
As with any small breed, dental care matters. Daily tooth brushing (or as close as you can manage) and regular veterinary dental checks help reduce the risk of periodontal disease, which is common in dogs.6
Health concerns to know about
No breed is free of health problems. Norfolk Terriers are generally sturdy, but prospective owners should be aware of a few conditions that show up across small breeds and terriers.
Patellar luxation (kneecap slipping)
Patellar luxation is a developmental orthopaedic condition where the kneecap moves out of its normal position. It’s common in small dogs and may show up as intermittent “skipping” lameness. Treatment ranges from conservative management to surgery, depending on severity and clinical signs.3
Other problems that may occur
- Eye conditions: several problems can occur in dogs; a vet eye exam is a sensible part of routine care.7
- Allergic skin and ear issues: not unusual in small terriers; good parasite control and prompt treatment for itchy skin helps reduce flare-ups.
- Dental disease: very common in dogs; prevention is much easier than treatment later.6
If you’re choosing a puppy, ask what health screening the parents have had, and request documentation where applicable. A good breeder will be used to these questions and won’t rush you.
Norfolk Terrier as a family pet: pros and cons
In the right home, the Norfolk Terrier fits neatly: small enough to travel easily, bold enough to feel like a “real dog”, and social enough to enjoy family life.
Pros
- Compact and adaptable: often suits smaller homes when exercise needs are met.1
- Alert companion: tends to notice changes in the environment and can be a natural watchdog.
- Engaging temperament: lively, interactive, and usually keen to be near their people.2
Cons
- Needs daily activity: boredom can turn into barking, digging, and nuisance behaviour.1
- Terrier independence: training must be consistent, especially around recall and small-animal chasing.
- Coat care isn’t optional: the wiry coat benefits from ongoing grooming to stay comfortable and tidy.1
Finding a breeder or adopting through rescue
Whether you buy or adopt, focus on welfare and transparency. You want a dog raised (or cared for) in clean conditions, with a clear plan for health care and socialisation, and people who will answer questions without evasion.
- Visit in person where possible and check the environment and the dog’s general condition.4
- Ask for health records and confirm the dog is up to date with vaccinations, parasite control and microchipping (requirements and checks vary by state/territory).4
- Be cautious of sellers who won’t let you see the puppy, offer to meet in a car park, or push for payment before you’ve met the dog.4
If you’re in Australia and dealing with a registered breeder, Dogs Australia (ANKC) member bodies and breed clubs can be useful starting points for finding breeders who follow recognised standards and ethics frameworks.5
Final thoughts
The Norfolk Terrier is a small terrier with a steady, capable build and a mind that likes to stay busy. They do best with daily exercise, clear training, and coat care that matches their wiry jacket. Choose well, ask the unglamorous health questions, and you’ll usually end up with a compact companion who stays close—watching, listening, and ready for the next walk.
References
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Norfolk Terrier: breed information
- Dogs Australia (ANKC) — Norfolk Terrier breed standard
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Patellar luxation in dogs and cats
- NSW Department of Primary Industries — Buying or adopting a dog (choosing a responsible breeder, avoiding scams)
- Dogs Australia (ANKC) — National body for pedigree dogs in Australia
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) — Pet dental care
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) — Cataracts in dogs
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Norfolk Terrier breed standard
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom