Norwich Terrier

All you need to know about the Norwich Terrier

If you are a fan of small dogs with big personalities, the Norwich Terrier could be the dog for you! This breed is known for its high intelligence and hyperactivity, but they are also fearless pups that love challenges.

When people use the phrase “big dog in a little body” there is a high chance they are talking about a Norwich Terrier. These dogs are smart, energetic, and they have tons of attitude. 

Expect your Norwich Terrier to make you laugh constantly with its outgoing temperament. However, these dogs can be quite tenacious, and inexperienced owners might not be able to handle that. 

So you think you can handle one of these spunky little doggies? Read our article to learn all the info about them.

Fast Facts

Group - Terrier

Weight - 11-12 Pounds (male) 11-12 Pounds (female)

Height - 9-10 Inches (male) 9-10 Inches (female)

Hair Length - Medium

Shedding - Lite

Lifespan - 12-16 Years

The Appearance of the Norwich Terrier

Norwich Terriers are known for their adorable look, featuring a small, scruffy but strong body and their cute ears that are always curiously perked up. They are small dogs, which makes them convenient pets since they usually won’t stand higher than 10 inches.

Out of all the working terriers, these dogs are the smallest. If we were to compare them to a similar breed it would be the Yorkshire Terrier, although the Norwich is more muscular and stocky.

They have a face that resembles that of a fox, with dark, bright eyes with an intelligent look to them. 

The coat of a Norwich Terrier is wiry and hard, unlike some other terrier breeds. It is also practically weatherproof. The coat basically developed to protect these pups from any sort of weather condition or outside threat.

Of course, we can’t skip what is probably the defining trait of this breed - the ears! Norwich Terriers have medium-sized, pricked ears that give them a curious look. This is the main trait that distinguishes them from Norfolk Terriers.

They have a tail that is really thick at the base but tapers towards the tip. It is set high, only adding to the inspecting look of this breed.

What colors does a Norwich Terrier come in?

According to the breed standard, the Norwich Terrier can come in these four colors:

• Red
• Wheaten
• Black and tan
• Grizzle

All shades of these colors are permitted for dog shows and contests by the American Kennel Club. Some dogs can have white marks as well, but those are not desirable.

All about the Norwich Terrier personality

People often say that Norwich Terriers have many times bigger personalities than the size of their bodies. And we have to agree with that!

These pups are bouncy, happy, and have an extraordinary sense of humor that will surely make you laugh. They are direct and will always let you know what they want.

They are not afraid to show their opinion on things and can be quite bossy. You will find your Norwich Terrier constantly telling you what you should do. However, with a face as cute as theirs, this can be really entertaining.

Still, Norwich terriers might not be the best pick for first-time dog owners with a personality like this. They will require a lot of work and experience to keep them on their best behavior. If you don’t know what you’re doing these pups will act as if they own you!

Even though they can be bossy, they will stop at nothing to please you if trained correctly. 

They are open-minded dogs and quite spirited, meaning they will love experiencing new things as well as meeting new people. Norwich Terrier can have a strong urge to explore and are extremely fearless.

You should never expect your Norwich Terrier to start a fight with other dogs, but these pups will reply if challenged. They are tenacious and vigorous and won’t back down even in front of much larger dogs.

Another thing that is quite interesting about this breed is that it is practically impossible to find two dogs with the same personality. They are individual in the way they behave and how they carry themselves around people.

These dogs also have a strong hunting instinct. Norwich can’t resist the urge once they feel it and will start digging for prey around your backyard or garden. This behavior can be minimized with good training.

They get along well with other dogs and will enjoy pack life as much as living with their human family. Norwich Terriers rarely bark without reason, so if you hear them, it might be a sign that they want to alert you about upcoming visitors.

Is a Norwich Terrier easy to train?

These dogs are incredibly intelligent, but unfortunately, that doesn’t mean they are easy to train. This is why we wouldn’t recommend them for first-time dog owners.

It can be individual and some might start listening to your commands right away, but most of the time, Norwich Terriers will playfully resist all your training efforts. While it can be cute, those without experience might find it irritating because they’ll feel like their hard work is going to waste.

Even while they are still pups you might feel their stubbornness. They can be difficult to housebreak. However, crate training can help you with this, and many actually recommend it for this breed especially.

If you decide to try out crate training, you will see quickly how these dogs will avoid soiling the place they sleep. They will learn to wait until the morning when they can do it outside.

With obedience training, make sure to motivate your pup with some type of reward. Positive reinforcement works amazingly well with Norwich Terriers, so always have some treats ready to go. Verbal praise works excellent as well.

Of course, all of this won’t be a huge issue with experienced dog owners. They should know what to do immediately and won’t have problems turning their pet Norwich Terrierinto an amazing, loving companion.

How much Grooming does a Norwich Terrier need?

The wiry coat of a Norwich Terrier won’t require too much grooming. Weekly brushing should do the trick, and don’t forget to give your pet the occasional bath.

Some owners like to clip the coat of these pups to keep it nice and stylish, but for this, we recommend a professional groomer. They will need to perform hand-stripping, which is a process that removes hair from the root. This way, the texture of the fur won’t soften, and it won’t lose its color.

When it comes to shedding, you’ll hardly notice it at all, especially if you brush your pup once a week. These dogs have a thick coat that is so concentrated that it retains dander! They also don’t drool at all. This means that Norwich Terriers are hypoallergenic dogs.

As with most other breeds, dental hygiene is important. You should consult with your vet and get the best doggy toothpaste for your Norwich. Get it used to teeth brushing early on and you will never have problems with it.

Of course, you should also clip the nails of your pet Norwich once they get a bit longer. If you can hear them clicking on the floor while your pup is walking, you should probably clip them.

The Living Environment of the Norwich Terrier

Norwich Terriers are small, compact dogs that can adapt to any type of living space without any problems. They are excellent city dogs that can get used to apartment living right away. The occasional walk around the block should satisfy all their exercise needs.

However, keep in mind that Norwich Terriers are high-anxiety dogs that won’t like being left alone for a long time. Leaving your pet Norwich alone might result in your carpet and sofa being chewed or your garden being dug up. 

They also might develop a barking habit. This is why these dogs work best with people that spend a lot of time at home. 

If you have other pets, that will be a great environment for your Norwich. Make sure to introduce them during puppyhood, and they will happily play with them for the rest of their lives.

Children also make great companions for these dogs. However, since they tend to be bossy, your kid might end up being bossed around by your pup. Training can prevent these types of situations.

The Health and Nutrition of the Norwich Terrier

Norwich Terriers have a lifespan of about 12-15 years. However, while they do live long, they can develop several health issues you should be aware of.

• Some of the more dangerous conditions include brachycephalic airway syndrome, a complex condition that affects the respiratory system. It can make your pup have trouble breathing, and the symptoms include snorting and raspy breathing.
• Epilepsy can also affect these dogs somewhat commonly, and it is a condition that causes seizures. Paroxysmal dyskinesia is a disorder that occurs during muscle overactivity. It can cause sudden movements of your pup, mostly involuntary.
• Hip dysplasia is also relatively common. It is a condition that affects the joints. It occurs when the ball-and-socket joint of the hip doesn’t develop properly and the result is a loose hip.
• These dogs also tend to develop obesity issues, which can lead to many problems. They look quite cute when they are chubby, so their owners don’t mind it so much. However, this can lead to diabetes, which can be extremely dangerous. The most important thing with the nutrition of Norwich terriers is the calorie count.

They don’t exercise as much as most other breeds, so you absolutely need to watch out for the amount of food you give to your pet. You should always consult your veterinarian about this. They will also help you pick the best quality food for your Norwich.

Where does the Norwich Terriercome from?

Norwich Terriers first appeared in the late 1900s in East Anglia. This is a region of England that also includes Norwich. Originally they weren’t known as Norwich Terriers, despite originating there. Instead, they were called Cantab, Jones Terriers, and Trumpington. 

They were more diverse and were a mix of various terrier breeds. The goal of breeders back then was to produce hunting dogs that were small and friendly. Each one of these pups looked completely different.

Once England’s Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1923, a standard was set. The first Norwich Terrier to come to the United States was called William Jones, and it happened early in the 20th century.

The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1979, differentiating Norwich from Norfolk Terriers.