A short-legged terrier with a big personality. It is bold and alert, yet friendly, easy-going with people and not given to picking fights. Owners often describe it as a busy little companion that likes to be part of every family activity.3142
how to spot oneNorfolk Terrier coat and colours
hard, wiry double-purpose terrier coat
A straight, wiry and weatherproof coat that lies close to the body, growing a little longer and rougher over the neck and shoulders. The head carries short, neat hair apart from small whiskers and eyebrows, and the ears fold forward at the tip.31
Coloursred (all shades)wheatenblack and tangrizzle31
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Norfolk Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
by countryIs the Norfolk Terrier legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Norfolk Terrier in the 44 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksNorfolk Terrier exercise needs
Up to about an hour of exercise a day. It enjoys walks, sniffing games and digging-style play that suits its working terrier roots.4
the hands-on bitsNorfolk Terrier grooming and care
Brush more than once a week. The wiry coat is usually hand-stripped a few times a year to keep its texture and tidy outline.43
where they are happiestNorfolk Terrier at home
Adapts well to houses or flats if it gets daily walks; a securely fenced garden helps because of its hunting instinct.4
who they like aroundNorfolk Terrier with people and other pets
Enjoys company and is usually good with people and children; it has been known to work happily in packs.2
where it all beganNorfolk Terrier history
Developed in the late 1800s in East Anglia as a small ratting and fox-bolting terrier, the Norfolk shared its early history with the Norwich Terrier. For decades both ear types were shown as one breed, until The Kennel Club split them in 1964 and gave the drop-eared dogs the Norfolk name. American and Canadian clubs followed in 1979.342
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The Norfolk and Norwich Terriers were one breed until 1964; the easiest way to tell them apart is the ears, which fold down on the Norfolk and stand up on the Norwich.4
2
It is counted among the smallest of all working terriers.2
3
Early forms of the breed went by names such as Cantab, Trumpington and Jones Terrier.2
4
The FCI standard jokingly calls it a 'demon' for its size, a nod to its courage.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed is named after the county of Norfolk in East Anglia, England, where it was developed in the 19th century. The name distinguishes it from the closely related Norwich Terrier, with the Norfolk having drop ears and the Norwich having prick ears.5
stars of the breedFamous ones
Wasp A Norfolk Terrier owned by actress Clara Bow, who appeared in several of her films and was known as a celebrity dog in the 1920s.6
Cracknor's Catch A Norfolk Terrier that won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1932, helping to popularize the breed in the United States.6
I wake to the smell of toast. I trot to the kitchen, my nails clicking. After breakfast, I find my squeaky bone and shake it until it squeals. Then I dig in the garden, just a little hole, for treasure. The postman comes; I give a friendly bark, then wag. At the park, I chase a leaf, then another. A big dog sniffs me; I sniff back, no fuss. Home again, I curl on the sofa, one ear up. When the family laughs, I join in, my tail thumping. It's a busy, happy life.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Standard no. 272, Group 3 Terriers, Section 2 Small-sized Terriers; standard published 13.10.2010, country of origin Great Britain.3
The Royal Kennel Club
Terrier group; separated from the Norwich Terrier in 1964; not a vulnerable native breed.4
AKC
Terrier breed with its own standard, approved 13 October 1981 and reformatted 23 March 1990. Wikipedia states the AKC accepted the split from the Norwich in 1979.1
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Norfolk Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your Norfolk Terrier at least two meals a day for an adult, or three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Sticking to set times helps their digestion, and you can ask your vet for a schedule that fits your dog best.7
What should a Norfolk Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A balanced dog food that suits their age and size is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and chives, as these are especially risky for dogs.8
How often should I bathe a Norfolk Terrier?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if they get dirty. Always use a dog shampoo and check with your vet if you have concerns.9Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Norfolk Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Norfolk Terrier more than once a week to keep their wiry coat tidy. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing weekly, and hand stripping a few times a year helps maintain the coat's texture.43Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Norfolk Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim their nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you if you're unsure.9Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Norfolk Terrier need?
Your Norfolk Terrier needs up to about an hour of exercise daily, including walks, sniffing games, and digging-style play. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily walks and play to keep them happy.4Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Norfolk Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check their ears every two weeks, never pushing anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique for both.9Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Norfolk Terrier live?
Norfolk Terriers typically live around 10 years or more, with senior years starting around age 10. Regular vet check-ups help them stay healthy throughout their life.4Pet Wiki plan
Is a Norfolk Terrier good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are usually good with people and children, and have been known to work happily in packs. They are friendly and easy-going, but always supervise interactions with very young children.2
Can a Norfolk Terrier be left alone?
Norfolk Terriers enjoy company and like to be part of family activities, so they may not do well left alone for long periods. If you need to leave them, start with short times and ask your vet or a trainer for advice.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Norwich Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Border Terrier