A happy, plucky little terrier that is loving with its people and seems unaware of how small it is. It is energetic and loyal, and fits in easily with family life, though like most terriers it may enjoy a bit of barking and digging.312
how to spot oneNorwich Terrier coat and colours
hard, wiry coat with thick undercoat
A small, stocky terrier with a straight, wiry coat that hugs the body and a thick undercoat. Longer hair on the neck forms a ruff around the face, and the pointed ears stand upright.31
Comes inred (all shades)wheatenblack and tangrizzle31
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Norwich 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
how busy a day looksNorwich Terrier exercise needs
Up to about an hour of exercise a day; it enjoys walks, play and earthdog-style games.4
where they are happiestNorwich Terrier at home
Suits town or country homes with daily walks; a secure garden is useful because of its hunting instinct.4
who they like aroundNorwich Terrier with people and other pets
A people-loving breed that likes to be close to its family; early training helps channel its terrier energy.21
the hands-on bitsNorwich Terrier grooming and care
Brush more than once a week; the wiry coat is usually hand-stripped to keep its texture.43
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Norwich Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your adult Norwich Terrier at least two meals a day; puppies need three to four smaller meals. Consistent times, such as morning and evening, help with routine. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
What should a Norwich Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suited to its size and age is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always consult your vet for a tailored diet plan.6
How often should I bathe a Norwich Terrier?
Bathe your Norwich Terrier about every two to three months, or when needed. Overbathing can strip natural oils, so use a gentle dog shampoo. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days.7
How often does a Norwich Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Norwich Terrier at least once a week, ideally more often, to keep its wiry coat healthy. Hand-stripping every few months helps maintain the coat's texture. Pet Wiki's plan recommends weekly brushing.43
How do I trim a Norwich Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks or when you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.7
How much exercise does a Norwich Terrier need?
Your Norwich Terrier needs about an hour of exercise daily, including walks and play. It enjoys earthdog-style games and a secure garden is useful due to its hunting instinct. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily walks and play.4
How do I look after a Norwich Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush your Norwich Terrier's teeth daily if possible, at least a few times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Never push anything into the ear canal.7
How long does a Norwich Terrier live?
Norwich Terriers typically live around 10 years or more with good care. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle help ensure a long, happy life.4
Is a Norwich Terrier good with children and other pets?
Yes, Norwich Terriers are loving and fit well into family life, often good with children when properly socialized. They can get along with other pets, but their terrier nature may need early training to channel their energy.312
Can a Norwich Terrier be left alone?
Norwich Terriers are very people-oriented and may struggle with long periods alone. They do best with company or a routine that includes plenty of attention. For specific advice on alone time, consult a good breeder or trainer.
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.
what to watchNorwich Terrier health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Norwich Terrier. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Upper airway syndrome
Narrowing in the voice box makes some dogs snore, breathe noisily and tire in heat; a specialist airway check is advised. UC Davis study: all 34 Norwich Terriers examined had at least one laryngeal abnormality; most owners still reported good quality of life ↗
Patellar luxation
The kneecap slips out of place and causes a skipping step. Patella exam recommended by the Norwich Terrier Club of America; no published rate ↗
Hip dysplasia
Loose hips that wear into arthritis; ask for the parents' hip results. Hip evaluation recommended by the Norwich Terrier Club of America; no published rate ↗
Inherited eye disease
Eye problems are checked at a yearly specialist exam. Eye exam recommended by the Norwich Terrier Club of America; no published rate ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist Norwich Terrier Club of America ↗
Hip evaluation (OFA or PennHIP) Norwich Terrier Club of America ↗
Patella exam (OFA) Norwich Terrier Club of America ↗
Upper airway examination AKC Canine Health Foundation / NTUAS study group ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Norwich Terrier costs
Running costs for a Norwich Terrier, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Norwich Terrier legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Norwich Terrier in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Norwich Terrier tip
Norwich Terriers can be prone to sensitive tummies and weight gain, so stick to high-quality, single-ingredient treats like fresh fruits or veggies and limit them to 10% of daily calories. Because they are also prone to dental disease, a dental chew that helps reduce tartar can be a good choice, but always check with your vet first.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Before 1964 Norwich and Norfolk Terriers were a single breed; the Norwich kept the prick ears.4
2
Its breed story starts with small red ratting terriers bred around Cambridge in the 1880s, which is why an early name was Cantab Terrier.2
3
In the early 1900s it was known in the United States as the Jones Terrier, after breeder Frank Jones.2
4
The Royal Kennel Club lists it as a Vulnerable Native Breed.4
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
Norwich Terriers are plucky little earthdogs named for their hometown in England, Norwich.8
I wake up and immediately wag my tail because it's morning and that means breakfast and a walk. I bounce around the kitchen while my human fills my bowl. After eating, I grab my squeaky hedgehog and toss it in the air. Then we go outside, I patrol the garden, dig a little hole behind the rose bush, and bark at a leaf that moves suspiciously. On our walk, I trot with my ears up, greeting every dog with a cheerful sniff. Back home, I curl up on the sofa, one ear still twitching. Being small means I can fit anywhere, even under a blanket.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
for a film nightOn screen
Films and series picked by Oskar, who made Pet Wiki.
Best in Show2000
Winky, a Norwich Terrier, competes at a big dog show.
In the 1880s small red ratting terriers were being bred around Cambridge, and a line later taken up by Frank Jones gave the breed its Norwich name. The Kennel Club accepted it in 1932, and in 1964 the drop-eared dogs were split off as the Norfolk Terrier, leaving the prick-eared Norwich as its own breed.324
Norfolk Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Border Terrier