Norwich Terrier: Dog Breed Information, Facts and Pictures

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
Litter size: 1-3
Mass: 11 – 12 lbs (Adult)
Temperament: Hardy, Affectionate, Energetic, Sensitive, Intelligent
Colors: Black & Gold, Tan, Wheaten, Grizzle

The Norwich Terrier is a robust and insensitive dog with a loveable nature. Like his rat-hunting ancestors, he always acts with his own fearlessness but never behaves aggressively or quarrelsome. Rather, he is characterized by a very cheerful character and is with all self-esteem a tender and affectionate companion. In dealing with children, the Norwich Terrier proves a lot of patience, as a family dog, he is enterprising and would like to be always everywhere. The Norwich Terrier lives for its people and therefore needs a close connection to the family.

The fact that the Norwich Terrier was originally a working dog can still be seen in his high level of activity, his zeal for work and his willingness to learn. He learns little tricks and tricks with the same enthusiasm as he demonstrates his flexibility in dog sports. Outdoors he runs tirelessly and, despite his small size, keeps up with his people without any problems. As a decidedly vital dog, the Norwich Terrier needs a lot of exercise and employment every day. With a too quiet lifestyle and frequent aloneness, however, he gets along badly. As a house or apartment dog, he is watchful, but does not tend to yap.

The Norwich Terrier as well as the Norfolk Terrier comes from the working dog breeds, which were widespread in the southeast of England from the 18th century. The origin region of both races is the county of Norfolk with the capital Norwich. Short-legged terriers were then used not only in the fox and badger hunting, but also for rat control. Around 1870, small terriers in Cambridge became popular with students. The first breeder of this new breed is Frank Jones, after whom the Norwich Terrier was named in the meantime. In 1932, the breed was recognized by the British Kennel Club. Only in 1964, the separation between the present-day Norwich Terrier with standing ears and the Norfolk Terrier with drooping ears took place.

The Norwich Terrier has a broad, slightly arched skull with a pronounced stop. The catch is wedge-shaped and strong, it corresponds in its length about two-thirds of the skull length between the occiput and stop. The eyes are small and oval. They are dark in color, expressive and bright. The ears are far apart and are carried upright. They are pointed and of medium size. The neck is strong and of good length and fits harmoniously into the shoulders.

The Norwich Terrier has a compact body and a short back that forms a straight line. The shoulders are well stored, the chest is deep and well arched with a long rib cage. The tail is of moderate length with a vigorous approach. It is worn as straight as possible and is no longer cropped these days. 

The Norwich Terrier has short powerful forelegs with well-fitting elbows. The hind legs are wide and muscular with low hocks. The paws are round and catlike with a good padding.

The Norwich Terrier is now a pure family and companion dog, the constant contact with his people is a deep need. The intelligent and active dog wants to be busy every day, so his attitude requires relatively much time and attention from the owner. As an original working dog, he also has a strong need for movement and can only cope with life as a pure housing dog if he gets every day opportunity to let off steam in the open air.

In attitude, the Norwich Terrier is straightforward. His wiry coat does not require any elaborate care, but should only be brushed and trimmed regularly. Here, the loose hair plucked out, which causes the dog no pain. A Norwich Terrier, who is regularly trimmed, hardly loses hair. Overall, the Norwich Terrier is a robust and bright companion.