Norwich Terrier

ATTRIBUTES: Alert, Curious, Loyal, Affectionate, Gregarious

GROUP: Terrier Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Energetic

BARKING LEVEL: Likes To Be Vocal

COAT TYPE: Wiry, Double

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Occasional

SIZE: Small

TRAINABILITY: Agreeable

CHARACTERISTIC: Smallest Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

Ancestry Icon
Ancestry

Terrier

Origin Icon
Origin

England

Registration Icon
Registration

1936

Ancestry Icon
Size

10 Inches

Origin Icon
Weight

12 Pounds

Registration Icon
Expected Life

12 - 15 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of fondness a breed is expected to exhibit toward its family members and acquaintances. Certain breeds may display aloofness towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds treat everyone they are familiar with as their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The extent to which a breed can tolerate and be patient with children's conduct, as well as their general tendency to be friendly towards families. It is essential to closely supervise dogs when they interact with young children or children who have limited experience with dogs, regardless of their age.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The overall sociability of a breed towards other dogs. While it is crucial to supervise dog-to-dog interactions and introductions, certain breeds have a natural predisposition to be more amicable and compatible with other dogs, whether it be in a home setting or in public.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair that one can anticipate a breed to shed. Breeds that shed profusely will necessitate more frequent brushing have a higher potential to trigger specific allergies and may require more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep up with the shedding.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming or other forms of coat maintenance that a breed demand. It is important to take into account the time, patience and budget available for such care when evaluating the grooming requirements. It is worth mentioning that all breeds require regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The tendency of a breed to drool. If you have a preference for cleanliness, breeds that produce excessive drool causing ropes of slobber on your arm or leaving significant wet spots on your clothes, may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Wiry, Double
COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The level of friendliness a breed typically exhibits towards strangers. Certain breeds may display reservation or caution around unfamiliar individuals regardless of the setting, while other breeds eagerly embrace the opportunity to meet new people whenever they come across them.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The level of enthusiasm a breed tends to have for play, even beyond puppyhood. Certain breeds will maintain a strong desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be content spending most of their time relaxed on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
The likelihood of a breed to alert you of the presence of strangers. These breeds are more prone to react to any perceived threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds are inclined to become more welcoming towards strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed to handle changes, which can encompass alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training a dog and their willingness to learn new things. Certain breeds are highly motivated to make their owners proud and are eager to learn, while others prioritize their own desires and may be more independent-minded, choosing to do what they want, when and where they want.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The level of exercise and mental stimulation that a breed requires. High-energy breeds are typically enthusiastic and always ready for their next adventure. They enjoy activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to be more laid-back and content with lounging around and snoozing.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Likes To Be Vocal
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The level of mental stimulation a breed requires to remain happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs in particular, may have jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, they may take it upon themselves to engage in activities to keep their minds occupied, which may not align with the activities you would prefer.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Black & Tan

018

Grizzle

109

Red

140

Wheaten

224

PATTERNS

.

About The Breed

Norwich Terriers are plucky and energetic little dogs who are named after their English hometown. Despite their small size, they possess a confident and fearless disposition often being oblivious to their diminutive stature. Weighing around 12 pounds and standing no taller than 10 inches at the shoulder, Norwich Terriers are small but sturdy dogs with a stocky build. They were originally bred as working terriers and are not to be mistaken as delicate lap dogs.

Beneath their wiry hard coat, Norwich Terriers have a substantial and rugged build. They can be distinguished from their similar-looking counterparts, the Norfolk Terriers by their erect and pointed ears. Norwich Terriers are known for being happy-go-lucky and may even exhibit a bossy streak. They have plenty of energy to engage in activities like playing fetch all day but they are also affectionate and enjoy spending quality time on their owners' laps.

When it comes to training, short and positive sessions tend to be most effective with this intelligent breed although they can sometimes display a stubborn streak. In summary, Norwich Terriers can be described in three words cute, cuter and cutest.

What to Expect When Caring for A NORWICH TERRIER

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Norwich Terrier: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

Norwich Terriers are generally considered a healthy breed but like any dog breed, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Responsible breeders take measures to screen their breeding stock for potential health issues, including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, degenerative myelopathy and upper airway syndrome. It should be noted that the prevalence and mode of inheritance of upper airway syndrome are not well understood making it a complex respiratory condition seen in some individuals.

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

  • Patella Evaluation

  • Hip Evaluation

  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Health

Grooming

+
Norwich Terriers have a double coat that consists of a harsh and weather-resistant outer coat along with a soft undercoat that helps provide insulation from both heat and cold. To maintain the coat's texture and appearance hand-stripping is typically recommended. Hand-stripping involves removing old outer hairs and excess undercoat so that new hair can grow in. When a wire coat is properly cared for through hand-stripping, it can have a beautiful shine and rich colors. It's important to note that clipping or scissoring the coat can result in the loss of the colored tips of the hair leading to fading of the natural color and a softening of the texture. Regular grooming is necessary to keep the Norwich Terrier's coat in good condition. If you choose to have a Norwich Terrier learning to hand-strip or finding a groomer who is experienced in hand-stripping becomes an important aspect of their care.
Health

Exercise

+
Norwich Terriers maintain their inherent hunting instincts and possess a cheery temperament. They are naturally curious and full of energy, so it's important to keep them in good physical condition for their daily activities. Ample exercise is necessary to promote their mental and physical well-being. Due to their hunting instincts, it is crucial to walk them on a leash or allow them outside only in a securely fenced area to prevent them from chasing after small animals or getting into potentially dangerous situations. By providing regular exercise and ensuring their safety outdoors, you can help satisfy their instincts and keep them happy and healthy.
Health

Training

+
Norwich terriers known for their spirited demeanor possess an endearing eagerness to please and an exceptional aptitude for training. To nurture the genial and outgoing personality that defines this breed, it is essential to ensure thorough socialization of the puppies. Norwich terriers have experienced remarkable success in a wide array of performance and companion events, including earthdog trials, barn hunts, obedience and agility competitions.
Health

Nutrition

+
The Norwich Terrier is likely to thrive when fed a high-quality dog food, whether it is commercially produced or prepared at home under the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. It is important to choose a diet that is suitable for your dog's age, whether they are a puppy, an adult or a senior. While the breed standard recommends an ideal weight of 12 pounds, Norwich Terriers can vary in terms of height, bone structure and muscle mass, which means that there is no one "correct" weight for them. Some individuals may require fewer calories than others and as dogs age, their metabolism tends to slow down. It's crucial to monitor your dog's calorie intake and weight to prevent them from becoming overweight as some Norwich Terriers are prone to this issue. While treats can be useful for training purposes, it's important not to overdo it as excessive treats can lead to obesity. It's also essential to familiarize yourself with which human foods are safe for dogs to consume and which are not. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian. Lastly, ensure that your Norwich Terrier always has access to clean and fresh water.

Historiography

The Norwich Terrier is part of the diverse array of terriers bred to control the rodent population in Britain. Apart from their skill as ratters, Norwiches were also employed in packs for foxhunting leading to their breeding for a more sociable temperament compared to other independent-minded terriers. The association between Norwich Terriers and Cambridge University is quite remarkable. During the 1870s and '80s, owning a Norwich became a trend among the undergraduates there. These students acquired the dogs as both pets and dorm-room ratters from a livery stable located on Trumpington Street resulting in the breed being known as Trumpington Terriers. One particular dog, Rags, ended up in the possession of a stable yard owner in Norwich. Rags was bred and successfully sired numerous litters establishing himself as the patriarch of today's Norwich Terriers.

The American history of the breed commences in 1914, when a British individual named Frank "Roughrider" Jones utilized descendants of Rags to breed a dog named Willum. Willum was then exported to Philadelphia, where he became the cornerstone sire of Norwich Terriers in the United States. The strong association between Roughrider Jones and these cheerful terriers distinguished by their erect ears resulted in the breed being widely known among American enthusiasts as the Jones Terrier. Even after the English and American kennel clubs officially recognized the breed as the Norwich Terrier in the 1930s, American enthusiasts continued to refer to these delightful little dogs as Jones Terriers. It was not until 1979 that the American Kennel Club recognized Norwich and Norfolk terriers as separate breeds since they are closely related.

Among the Norwich Terriers that gained significant prominence in recent times is Winky portrayed by an actual show champion in the movie "Best in Show." Winky's presence in popular culture further showcased the appeal and recognition of this breed.

Blog Spotlight