Country of OriginGreat Britain
Nicknames and Other NamesNone
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupTerrier Group
Bred ForHunting vermin and catch fox
SizeSmall-sized
Recognized ByAKC, UKC, CKC, FCI, ANKC, NZKC, KC
Life Span12-16 years
Ideal Weight11-12 pounds (male and female)
Ideal Height9-10 inches (male and female)
Fur TypeWiry, hard, straight,
lying close to the body
Common ColorsGrizzle, Red, Black and Tan, Red Wheaten
MarkingsBlack Markings
AvailabilityCommonly available
AchievementsNone
Suitable for ApartmentsYes
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToNorwich Terrier

The Norfolk Terrier is a terrier breed of dog that was originated in England, Great Britain in the early 20th century to fulfill the needs of ratters and fox bolters.

The Norfolk Terrier is a cute, little, and loyal breed that will gladly sit in your laps but aren’t lapdogs at all. Norfolk Terrier with its cousin of Norwich Terrier and the smallest breeds of the working terriers.

Origin & History

Originated in East Anglia of England, the Norfolk Terrier and Norwich Terrier used to be the same breed under which two different ear types were kept. Both of them were called as the Norwich Terrier.

In 1964, English people firstly separated the two breeds and in 1979, the AKC considered them as separate breeds. The Norwich which had perked ears and the Norfolk with dropped ears.

The Norfolk Terriers are angular in shape whereas the Norwich Terriers are more circular. These dogs were used as ratters in barns and bolters to ground foxes during fix hunt. Their small size made it easier for them to perform such tasks.

Are they Child-friendly?

Yes, the Norfolk Terrier is a child-friendly dog breed and loves being around kids. It is incredibly friendly with kids and thrives on their affection. It loves to play with kids and forms an imperishable bond while closely interacting with them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvKPxTGI-zd/
A wheaten furred Norfolk Terrier playing fetch with a small kid.

Behavior, Temperament & Personality

Norfolk Terriers are a package of fire and stubborn assertiveness. However, they are yet companionable than other terrier breeds. They have a habit of getting along with kids and other dogs easily.

The temperament of Norfolk Terriers is quite lovable and they are happy dogs that like being with their owners and participate in every activity they can to be in the limelight.

Talking about their personality, the Norfolk Terriers are spirited, self-confident and fearless dogs. They are not shy, but friendly with strangers, however, a bit reserved from inside.

Size

The Norfolk Terrier is a small sized terrier breed. It is 23 – 25 cm tall weighing around 5 – 5.4 kg.

Trainability

Training a Norfolk Terrier can be relatively easy because of its high intelligence and ability to learn things quickly. They are a bit stubborn and might start challenging you. So, leadership should be established as soon as possible. Firmness and consistency are something to rely on.

Residential training a Norfolk Terrie puppy.

Facts about the Norfolk Terrier

Here are some facts about the Norfolk Terrier breed:

  • The Norfolk Terrier became a distinct breed in 1979.
  • They are outgoing and suitable for first-time owners.
  • They are intelligent and easy to train.
  • They thrive on affection.
  • They have a strong prey drive.

Common Health Issues are seen in the Norfolk Terrier

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesPatellar Luxation, Lens Luxation, Bloat, Obesity
HypoallergenicYes
Vaccination RequiredLeptospirosis, Canine Parainfluenza,
Canine Distemper, Kennel Cough,
Canine Coronavirus Rabies, Canine Parvovirus
SheddingNone to Minimal
DroolingLow Drooler
GroomingAverage Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialHigh
Separation AnxietyModerate Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 23%
Fat: 8%
Glucosamine
Digestive Enzymes
Omega-3 and 6 Fatty Acids

The Norfolk Terrier lives a life of 12-15 years on average. During it, they suffer from a lot of diseases. Some of the health issues seen in the Norfolk Terrier are as follows:

Canine Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is an inherited disease that is caused by the malformation of the hip joints.

Patellar Luxation

A condition when the knee joint slides in and out of its place causing pain to the dog.

Obesity

Obesity is a condition when a canine becomes grossly fat or weight having a negative impact on its health.

A Norfolk Terrier dressed up. Image Source: Instagram@nfsakura

Color Patterns

The Norfolk Terriers are found in four different colors which are as follows:

  • Red
  • Wheaten
  • Grizzle
  • Black & Tan

Price of Norfolk Terrier puppy

A Norfolk Terrier mother gives birth to 2-5 puppies at a time. A healthy puppy of Norfolk Terrier will cost you an amount of $2000-$2500 approximately.

A cute puppy of Norfolk Terrier. Image Source: Instagram@toroakes

Which dogs are they similar to?

Here are some breeds that are similar in appearance to the Norfolk Terrier:

  • Norwich Terrier
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Sealyham Terrier
  • Glen of Imaal Terrier

Visit Doglime for more dog breed information.

Tags