Norwich Terrier: temperament, size, care and health

About the Norwich Terrier

The Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest working terriers, standing about 10 inches at the shoulder and weighing around 11 to 12 pounds. It is compact and low to the ground, with a slightly foxy face, bright dark eyes, and ears that stand upright. A thick ruff around the neck gives the dog an almost lion-like look. Coats are red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle.

The breed was kept to dispatch rats and to join fox hunts, and the strong body and willing spirit are still in evidence. Today owners value a sociable, rugged little dog that travels well and is happy in small spaces.

Temperament and family life

The Norwich is friendly, spirited, and more outgoing than many small terriers. It tends to enjoy children, other dogs, and visitors, although it still has a streak of independence. It prefers to be involved in family life and dislikes long isolation.

It is a fairly good watchdog for its size, barking to announce anything unusual but not given to relentless noise. As with all terriers, small animals such as hamsters, rabbits, and sometimes cats may trigger chasing. Norwich Terriers are generally easier going than their relatives, and some get on well with other household pets that they know.

Exercise and training

A Norwich needs daily walks and a bit of play, and a day of hiking is well within its ability. A securely fenced yard or reliable leash is important because the dog will follow a scent or a squirrel without a backward glance. Earthdog trials and agility suit the breed.

The Norwich is smart and tends to respond to praise and food, though it has a mind of its own. Training sessions should be brief and varied. House-training can take time. Socialization in puppyhood helps keep a confident dog from becoming pushy.

Grooming and shedding

The harsh coat sheds lightly but should be brushed weekly and hand-stripped a few times a year to keep the right texture and color. Clipping makes the coat softer and duller. The ruff and furnishings tangle if neglected.

Keep the ears clean and the nails short. Brush the teeth, as small dogs of this type are prone to dental disease. Bathing is only occasionally needed.

Health

The Norwich is a tough breed, but several conditions are recognized. Upper airway syndrome, a narrowing of the throat and airway, is described in the breed and may cause noisy breathing and trouble in heat. Heart valve disease in older dogs, kneecap problems, epilepsy, and cataracts occur. Responsible breeders examine airways, hearts, knees, and eyes, and a few lines have had difficulty with births.

The above is general information, and a veterinarian should be consulted about any individual Norwich Terrier.

History

The Norwich Terrier is generally traced to East Anglia in England, with ties to the university town of Cambridge, where small red terriers were popular with undergraduates and stable workers in the late nineteenth century. For decades prick-eared and drop-eared dogs were registered together. In 1979 the AKC separated the two types into the Norwich, with erect ears, and the Norfolk, with folded ears.

Is the Norwich Terrier right for you?

A Norwich suits people who want a small, hardy, friendly terrier for city or country life and who can give it a daily walk and company. It fits households with older children and other dogs. It is a poor match for people who want a quiet lapdog or who cannot tolerate chasing and digging behavior.

The Norfolk Terrier is nearly identical but has drop ears, and the Cairn Terrier is a bit larger and shaggier. The Border Terrier is a taller, more rugged option.