Norfolk Terrier

The Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest of all recognised working terrier breeds in the world, a compact, hardy and characterful British terrier developed in East Anglia in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries for ratting, rabbiting and general farm pest control. The breed shares a common origin with the Norwich Terrier and the two types were shown together under the Norwich Terrier name until 1964, when the Kennel Club granted separate breed status to the drop-eared variety - the Norfolk - and the prick-eared variety - the Norwich. The Norfolk Terrier is registered by the Kennel Club in the Terrier Group.

The distinguishing feature between the Norfolk and Norwich Terrier is the ear - the Norfolk has characteristic folded or dropped ears that lie flat against the head, while the Norwich has fully erect ears. Both breeds share the same compact, sturdy and somewhat low-set build, the hard wiry weatherproof double coat, and the characteristic terrier expression of alert intelligence. Coat colours include red, red grizzle, black and tan, and grizzle and tan. Adults typically stand around 25 to 26 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 5 to 5.5 kilograms.

The character is lively, sociable and genuinely engaging, with a happy and outgoing quality that distinguishes the Norfolk from some of the harder and more intense terrier breeds. It is devoted to its own family, good with children and - by the standards of the terrier group - unusually sociable with other dogs. It is alert and vocal, a natural watchdog in a very small body, and playful and energetic in daily life. The working terrier heritage is present in the prey drive and the fundamental self-reliance of the breed, but these qualities are expressed in a more measured and sociable package than in many of the harder terrier types.

Training is enjoyable with the Norfolk Terrier. The breed is intelligent and more responsive than some harder terrier breeds, benefiting from positive reinforcement and engaging short sessions. Early socialisation is straightforward given the naturally sociable character. Recall requires careful training given the prey drive, and off-lead exercise should be conducted in secure areas until a reliable recall is established.

Health considerations include Upper Airway Syndrome, a condition documented in Norfolk Terriers, and Mitral Valve Disease, which is a concern in small breeds generally. Eye testing is recommended. Prospective buyers should request documented health test results from any KC-registered breeder.

Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £800 to £1,500. Monthly running costs average £55 to £95. The Norfolk Terrier Club is the primary resource for breed information, health testing guidance, responsible breeders and rescue contact.

Lively, sociable and characterful with a happy and engaging disposition. Devoted to its own family. Good with children and typically sociable with other dogs. Alert and vocal - a natural watchdog. Energetic and playful. More outgoing and sociable than many terrier breeds while retaining fundamental terrier spirit and self-reliance.

Intelligent and more sociable and responsive than some harder terrier types. Responds well to positive reinforcement and short, engaging sessions. The working terrier independence is present but does not dominate. Early socialisation is straightforward. Recall requires careful training given the prey drive.

Needs around 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. Energetic and enjoys off-lead running in secure areas. Mental stimulation through training and games is as important as physical activity. The breed has a working terrier heritage and benefits from activities that engage its natural curiosity and prey instinct.

Upper Airway Syndrome has been documented in Norfolk Terriers and is a breed-specific concern worth investigating. Mitral Valve Disease is a concern in small breeds and heart testing of breeding stock is recommended. Eye conditions have been documented. The Norfolk Terrier Club maintains health testing guidance and requirements.

Feed a high-quality complete food for a small active breed. Portion control is important as the Norfolk Terrier has a good appetite. Two small meals daily. Monitor weight - excess weight in a small terrier compounds joint health over time.

The hard, wiry double coat requires hand-stripping twice yearly to maintain correct texture and colour. Clipping softens the coat permanently. Regular brushing between strips is important. Professional grooming by someone experienced with terrier coats is advisable if the owner does not strip themselves.

Purchase price from a KC-registered, health-tested breeder: £800 to £1,500. Monthly running costs: £55 to £95. Hand-stripping costs should be factored in if done professionally.

Suits active owners across a range of living situations, including smaller homes, provided adequate exercise is given. Good with children and typically more sociable with other dogs than many terrier breeds. Still retains working terrier prey drive - small pets need management. An engaging and adaptable companion.