Norwich Terrier

The history of the Norwich Terrier is closely intertwined with the history of its closest relative — the Norfolk Terrier. For many decades, they were considered a single breed, distinguished only by the shape of their ears. Their homeland is the county of Norfolk in eastern England, specifically the city of Norwich, which gave the breed its name. The origin of these small hunters dates back to the 19th century, when they were indispensable helpers for farmers in pest control.

In the 1880s, these small red terriers became incredibly popular among students at Cambridge University. Owning such a dog was considered fashionable and prestigious. Students called them “Canterbury Terriers” or “Trumpington Terriers” (after the street where many of them lived). One of the key breeders of that time was Frank “Rough” Jones, who sold puppies to students and thereby contributed significantly to the popularisation of the breed.

It’s important to understand that a Norwich is not just a lapdog. The blood of serious hunting and working dogs flows through its veins. Various small terriers were used to create the breed, including Irish Terriers and possibly Glen of Imaal Terriers. There is also a theory that the blood of the brindle Staffordshire Terrier was mixed in, which explains their fearlessness and strong build. Thanks to this, Norwich Terriers are not only wonderful companions but also effective hunters of small animals such as foxes and rats. This hunting instinct is similar to that of the German Hunting Terrier (Jagdterrier).

Official recognition did not come to the breed immediately. Initially, in 1932, The Kennel Club recognised them as a single breed under the name “Norwich Terrier.” However, there were two variations: with prick ears and drop ears. This created certain difficulties in breeding and at dog shows. It was not until 1964 that a decision was made to split them into two separate breeds: the dog with prick ears retained the name Norwich Terrier, and the dog with drop ears was named Norfolk Terrier. Today, both breeds are popular worldwide, although the Norwich Terrier is slightly less common.

The Norwich Terrier is a small, stout, but very harmoniously built dog. It is one of the smallest representatives of the terrier group, but its compact size is deceptive — a strong skeleton and well-developed muscles are hidden under its harsh coat. Its appearance radiates energy, confidence, and cheerfulness.

Key characteristics of the breed according to FCI Standard No. 72:

• General Appearance: A low-to-the-ground, compact, sturdy dog with a short back and powerful bone structure.
• Head: The skull is wide, slightly rounded. The muzzle is wedge-shaped and strong, its length is approximately one-third less than the length of the cranial part. The stop is well-defined.
• Eyes: Small, oval-shaped, dark in colour, with a keen and intelligent expression.
• Ears: This is the key distinction of the breed. The ears are of medium size, erect, pointed at the tips, and set wide apart on the head. When excited, they are held vertically.
• Jaws and Teeth: Jaws are strong, with a perfect scissor bite (upper teeth tightly overlapping the lower ones). The lips are tight.
• Neck: Strong, of medium length, harmoniously transitioning into the shoulders.
• Body: Compact, with a short, straight back and a well-developed, deep chest.
• Limbs: Short, straight, and powerful, with well-developed muscles that provide a strong drive.
• Tail: Previously, the tail was docked to approximately half its length so that it was level with the back. Today, docking is prohibited in many countries. The undocked tail is of medium length, thick at the base, and tapers to the tip. The dog carries it gaily but does not curl it over its back.
• Coat: Straight, harsh, wiry, lying close to the body. There is a dense, soft undercoat that protects against bad weather. The hair on the neck and shoulders is longer and forms a kind of “ruff.” On the head, ears, and muzzle, the hair is short and smooth, with the exception of small eyebrows and whiskers.
• Colour: All shades of red (from light wheaten to deep red), “grizzle” (a mixture of red, black, and grey hairs) and black and tan are permissible. Small white markings are undesirable but acceptable.
• Size: The ideal height at the withers is 25-26 cm, and the weight is about 5-5.5 kg.

The Norwich Terrier is the embodiment of the classic description “a big dog in a small body.” Its character is a unique combination of a terrier’s fearlessness and a companion’s gentle nature. It is a very intelligent, loyal, and cheerful dog.

Main character traits:

• Non-aggression: Unlike many other terriers, such as the hot-headed German Hunting Terrier (Jagdterrier), Norwich Terriers are not prone to fighting or aggression. They generally get along well with other dogs, especially if socialisation began at an early age.
• Love for people: Norwich Terriers adore their family and are ready to participate in all their activities. They get along well with children, provided the children treat them gently. These dogs are very people-oriented and suffer from prolonged loneliness.
• Energy and playfulness: They are very active dogs that require daily physical exercise. They love long walks, playing with a ball, and other energetic pastimes. At the same time, at home, a Norwich behaves calmly and will patiently wait for its owner to give it attention.
• Hunting instinct: One should not forget their past. The instinct of a rodent hunter is in their blood. On a walk, a Norwich may start chasing a squirrel, a bird, or a cat. Therefore, it is very important to keep it on a lead in dangerous areas. They also love to dig, so if you live in a house with a garden, be prepared for holes in the lawn. This is a common trait of terriers, including the Australian Terrier.
• High intelligence: Norwich Terriers are clever and learn easily, but can sometimes show typical terrier stubbornness. Training must be consistent, interesting, and based on positive reinforcement.
• Tendency to bark: They are not “noisy” but will always alert their owner with a loud bark about the arrival of guests or suspicious sounds outside the door. This makes them good watchdogs.

Caring for a Norwich Terrier is not overly complicated but requires regularity and attention to certain specific aspects, particularly its harsh coat. This dog adapts perfectly to life both in a flat and in a house.

Coat Care: Hand-stripping is Key to Health

A Norwich’s coat is its main decoration and protection. For it to remain healthy, harsh, and maintain its correct structure and colour, it must be regularly hand-stripped. Clipping a Norwich with clippers is strongly discouraged as it ruins the coat’s texture—it becomes soft, dull, loses its water-repellent properties, and can change colour. Hand-stripping is the process of manually removing old, dead hair, which stimulates the growth of new hair.

Full professional hand-stripping is done 2-4 times a year. In between, you can do a light “rolling-strip” — plucking the longest hairs little by little every few weeks to maintain a neat appearance. Daily care consists of brushing the coat with a metal comb or brush several times a week to prevent tangles and remove dirt. The dog should only be bathed when necessary, using special shampoos for harsh coats.

Physical Activity and Walks

Despite its modest size, the Norwich Terrier is an energetic dog that needs daily exercise. It requires at least two walks a day with a total duration of 45-60 minutes. Walks should be active: with games, running, and the opportunity to explore new smells. These dogs excel in sports like mini-agility, flyball, or nose work. Ensuring sufficient physical and mental stimulation is key to preventing destructive behaviour at home.

Housing Conditions

Norwich Terriers feel great in a city flat as long as they get enough exercise. They don’t take up much space and are quite tidy. If you live in a house with a garden, make sure you have a secure fence. This breed, like many other terriers, has a tendency to dig and can easily burrow under a fence and escape, following an interesting scent.

Norwich Terriers are intelligent and clever dogs, which makes the training process quite easy, but with certain nuances. Like all terriers, they can be independent and stubborn. The key to success is early socialisation and consistent training based on positive reinforcement.

You should start training a puppy from the first days it arrives home. It is important to immediately establish rules and boundaries: define a place for sleep, house-train it, and forbid it from picking up food from the floor. Early socialisation should include meeting different people, sounds, places, and other animals. This will help raise a confident and well-balanced dog.

During training, use a playful approach and tasty treats as encouragement. Sessions should be short and interesting so that the dog doesn’t lose interest. The Norwich learns basic commands such as “Sit,” “Come,” “Heel,” and “Leave it” quite quickly. Special attention should be paid to the “Come” command, as their hunting instinct can make the dog run after prey. Until the command is ingrained to an automatic level, do not let your pet off the lead in dangerous areas.

Norwich Terriers are generally considered a healthy and hardy breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years. Thanks to responsible breeding, many genetic problems have been avoided. However, like any breed, they have a predisposition to certain ailments.

The most common health problems:

• Breathing problems: The breed suffers from the so-called “Norwich Terrier Upper Airway Syndrome” (NTUAS). This is a complex of problems that includes an elongated soft palate and tracheal hypoplasia. Symptoms can include noisy breathing, wheezing, snoring, and exercise intolerance.
• Epilepsy: As with many other breeds, cases of idiopathic epilepsy occur in Norwich Terriers.
• Cataracts and other eye problems: A regular check-up with a veterinary ophthalmologist is recommended.
• Luxating patella: A common problem in small dog breeds.
• Hip dysplasia: Although it is more characteristic of large breeds, it also occurs in Norwich Terriers.

It is important to choose a puppy from a responsible breeder who tests their dogs for genetic diseases. Regular visits to the vet, annual vaccinations, parasite treatment, and a balanced diet are the foundation of a long and healthy life for your pet.

Proper nutrition is the key to the health and activity of the Norwich Terrier. These dogs are not fussy eaters, but they have a tendency to gain excess weight, so it is important to control portion sizes and not overfeed your pet. There are two main approaches to feeding: ready-made commercial foods and a natural diet.

Ready-made foods: This is the simplest and most balanced option. Choose high-quality super-premium or holistic foods, specially formulated for small, active breeds. The food’s composition should be as transparent as possible, with meat listed first and no artificial colours or preservatives. Do not buy food from bulk bins, as it may be of low quality or spoiled.

Natural diet: If you choose this path, the diet must be carefully balanced. The basis should be lean meat (beef, turkey, chicken), offal, and marine fish (boneless). The diet should also include cereals (rice, buckwheat), vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, courgette), dairy products (low-fat cottage cheese, kefir), and a little vegetable oil.

Regardless of the type of feeding, the dog should always have access to fresh, clean water.

Before getting a dog of this breed, it is worth weighing all the pros and cons. The Norwich Terrier, like any other breed, has its advantages and disadvantages.

• Student Mascot: As mentioned, in the late 19th century, Norwich Terriers were incredibly popular among Cambridge students, who considered them a symbol of good luck.
• “A Demon in the Hide”: For its bravery and perseverance in hunting, the Norwich Terrier earned the nickname “a demon in the hide.”
• Ears are the main difference: Until 1964, Norwich and Norfolk Terriers were one breed. Today, they are easy to distinguish: the Norwich has erect, pointed ears, while the Norfolk has drop ears that lie close to its cheeks.
• A dog from the movies: A Norwich Terrier named Wimpet can be seen in the film “As Good as It Gets” starring Jack Nicholson. Although many people confuse him with a Brussels Griffon, a Norwich was actually in the film.
• A rare breed: Despite its popularity, the Norwich Terrier is a relatively small breed in terms of numbers. Puppies are born in small litters, and a C-section is often required, which makes them quite expensive.
• They are often confused with Cairn Terriers. While similar in size and coat type, the Cairn has a more “shaggy” and natural appearance, whereas the Norwich looks more compact and tidy. The Cairn’s head is broader, and its muzzle is shorter. In terms of character, Cairn Terriers can be a bit more independent and stubborn.

Does the Norwich Terrier shed a lot?
With proper care, which includes regular hand-stripping, the Norwich Terrier sheds very little. The hair that is plucked out is already dead and would have fallen out anyway. Clipping can disrupt this process and cause more shedding.

Is the Norwich Terrier suitable for an inexperienced owner?
Yes, thanks to its friendly nature and intelligence, a Norwich can be a wonderful first dog. However, the future owner needs to be prepared for consistent training and coat care.

How does the Norwich Terrier get along with cats and other animals?
If a puppy grows up with a cat, they will most likely become friends. However, the hunting instinct may manifest itself towards strange cats on the street. It’s best not to leave them alone with rodents (hamsters, guinea pigs), as a Norwich may perceive them as prey.

How much does a Norwich Terrier puppy cost?
This is one of the most expensive terrier breeds due to its rarity and breeding difficulties. The cost of a puppy from a responsible breeder can be quite high, with prices in the UK ranging from £1,500 to £3,000, or even more for show-quality dogs.

How is the Norwich Terrier different from the Cairn Terrier?
Although they are similar in size and coat type, there are several differences. The Cairn Terrier has a more “shaggy” and natural appearance, while the Norwich looks more compact and tidy. The Cairn’s head is wider, and its muzzle is shorter. In terms of character, Cairn Terriers can be a bit more independent and stubborn.