What is the difference between the Norfolk and Norwich Terrier?

The main difference is the ears: the Norfolk Terrier's ears fold forward (dropped), while the Norwich Terrier's ears are pricked. Temperament and build are largely the same.

Is the Norfolk Terrier suitable for families?

Yes, it is more easygoing than other terriers; it gets along well with children and other dogs and is a sociable family dog.

How long does a Norfolk Terrier live?

It lives 12-16 years on average. Heart checks and regular veterinary follow-up support a healthy life.

Where can I adopt a Norfolk Terrier?

You can browse adoption listings for the Norfolk Terrier and similar breeds on PatiBase.

Dog BreedTerriers

Norfolk Terrier

Origin: England

With its dropped ears and charming face, the Norfolk Terrier is brave, friendly and sociable — one of the most easygoing small terriers.

Size: Small
Lifespan: 12 - 16 years
Coat: Medium Coat
Group: Terriers

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Gallery

Image:Nutak CC BY-SA 3.0 edited

Image:Hanne Tangenes CC BY 3.0

Temperament & Character

FriendlyBraveLivelyConfident

Sociability

High

Trainability

High

Playfulness

High

Energy Level

High

Care

Shedding

Low

Barking Tendency

Moderate

About the Breed

Origin and History

The Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest working terriers, developed in England for hunting rodents and running with the pack. It differs from its close relative, the Norwich Terrier, by its dropped (folded) ears.

Appearance and Coat

It has a small, sturdy, compact body and ears that fold forward. Its harsh, wiry, medium-length coat comes in a variety of colors; it sheds little and needs regular grooming and periodic hand-stripping.

Temperament and Personality

The Norfolk Terrier is brave, friendly and highly sociable. More easygoing than other terriers and well suited to pack life, it is devoted to its family and gets along well with children and other dogs. It is energetic, playful and trainable, and has a prey drive.

Care, Exercise and Training

Its wiry coat needs regular brushing and periodic hand-stripping; it sheds little. It needs moderate to high exercise. Smart and eager to please, it responds well to reward-based training.

Health

It is generally sturdy and hardy. Mitral valve disease (heart) and patellar luxation may occur. Regular heart checks are recommended. The Norfolk Terrier suits families and homes with children looking for a brave, friendly and easygoing small dog.

PatiBase tip: Keep all vaccines, check-ups and treatment history in a digital health record, and track vet appointments with reminders in the app.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Norfolk Terrier

Looking for a Home

Norfolk Terrier & Mixes

There are no listings for this breed right now. New listings are added every day — you can browse all dog listings in the meantime.

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