Picture this: once upon a time in 19th-century Norwich, a chap nicknamed Doggy Lawrence (yes, really) started breeding tiny red terriers for Cambridge undergraduates. The result? The Norfolk Terrier is a pint-sized powerhouse with enough spirit to fill a rugby pitch.
These lively little scruffs may be the smallest of the terrier bunch, but don’t be fooled, they pack all the pluck, fun, and feistiness you’d expect from a true terrier.
Thinking about whether this cheeky chap is right for your family? Try our Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz before you fall head over paws.
Traits at a Glance
- Best Trait: Endless fun and affection
- Challenging Trait: Professional grooming needed (and they’ll wriggle through it)
- Weight: 6–7kg
- Height: 25–26cm
- Lifespan: 13–15 years
Pickles’ Aside: Small? Yes. Quiet? Absolutely not.
Exercise Needs
The Norfolk may be little, but their energy levels are full-size terrier. Think pocket rocket with zoomies set to “unlimited.”
- At least one good daily walk
- Play sessions in the garden (or a tug-of-war battle in the lounge)
- Brain games or puzzle toys to keep boredom at bay
Remember: a bored Norfolk Terrier quickly turns into a DIY demolition crew. Barking, digging, chewing — you name it. Keep them busy and they’ll be your cheeky sidekick instead of your naughty nemesis.
Living with a Norfolk Terrier
Norfolks are affectionate, loyal, and downright hilarious to live with. They thrive in active homes — whether a family with older kids who’ll play endless fetch, or city-dwellers who love long walks.
- Families: Brilliant with older children, but not a fan of grabby toddlers.
- Homes: Perfectly adaptable to flats as long as their exercise quota is met.
- Velcro Dog Alert: Expect a furry shadow following you everywhere.
Pickles’ Aside: Privacy in the loo? Forget it.
Watchdogs & Strangers
Norfolk Terriers make surprisingly sharp little watchdogs. Expect them to sound the alarm if someone sneezes even a few feet away from your gate. They’re not aggressive, but they do have a suspicious eyebrow reserved for strangers. Good socialisation keeps their bark in check.
Other Pets
- Dogs: Generally fine if raised together — though terrier sass means they like to be boss.
- Cats: Can get along with family cats if introduced young. Neighbourhood moggies? Fair game for a chase!
- Small animals: Squeaky + scampering = “hunt mode activated.”
Secure your garden — Norfolk Terriers have a nose for trouble and no shame in legging it after squirrels.
Training & Intelligence
Clever little sausages, but stubborn to the core. Norfolks respond best to fun, food, and positive reinforcement. Harsh training? Forget it, they’ll simply out-stubborn you.
For extra support with recall and taming that terrier mischief, check out the AI Dog Trainer.
Pickles’ Aside: I don’t do “come here.” I do “consider your offer.”
Health & Grooming
Think of the Norfolk coat as a winter-proof duvet with a spiky raincoat on top.
- Coat: Double — wiry outer coat + soft undercoat.
- Shedding: Light year-round, but stripping needed twice a year.
- Maintenance: Weekly brush + professional hand-stripping (or DIY if you’re brave).
Common health issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation (kneecap problems)
- Eye issues like cataracts
Want to know the right questions to ask a breeder? Use our Best in Breeder Guide before bringing home a Norfolk pup.
Cost of Ownership
Owning a Norfolk Terrier isn’t just belly rubs and walkies — it’s also wallet duty.
- Puppy Price: £1,500–£2,500
- Food: ~£30–£40 per month
- Insurance: £25–£40 per month (depending on coverage)
- Routine Vet Care: £300–£400 per year
- Unexpected Vet Bills: £1,000+ (better to be prepared!)
- Grooming: £40–£60 per hand-strip, twice yearly
Yearly Costs:
- Budget Year: £1,000–£1,200
- Realistic Year: £1,500–£2,000
- Chaotic Year (Emergency Surgery + Grooming Blowout): £3,000+
Pickles’ Aside: Think of it as paying rent to your hairy housemate — who never does the dishes.
Famous Owners & Fun Facts
- Norfolk Terriers were once nicknamed “Jones Terriers” after their early breeder Frank Jones.
- They were bred as ratters — little furry pest-control units for farms.
- They’re the only terrier breed with dropped ears instead of pricked ones, making them look forever cheeky.
Great Names for a Norfolk Terrier
Classic / British: Teddy, Alfie, Poppy, Molly
Nature-Inspired: Bramble, Thistle, Pebble, Rowan
Fun & Quirky: Tater Tot, Scrappy, Pickle (highly recommended), Waffles
Norfolk Terrier FAQs
Are Norfolk Terriers good first dogs?
Yes, if you’re up for regular exercise and a bit of cheek. Their small size and big heart make them manageable, but training needs patience.
Do they bark a lot?
Not “a lot” — just enough to keep you informed of every leaf, postman, and pigeon in a 2-mile radius.
Are they hypoallergenic?
Nope. They shed less than many breeds, but they’re not allergy-proof.
Thinking of Bringing Home a Norfolk Terrier?
The Norfolk Terrier is a fearless, fun-loving, and affectionate little firecracker. They’re adaptable enough for city flats or country homes, but only if you keep up with their exercise and grooming.
Get organised with our Puppy Paw-rent Planner, and once your pup’s home, immortalise that cheeky mug with one of our Cartoon Pet Portraits.
Pickles’ Aside: Small dog, massive personality. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.