Norwich Terrier

Where Are Norwich Terriers From?

Norwich Terriers were bred in East Anglia, England, to hunt rats in barns and bolt foxes from their dens. Cambridge University students kept them as dorm pets in the late 1800s, earning them the nickname “Cantab Terriers.” At just 10–12 pounds, they’re one of the smallest working terriers.

What Is It Like Living With a Norwich Terrier?

Norwich Terriers pack incredible confidence into a tiny frame. They’re fearless, curious, and sociable — unlike many terriers, they generally get along well with other dogs. They’re affectionate without being clingy and adapt well to different living situations as long as they get enough stimulation.

How Much Exercise Does a Norwich Terrier Need?

Exercise needs are moderate: 30–45 minutes of walks and play daily, plus mental enrichment. They’re surprisingly athletic for their size and enjoy agility and earthdog trials. The wiry double coat needs hand-stripping twice a year to maintain texture, with weekly brushing between sessions.

How Often Do You Need to Groom a Norwich Terrier?

Health concerns include upper airway syndrome (a breathing issue specific to the breed), epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and mitral valve disease. Despite their small size, Norwich Terriers are sturdy and long-lived at 12–15 years.

Are Norwich Terriers Healthy?

Norwich Terriers suit apartment dwellers, singles, and families wanting a small dog with real terrier spirit. They’re not for owners who want a quiet lap dog or those unwilling to deal with the digging instinct. Surprising fact: Norwich Terriers have prick ears while their close cousins, Norfolk Terriers, have drop ears — that’s literally the only physical difference between the two breeds.

Common Mistakes New Owners Make

• 1Assuming they're the same as Norfolks. Norwich (prick ears) and Norfolk (drop ears) split as separate breeds in 1979 and have somewhat different temperaments — Norwich are typically bolder.
• 2Hand-stripping versus clipping confusion. The harsh coat is meant to be hand-stripped every 8–12 weeks ($80–$130 per session); clipping ruins coat texture within a year.
• 3Underestimating the prey drive. Norwich were bred to kill rats — small mammals, hamsters, and sometimes cats are not safe long-term unless raised together from puppyhood.
• 4Skipping epilepsy and upper airway syndrome (UAS) screening. UAS is a documented breed-specific condition causing breathing issues; reputable breeders are now actively researching it.