A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Norwich Terrier
The Norwich Terrier is a small working terrier with pointed ears and a sturdy body beneath a rough coat. Plan safe investigation outdoors and regular attention to the double coat.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
Coat care is a meaningful part of the weekly commitment. Agree on a manageable trim or coat-care method with an experienced groomer and keep up with maintenance between appointments.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Norwich Terrier questions
Do Norwich Terriers shed?
Not much when the coat is kept up. Shedding is minimal with a correct harsh coat, but a coat left ungroomed turns unruly and starts to shed. Overall, shedding is moderate.
How big does a full-grown Norwich Terrier get?
Adults stand about 10 inches tall and weigh about 12 pounds, which makes the Norwich one of the smallest working terriers. Twelve pounds is an ideal, not a rule. Norwich vary in height, bone and muscle, so there is no single correct weight.
What is the difference between a Norwich Terrier and a Norfolk Terrier?
Look at the ears. A Norwich has upright, pointed ears and a Norfolk has ears that fold over. The two were registered together under the Norwich name until 1979, when the drop-eared dogs became a separate breed in the United States, the Norfolk Terrier.
How long do Norwich Terriers live?
Norwich usually live 12 to 15 years, and some live 14 years or more. Those are breed-wide figures, not a prediction for one dog.
Are Norwich Terriers hypoallergenic?
No dog is hypoallergenic for everyone. Many people with dog allergies live with a Norwich without trouble, but dander and saliva cause reactions as well as hair. If anyone in the household has reacted to an animal, spend time with a Norwich before bringing one home.
Do Norwich Terriers bark a lot?
Expect an alarm when the doorbell rings or someone knocks. Beyond that, the breed is generally quieter than some others, but barking is common enough to plan for.
Are Norwich Terriers good with children and city living?
A Norwich can settle in town or out of it, provided it gets exercise every day and stays near its people. Norwich are good with well-behaved children when socialization continues after the puppy goes home. They were bred to bolt foxes and kill rats, and many still have a strong prey drive, so they must be walked on a lead or kept in a fenced area.
What is hand-stripping, and does a Norwich Terrier need it?
Hand-stripping means pulling out the dead outer hairs with fingers, a pumice stone or a stripping knife so new coat can grow in. It is usually done about every 8 to 10 weeks, with a thorough combing several times a week in between. Clipping is quicker, but it softens the wiry texture and fades the color.
