Bubbly, bright and active, a Norfolk Terrier is a high-energy, loving and sociable pet. They are great for families or older couples.
They might be one of the smallest Terriers in the group, but don’t let their size fool you. Norfolk Terriers are full of personality and have the typical temperament of a terrier – feisty and tough. Loving, affectionate, easy to care for and friendly, they are wonderful pets for families with children and ideal for older couples. Socialise them from an early age and they will get along with other dogs. They tend to chase cats and with time can develop a friendship but overall, they are better suited in single-pet households.
Fun fact: At 12 months of age, a Norfolk Terrier
is equivalent to 16 in human years.
They are intelligent, clever dogs that will quickly learn obedience training, however they have a mind of their own and like to test their owner’s patience. Early, repeated training is key. They have a moderate tendency to bark and will alert you to strangers but are too friendly to do much more. They enjoy spending time with their owners and want to be involved in all aspects of family life. They are very similar to the Norwich Terrier, except the Norfolk Terrier has drop ears and the Norwich has prick ears. Norfolk Terriers live for 12-15 years.
With moderate energy levels, your Norfolk Terrier won’t be bouncing off the walls at 11pm, however vigorous daily exercise is a must. A morning run and some afternoon games at the park are ideal. They can adapt to city life, but big dwellings with large yards are ideal. The outdoors is their favourite place and they are particularly fond of digging – rethink this pet if you love to garden. Norfolk Terriers shed little. Brush their coat weekly and have it professionally groomed a few times a year.
Scheduled six-monthly health checks and visits to the vet are important to ensure your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. It’s important that together with your vet, a preventative healthcare program is determined and maintained based on the individual needs of your canine companion. Norfolk Terriers are a relatively healthy breed but can suffer from some skin problems.
Size
Norfolk Terriers are a small-sized breed, weighing no more than 7kgs with an average height of 25cms.
Space
Norfolk Terriers are best suited to yard space.
Energy Levels
They have high energy levels. A daily run and lots of games will keep this dog happy.
Difficulty Of Training
They are intelligent dogs and will learn quickly, however can be dominant so early training is key.
Family suitability
They are great family pets and loyal companions.
Suitability to other pets
They prefer being in single-pet households however if socialised from a young age, your dog will befriend other pets.
Need for company
They have a high need for company and enjoy being by their human’s side at all times.
Hypoallergenic dog breed?
Yes
Coat and grooming needs
This breed is low maintenance. Brush their coat weekly and have it professionally hand plucked twice a year. Trim their ears and paws regularly. They have a short medium coat in a variety of colours like red, wheaten, tan, grizzle or black.
Shedding
They shed little.
Tendency to bark
They have a moderate tendency to bark.