Pet Wiki

Norfolk Terrier

Also called Cantab Terrier, Trumpington Terrier, Jones Terrier

A short-legged terrier with a big personality.

SizeSmall
Weight5 to 7 kg (11 to 15 lb)12
Height23 to 30 cm (9 to 12 in)312
Lifespanfrom 10 years4
CoatHard, wiry double-purpose terrier coat
OriginGreat Britain, from the farms and stables of East Anglia (Norfolk and around Cambridge) in England.32
GroupTerriers (FCI group 3)
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
fearless and game for anything
sociable and loyal with its people
small, sturdy and easy to carry along
314

Personality what they are like

A short-legged terrier with a big personality. It is bold and alert, yet friendly, easy-going with people and not given to picking fights. Owners often describe it as a busy little companion that likes to be part of every family activity.3142

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Norfolk Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

hard, wiry double-purpose terrier coat

A straight, wiry and weatherproof coat that lies close to the body, growing a little longer and rougher over the neck and shoulders. The head carries short, neat hair apart from small whiskers and eyebrows, and the ears fold forward at the tip.31

Coloursred (all shades)wheatenblack and tangrizzle31

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Up to about an hour of exercise a day. It enjoys walks, sniffing games and digging-style play that suits its working terrier roots.4

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush more than once a week. The wiry coat is usually hand-stripped a few times a year to keep its texture and tidy outline.43

Home where they are happiest

Adapts well to houses or flats if it gets daily walks; a securely fenced garden helps because of its hunting instinct.4

Company who they like around

Enjoys company and is usually good with people and children; it has been known to work happily in packs.2

The story where it all began

Developed in the late 1800s in East Anglia as a small ratting and fox-bolting terrier, the Norfolk shared its early history with the Norwich Terrier. For decades both ear types were shown as one breed, until The Kennel Club split them in 1964 and gave the drop-eared dogs the Norfolk name. American and Canadian clubs followed in 1979.342

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The Norfolk and Norwich Terriers were one breed until 1964; the easiest way to tell them apart is the ears, which fold down on the Norfolk and stand up on the Norwich.4

  2. 2

    It is counted among the smallest of all working terriers.2

  3. 3

    Early forms of the breed went by names such as Cantab, Trumpington and Jones Terrier.2

  4. 4

    The FCI standard jokingly calls it a 'demon' for its size, a nod to its courage.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the county of Norfolk in East Anglia, England, where it was developed in the 19th century. The name distinguishes it from the closely related Norwich Terrier, with the Norfolk having drop ears and the Norwich having prick ears.5

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

PipBiscuitDigbyTruffleWinstonButtonRufusMidgeBramblePoppyNobbyCrumble

A day in the life told by a Norfolk Terrier

I wake to the smell of toast. I trot to the kitchen, my nails clicking. After breakfast, I find my squeaky bone and shake it until it squeals. Then I dig in the garden, just a little hole, for treasure. The postman comes; I give a friendly bark, then wag. At the park, I chase a leaf, then another. A big dog sniffs me; I sniff back, no fuss. Home again, I curl on the sofa, one ear up. When the family laughs, I join in, my tail thumping. It's a busy, happy life.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 272, Group 3 Terriers, Section 2 Small-sized Terriers; standard published 13.10.2010, country of origin Great Britain.3
The Royal Kennel Club
Terrier group; separated from the Norwich Terrier in 1964; not a vulnerable native breed.4
AKC
Terrier breed with its own standard, approved 13 October 1981 and reformatted 23 March 1990. Wikipedia states the AKC accepted the split from the Norwich in 1979.1
UKC
Recognised in 1979 according to Wikipedia.2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Norfolk Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your Norfolk Terrier at least two meals a day for an adult, or three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Sticking to set times helps their digestion, and you can ask your vet for a schedule that fits your dog best.7

What should a Norfolk Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced dog food that suits their age and size is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and chives, as these are especially risky for dogs.8

How often should I bathe a Norfolk Terrier?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if they get dirty. Always use a dog shampoo and check with your vet if you have concerns.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Norfolk Terrier need brushing?

Brush your Norfolk Terrier more than once a week to keep their wiry coat tidy. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing weekly, and hand stripping a few times a year helps maintain the coat's texture.43 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Norfolk Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim their nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you if you're unsure.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Norfolk Terrier need?

Your Norfolk Terrier needs up to about an hour of exercise daily, including walks, sniffing games, and digging-style play. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily walks and play to keep them happy.4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Norfolk Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check their ears every two weeks, never pushing anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique for both.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Norfolk Terrier live?

Norfolk Terriers typically live around 10 years or more, with senior years starting around age 10. Regular vet check-ups help them stay healthy throughout their life.4 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Norfolk Terrier good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are usually good with people and children, and have been known to work happily in packs. They are friendly and easy-going, but always supervise interactions with very young children.2

Can a Norfolk Terrier be left alone?

Norfolk Terriers enjoy company and like to be part of family activities, so they may not do well left alone for long periods. If you need to leave them, start with short times and ask your vet or a trainer for advice.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Norwich TerrierCairn TerrierBorder Terrier

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. AKC Official Standard of the Norfolk Terrier images.akc.orgused for height, weight, colours, temperament
  2. Wikipedia: Norfolk Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, height, recognition years, fun facts
  3. FCI Standard N° 272 Norfolk Terrier fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  4. The Royal Kennel Club: Norfolk Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, history
  5. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  6. akc.org akc.org
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.