Pet Wiki

Norwich Terrier

Also called Cantab Terrier, Trumpington Terrier, Jones Terrier

A happy, plucky little terrier that is loving with its people and seems unaware of how small it is.

SizeSmall
Weight5 to 5.5 kg (11 to 12 lb)12
Height24 to 25.5 cm (9 to 10 in)312
Lifespanfrom 10 years4
CoatHard, wiry coat with thick undercoat
OriginGreat Britain, from East Anglia in England; named after the city of Norwich, with early roots around Cambridge.32
GroupTerriers (FCI group 3)
Recognised breedShort profile
cheerful and affectionate
fearless and very active
adaptable, sporty companion
31

Personality what they are like

A happy, plucky little terrier that is loving with its people and seems unaware of how small it is. It is energetic and loyal, and fits in easily with family life, though like most terriers it may enjoy a bit of barking and digging.312

Coat and looks how to spot one

hard, wiry coat with thick undercoat

A small, stocky terrier with a straight, wiry coat that hugs the body and a thick undercoat. Longer hair on the neck forms a ruff around the face, and the pointed ears stand upright.31

Coloursred (all shades)wheatenblack and tangrizzle31

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Norwich 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

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Up to about an hour of exercise a day; it enjoys walks, play and earthdog-style games.4

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush more than once a week; the wiry coat is usually hand-stripped to keep its texture.43

Home where they are happiest

Suits town or country homes with daily walks; a secure garden is useful because of its hunting instinct.4

Company who they like around

A people-loving breed that likes to be close to its family; early training helps channel its terrier energy.21

The story where it all began

In the 1880s small red ratting terriers were being bred around Cambridge, and a line later taken up by Frank Jones gave the breed its Norwich name. The Kennel Club accepted it in 1932, and in 1964 the drop-eared dogs were split off as the Norfolk Terrier, leaving the prick-eared Norwich as its own breed.324

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Before 1964 Norwich and Norfolk Terriers were a single breed; the Norwich kept the prick ears.4

  2. 2

    Its breed story starts with small red ratting terriers bred around Cambridge in the 1880s, which is why an early name was Cantab Terrier.2

  3. 3

    In the early 1900s it was known in the United States as the Jones Terrier, after breeder Frank Jones.2

  4. 4

    The Royal Kennel Club lists it as a Vulnerable Native Breed.4

Where the name comes from the story behind it

Norwich Terriers are plucky little earthdogs named for their hometown in England, Norwich.5

Name ideas for your new friend

PipCheddarTrumpetButtonRustyBiscuitScooterPippinCloverWicketGizmoTruffle

A day in the life told by a Norwich Terrier

I wake up and immediately wag my tail because it's morning and that means breakfast and a walk. I bounce around the kitchen while my human fills my bowl. After eating, I grab my squeaky hedgehog and toss it in the air. Then we go outside, I patrol the garden, dig a little hole behind the rose bush, and bark at a leaf that moves suspiciously. On our walk, I trot with my ears up, greeting every dog with a cheerful sniff. Back home, I curl up on the sofa, one ear still twitching. Being small means I can fit anywhere, even under a blanket.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 72, 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; accepted in 1932, separated from the Norfolk Terrier in 1964; listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed.4
AKC
Has an AKC standard, approved 13 October 1981 and reformatted 23 March 1990.1

Popularity Fewer than 300 UK puppy births a year; a Royal Kennel Club Vulnerable Native Breed2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Norwich Terrier tip

Norwich Terriers can be prone to sensitive tummies and weight gain, so stick to high-quality, single-ingredient treats like fresh fruits or veggies and limit them to 10% of daily calories. Because they are also prone to dental disease, a dental chew that helps reduce tartar can be a good choice, but always check with your vet first.

Source: petmd.com

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

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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 Norwich Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your adult Norwich Terrier at least two meals a day; puppies need three to four smaller meals. Consistent times, such as morning and evening, help with routine. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6

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

A high-quality dog food suited to its size and age is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always consult your vet for a tailored diet plan.7

How often should I bathe a Norwich Terrier?

Bathe your Norwich Terrier about every two to three months, or when needed. Overbathing can strip natural oils, so use a gentle dog shampoo. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Norwich Terrier need brushing?

Brush your Norwich Terrier at least once a week, ideally more often, to keep its wiry coat healthy. Hand-stripping every few months helps maintain the coat's texture. Pet Wiki's plan recommends weekly brushing.43 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails every three weeks or when you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Norwich Terrier need?

Your Norwich Terrier needs about an hour of exercise daily, including walks and play. It enjoys earthdog-style games and a secure garden is useful due to its hunting instinct. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily walks and play.4 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush your Norwich Terrier's teeth daily if possible, at least a few times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Never push anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Norwich Terrier live?

Norwich Terriers typically live around 10 years or more with good care. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle help ensure a long, happy life.4

Is a Norwich Terrier good with children and other pets?

Yes, Norwich Terriers are loving and fit well into family life, often good with children when properly socialized. They can get along with other pets, but their terrier nature may need early training to channel their energy.312

Can a Norwich Terrier be left alone?

Norwich Terriers are very people-oriented and may struggle with long periods alone. They do best with company or a routine that includes plenty of attention. For specific advice on alone time, consult a good breeder or trainer.

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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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 Norwich Terrier images.akc.orgused for height, weight, temperament, colours
  2. Wikipedia: Norwich Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, height, history timeline, popularity
  3. FCI Standard N° 72 Norwich Terrier fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  4. The Royal Kennel Club: Norwich Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, vulnerable status, history
  5. akc.org akc.org
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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