Norwich Terrier

A Norwich Terrier is a small dog with a big personality. They are smart, energetic, and sometimes stubborn. This breed originated in rural East Anglia, England in the late 19th century. They were bred to hunt down rodents in a home or barn and chase them out. This terrier was also used in packs to hunt foxes so they were bred to be more sociable than the standard terrier, which is generally very independent.

See all of our expert product reviews.

These canines are close relatives to the Norfolk Terrier and belong to the Terrier group. These spunky little dogs are very loyal to their owners. Socialized Norwich Terriers are a good choice for families with children.

Norwich Terrier Fun Fact

Norwich Terriers are smart and fast making them a common sight at dog agility competitions.

The 6 Different Types Of Norwich Terriers And Norwich Terrier Mixes

While there is only one specific breed of Norwich terrier, they do come in different types of hair/coats. They are red, black, tan, wheaten, and grizzled, where the black and red hairs are mixed. However, there are various mixed breeds that are combined with the Norwich Terrier. These different types of Norwich Terrier mixes include:

• Affenwich
• Nortese
• Cairnwich Terrier
• Pugwich
• Yorwich
• Norwich de Tulear

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Norwich Terrier

Size And Weight

These dogs are small with a double coat. A male can grow to be 10 inches tall at the withers while a female can reach 9 inches tall. Males and females can weigh up to 12 pounds. At 9 weeks old, puppies weigh around 6 pounds and are considered fully grown at 8 months.

Norwich Terriers vs Norfolk Terriers

Norwich Terriers are closely related to Norfolk Terriers, so they have a lot in common. For instance, these breeds are the same size. They share the same coat colors including wheaten, black, tan, red, and grizzle. Both breeds require a similar grooming routine. Also, both dogs have about the same lifespan.

There are a few differences between the Norwich Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier. The Norwich Terrier has ears that stand up whereas Norfolk Terriers have ears that lay flat. Another difference is a Norwich Terrier has a combination of wiry and soft hair while a Norfolk Terrier’s coat has a mix of wiry and shaggy hair. Though they are both purebreds, the Norfolk Terrier is better known than the Norwich Terrier. So, breeders tend to charge more for Norfolk Terriers. Of course, adoption is always an option for either of these breeds!

Common Health Issues

Norwich Terriers have some common health issues including patellar luxation. A dog with patellar luxation essentially has a kneecap that has shifted out of place. Limping, hopping, and slow movement are all signs of this condition. The treatment for this issue depends on how severe it is. Some dogs simply need physical therapy while others require surgery. A second health issue common to Norwich Terriers is epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. Epilepsy can usually be managed with medication. Cataracts are another common health issue in older Norwich Terriers. Cloudiness in one or both eyes is a typical sign of cataracts. Surgery is sometimes needed to treat this eye condition. The most common health issues of Norwich Terriers are:

• Patellar luxation
• Epilepsy
• Cataracts

Temperament And Behavior

The temperament of a Norwich Terrier is a mixture of boldness and intelligence. They have a feisty personality and love to chase squirrels, birds, and other animals they see in the backyard! One of their most beloved traits is loyalty. Norwich Terriers like to stay close to their owner!

These little canines are known for their energetic behavior. They were originally bred to find rats and other rodents to chase them from their holes and get rid of them. So, they are fast dogs with excellent digging skills! A family searching for a lively, small dog with a friendly personality is likely to be pleased with a Norwich Terrier.

How To Take Care Of A Norwich Terrier

Learning about the diet, grooming routine, exercise needs, and health issues of a Norwich Terrier puppy or adult dog helps an owner to take the best possible care of this pet. Consider a few specifics regarding the care of a Norwich Terrier.

The Best Dog Food For Norwich Terriers

Norwich Terrier adults and puppies have different diets. Adjusting the diet of a Norwich Terrier as it ages can help to keep this dog in optimal health. Consider some factors in this dog’s diet.

Norwich Terrier puppy food: Protein is a fundamental nutrient in a puppy’s food. Protein supports developing muscles, tendons, and cartilage. Also, it contributes to healthy nails and a thick double coat for this breed. Fat has Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that support the vision and brain development of a puppy. Healthy eye development is especially important for a breed prone to cataracts. Fat also supplies puppies with energy to play and explore. Vitamin D is good for a puppy’s developing joints. Calcium strengthens bones and teeth.

Norwich Terrier adult dog food: Adults need protein in their diet to keep their muscles and joints strong. These small dogs need a limited amount of fat that supplies them with energy while not adding excess weight. Vitamin C and E are antioxidants that help with healthy cell development. Vitamin A contributes to healthy eyes and can help to fend off cataracts. Calcium contributes to strong teeth and bones in an adult Norwich Terrier.

A-Z Animals finds that the best dog food for Norwich Terriers is Purina Pro Plan Small Breed & Toy Breed Formula Adult Dry Dog Food.

We like how this chicken formula adds glucosamine to your small dog’s diet for protection from conditions like patellar luxation. The levels of calcium supply extra support by nourishing the bones and cartilage, and taurine is great for both the eyes and heart.

Check Chewy or Amazon for this product.

Best Small Dog-Specific

Purina Pro Plan Small Breed

• Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with probiotics for small dogs
• Fortified with probiotics for digestive and immune health
• Calcium, phosphorus and other minerals maintain strong bones and teeth
• Prebiotic fiber from wheat bran for digestive health

Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance And Grooming

How much shedding does a Norwich Terrier do? Though these dogs are considered hypoallergenic, they do end up shedding a small amount of hair. This should be taken into account when breeders advertise hypoallergenic Norwich Terriers.

The grooming routine of these dogs should include weekly brushing. A slicker brush is an excellent tool to help move through the thick double coat of this pooch. Be sure to get a slicker brush with plastic covers on the tips of the bristles. This protects the dog’s skin.

A technique called hand stripping is recommended for these terriers to keep their coat looking healthy.

Redness, bald spots, or dry skin are all signs of eczema in a Norwich Terrier. Grooming the dog once a week can help an owner to become aware of any skin conditions or signs of allergies.

Training

Training a Norwich Terrier is relatively easy. Though they are known as smart dogs, they can be stubborn. So, an owner should limit the training sessions to 15 or 20 minutes and have plenty of treats on hand for successful lessons.

Cairn terriers are also very intelligent but learn best in small doses.

Exercise

These dogs need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. They have a lot of physical and mental energy inside them that needs to be worked out! Taking them on a walk in the neighborhood, playing chase or fetch in a fenced-in yard, or taking them to the dog park are all good options. Norwich Terriers have a strong prey instinct. If they see a bird, chipmunk, or other animals, they are likely to take off after it. Consequently, exercising this dog in an enclosed area or on the leash is a safer choice.

Norwich Terriers are great for people who live in apartments. They fit well into a smaller living environment. As long as they receive exercise, they’re likely to be content in an apartment.

Puppies

Like Norwich Terrier adult dogs, puppies need a safe place to exercise so they can explore without wandering into any dangerous situations.

Norwich Terrier And Children

Socialized Norwich Terriers get along well with children. When these dogs are around children from puppyhood, they learn how to interact with them.

Dogs Similar To Norwich Terriers

Dogs similar to Norwich Terriers include Cairn Terriers, Norfolk Terriers and Border Terriers.

• Cairn Terrier: Cairn Terriers can have a black, red, or brindle coat like a Norwich Terrier. They are both loyal and smart dogs. But Cairn terriers weigh a little more than Norwich Terriers.
• Norfolk Terrier: Norfolk Terriers and Norwich Terriers are a lot alike in terms of coat color, weight, and height. One physical difference is the ears of a Norfolk Terrier lay flat while the Norwich Terrier’s ears stand up.
• Border Terrier: A Border Terrier’s coat can be red, tan, black, or wheaten like a Norwich Terrier’s. They are both expert diggers and are loyal to their owners. But the Border Terrier weighs more than a Norwich Terrier.

Popular Names For Norwich Terriers

Some popular names for Norwich Terriers include:

• Cassie
• Pepper
• Ben
• Gus
• Rudy
• Misty
• Sassy

1. akc.org, Available here: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/characteristics-of-the-norwich-terrier/
2. en.wikipedia.org, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwich_Terrier