The Norwich Terrier is a breed of dog that originated in England. It can be distinguished from its close relative, the Norfolk by its erect ears.




Norwich Terriers are small dogs that stand at ten inches and weigh between 10-12 pounds. They are sturdy dogs with erect ears and in countries where it is still allowed their tails are traditionally docked to half length. They have a wiry coat that ranges from one and a half to two inches in length. Coat colors include red, tan, black and tan, wheaten or grizzle. They may or may not have dark points and white some have white markings, although they are not desirable in most kennel club standards.


The Norwich Terrier was developed in the 1800s in East Anglia in Eastern England. Closely related to the Norfolk Terrier (and for many years considered the same breed), it is believed to be related to the Border Terrier and to have been developed by crossing the Irish Terrier with the small red terriers used by Gypsies as ratters in Norfolk.

The breed has been known by several different names throughout history, first as the Cantab Terrier when students began keeping them in their rooms at Cambridge University. Latter they were called Trumpington Terriers after a street in the area they were first developed. Just before WWI an Irish rider named Frank ‘Roughrider’ Jones sold a large number of them to people in the United States, which gave them the common name of Jones Terriers.

It was Jones that largely developed the breed as we know it today. He had kept several Glen of Imaal Terriers and a dark red brindle Cairn-type female which he in turn bred to a working terrier from Norwich named Rags, who became the sire of the breed. Although originally used as ratters in the stable yard, the breed was later used to bolt foxes that had gone to ground so that their masters could resume the hunt. Today, however, they are commonly kept solely as companions.

In 1932 the Norwich was recognized by the Kennel Club (KC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) granted them the same status in 1936. It would be over thirty years before the KC would separate the drop-ear variety as the Norfolk in 1964 and the AKC would not make the change until 1979. Decades later, the two have now developed into two distinct breeds.


Norfolk Terriers are courageous and hardy despite their size. They are a lovable and intelligent breed, fairly easy to train and yet still have independence. Due to their high prey drive they do not do well with non-canine pets, particularly rodents, but they get along well with children. This breed makes a good watchdog and does not bark incessantly.
Generally a healthy breed, the life expectancy of a Norwich Terrier is between 12-15 years. They are prone to genetic eye diseases, luxating patellas, and hip dysplasia.

Norwich Terriers can adapt to apartment life, provided they receive regular exercise. Dogs that are not stimulated can become bored and destructive. Because they were bred for work they enjoy having a job to do and excel in Earthdog, Agility, and Flyball competitions.

This breed sheds little, and their coat is easy to care for, although a quick daily brushing is ideal to remove dead hairs and prevent matting. Regular stripping of the coat is also needed, at minimum twice yearly in the spring and fall.