Norfolk Terrier
諾福克㹴
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest working terriers — a drop-eared cousin of the Norwich, standing about 25 cm, with a hard wiry coat that needs hand-stripping. Bred to hunt in packs, it is more gregarious than most terriers, bonds closely with its family and makes a portable, adaptable companion, but it keeps a very strong prey drive and belongs on a lead or behind a secure fence.
Facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Height | 23–25cm |
| Weight | 5–5.4kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–16years |
| Breed group | AKC: terrier FCI: 3 |
| Role | Terrier |
| Coat | Wire coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–120min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 3/ 5 |
| Barking | 4/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 3/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 3/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Heart conditions
Certain heart conditions are reported in the breed; breeders may have breeding stock examined by a veterinary cardiologist. Ask your vet about heart checks at routine visits.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Behaviour
Gregarious terrier with a strong prey drive
The AKC explains that because Norfolks were created to hunt in packs they are more gregarious than the typical independent terrier, but their very strong prey drive makes them a danger to small pets such as hamsters, so they should be on lead on outings and never loose outside a securely fenced area; they may also test their owner's limits, so obedience training is a must.
A "demon" for its size, happy in town or country
The CKC calls it an alert, fearless little dog and a "demon" for its size, with a lovable disposition and a hardy constitution; an active terrier and a good little watchdog whose exercise needs are met by a daily walk, fitting nicely into city or country living.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 4/5 (high) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 3/5, barking level 4/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Norfolk Terrier
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Norfolk Terrier (Terriers)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Norfolk Terrier
Breed characteristics (size small, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 10 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Norfolk Terrier (standard no. 272, group 3)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club encourages its breeders to health-test and register results with CHIC / OFA / CERF, and its public health library points owners to breed-specific reading on heart screening (mitral valve disease), inherited eye problems, liver shunt and ichthyosis, alongside general topics such as tick-borne illness and heatstroke.”
— The Norfolk Terrier Club — Health via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Norfolk Terrier — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Norfolk Terrier — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Norfolk Terrier — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Norfolk Terrier — FCI standard no. 272 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Norfolk Terrier Health — The Norfolk Terrier Club — The Norfolk Terrier Club (public health pages) (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.