Norwich Terrier

Upright ears and a sturdy little frame

Farmers in East Anglia, in eastern England, kept small terriers to hunt rats. These dogs were also used in fox and badger hunting. In 1932, the Royal Kennel Club initially registered dogs with dropped and upright ears together. It separated them in 1964: the Norwich Terrier has upright ears, while the Norfolk Terrier has dropped ears.

Beneath the rough coat is a compact, strong dog. Longer hair around the neck forms a small ruff. Red and wheaten dogs belong to the breed, alongside black and tan or grizzled dogs whose coats mix lighter and darker hairs. In its breed standard, the international canine organisation FCI gives an ideal shoulder height of 25 centimetres. This makes the Norwich one of the smallest terriers, but it remains an active dog.

A Norwich may investigate the garden, follow a scent around a root, then turn to its people for a game. Its interest can be dangerous for small animals, so rabbits and similar prey animals should be kept physically separate. An adult should supervise time with children and make sure the dog has room to move away. A small dog may be easy to pick up, but it still needs undisturbed sleep and opportunities to explore on its own feet.

Everyday life

Walks with time to sniff and short games make a useful foundation for daily life. If you enjoy training together, simple scent tasks and coordination exercises can add variety. Your dog might walk over a low, stable surface or follow a piece of food with its nose. Sporting jumps should wait until it is fully grown, healthy and appropriately prepared.

A Norwich learns through clear, friendly feedback. When something else becomes far more interesting during training, an easier task in a quieter setting often helps. Returning when called should first be taught without major distractions. A long training lead can prevent an interesting scent from turning into a chase. After a successful return, you could let the dog go back to sniffing. Your call then does not always signal the end of its walk.

At home, it should have a comfortable sleeping place where nobody disturbs it. A flat can work when you provide enough daily outdoor activity. Time alone should be introduced gradually. A dog that barks for a long time or paces during every separation needs support and, initially, shorter absences it can manage more comfortably.

Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗

Day-to-day care

The harsh outer coat covers a dense undercoat. Regular brushing and combing let you check the skin and find developing tangles. Hand stripping removes loose, mature outer hair by hand. A groomer familiar with the breed can judge when the coat is ready and show you appropriate care. Clipping changes the texture and can make the coat softer. Your dog’s skin condition and comfort during handling should also guide the choice of grooming.

A regular dental routine is worthwhile too. Gradual practice with touch around the mouth, a suitable small brush and dog toothpaste can make daily brushing easier. Nails should be checked regularly, along with paws and ears. Grass and dirt are easier to remove after a walk before they become caught in the dense hair.