The Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest terrier breeds. In recent decades, it has developed from a hunting dog to a family and companion dog. Nevertheless – the terrier heritage cannot be denied: The Norwich Terrier is up for any fun and has considerable self-confidence for its size. If you are looking for a handy four-legged friend with whom it will never get bored, the Norwich Terrier is the right place for you!

From hunter to lapdog – the Norwich Terrier

The Norwich Terrier, as we know it today, is a comparatively young breed. Small, red hunting terriers had existed in Norfolk around Norwich for many centuries. Their job was to keep farms and streets free of rodents. As rat hunters, the small, strong dogs were very much appreciated. It was not until the end of the 19th century that there were efforts to breed a real breed from these dogs. Irish, Yorkshire, Border and Cairn Terriers were probably also involved. In particular, a male named “Rags” left his mark on the breed, because all his offspring had red fur. The focus was on the courage, willingness to work and passion for hunting of the little rat hunters. Their area of application was extended to work underground. Over the years, a small, robust and friendly terrier developed through crossbreeding of special individual animals and other breeds, which could fit into almost any husbandry.

At that time, the Norfolk Terrier and the Norwich Terrier were still one breed. It was not until 1932 that the separation and recognition by the worldwide associations took place. At this time, the position of the ears was decisive. Today, the breed differences go well beyond the ear position. When looking for a puppy, recognized breeders at the VDH (Association for the German Canine Society) are the right contacts.

The character of the Norwich Terrier

The small Norwich Terrier has all the characteristics known from the terrier: courage, toughness, self-confidence and hunting zeal. In recent years, however, the dogs have been selected less for their work performance than for friendliness. They love their humans, are loyal, cuddly and cuddly.

Adult Norwich Terriers can be a little reserved or even too aggressive towards strangers. However, with good socialization and clear rules, this behavior can be brought under control. They are vigilant and usually report visitors before they can even press the bell. Underutilized breed representatives often develop an excessive tendency to bark and also report visitors to the neighbor, passing cars or whatever else they hear or see. This can be avoided with species-appropriate utilization and Norwich-appropriate education.

Even if the small hunting dogs may not look like it – they are very active, full of energy and joy of movement. They like to play and love to chase things. It is important to be careful here: As a terrier, the Norwich is also interested in small animals and cats. This is just as noteworthy when running free without a leash as when keeping these animals in a household. If a Norwich puppy grows up with animal roommates, the chances are good that it will accept them as pack members and leave them alone. The likeable terrier is also well suited for multi-dog ownership.

Education and Husbandry

Like all terriers, the Norwich is born with a rather handy portion of “Will to Please”. But it has another very useful characteristic: the “Will to Cheese”. This is a joking description of a certain gluttony that you can use wonderfully in your upbringing. For a piece of cheese (optionally a treat or liver sausage), the stubborn terrier will do just about anything.

If you can get the Norwich Terrier on your side with these arguments, you have a teachable, clever and intelligent dog that enjoys learning new things. Things like dog tricks or looking for treats are wonderful activities that promote his attention and intelligence without stimulating the agile four-legged friend. To search for treats, he has to learn to sit down and wait. Then you hide treats in and out of his sight. After the release, he can look for them and, of course, eat them. The game keeps the dogs busy indoors and outdoors.

The Norwich Terrier can cope in almost any home – whether it’s a large house with a garden or a small apartment in the city. Sufficient exercise, long walks and brain training for mental exercise are crucial. The robust dwarfs can also cope with long hiking tours without any problems if the weather is not too hot. Only on long bike trips does the Norwich Terrier need a basket or a dog trailer to ride along in phases.

Caring for the Norwich Terrier

The Norwich Terriers bred for robustness have a low maintenance requirement. Occasional brushing and checking of eyes, ears and claws are sufficient for basic care.

Twice a year, the coat has to be trimmed by hand. In the process, the old, dead hair is pulled out of the fur. If you stay tuned here, you will have an almost non-shedding terrier in everyday life. Under no circumstances should the Norwich be sheared. This destroys its hair structure permanently and takes away its weather resistance.

Special features and health

Unfortunately, Norwich Terriers tend to gain a lot of weight. They are real vacuum cleaners, eat almost everything and an unlimited amount – if they are allowed to. Here you really have to stay on the ball, keep an eye on your diet and make sure you get enough exercise.

Apart from the tendency to be overweight, the Norwich Terrier is considered a robust breed. Among the well-known but very rare hereditary diseases are patellar luxation, the eye diseases lens luxation and cataracts, epilepsy, heart defects and an upper respiratory syndrome.

Most Norwich Terriers become true dog Methuselahs and reach an age of 16 or even more.

ProfileNorwich Terrier

Also check out these smaller terrier species:

•  Jack Russell Terrier: He is small, nimble and inspires with his droll nature: The Jack Russell Terrier is a charming clown and extremely smart. This should not hide the fact that the little dog needs consistent training and an experienced owner.
• Manchester Terrier: The Manchester Terrier is considered one of the most original British dog breeds. His passion and task was rat hunting. To this day, this hunting instinct is in his blood, which is why the elegant, black-brown terrier needs a very good education.
• Parson Russell Terrier: Are you looking for a sporty and cheerful dog, are you an active person, maybe with a family and children? If you also have a little dog experience, then the Parson Russell Terrier is your ideal candidate.
• Patterdale Terrier: With a Patterdale Terrier by your side, life with a dog never gets boring! The lively four-legged friends bring all their energy and joie de vivre into an active everyday life. After a long day in the fresh air and lots of exercise, they enjoy time with their family.
• Welsh Terrier: The Welsh Terrier is one of the rarest terrier breeds in the world. Its roots could go back to the Celts. In recent decades, its task has changed from hunting to companion dog. The intelligent small dogs are lovable family members.
• West Highland White Terrier: In the 1990s, the West Highland White Terrier became a fashion dog. The snow-white fuzzy head with the button eyes became a popular family companion. But hand on heart: It’s also hard not to fall in love with the Westie.