At a glance the quick version
The AKC standard gives 11-12 lb (about 5.0-5.4 kg); Wikipedia gives 5-7 kg. The FCI standard sets no weight.
Coat and looks how to spot one
hard, wiry double-purpose terrier coat
A straight, wiry and weatherproof coat that lies close to the body, growing a little longer and rougher over the neck and shoulders. The head carries short, neat hair apart from small whiskers and eyebrows, and the ears fold forward at the tip.13
Personality what they are like
A short-legged terrier with a big personality. It is bold and alert, yet friendly, easy-going with people and not given to picking fights. Owners often describe it as a busy little companion that likes to be part of every family activity.1342
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Up to about an hour of exercise a day. It enjoys walks, sniffing games and digging-style play that suits its working terrier roots.4
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush more than once a week. The wiry coat is usually hand-stripped a few times a year to keep its texture and tidy outline.41
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to houses or flats if it gets daily walks; a securely fenced garden helps because of its hunting instinct.4
Company who they like around
Enjoys company and is usually good with people and children; it has been known to work happily in packs.2
The story where it all began
Developed in the late 1800s in East Anglia as a small ratting and fox-bolting terrier, the Norfolk shared its early history with the Norwich Terrier. For decades both ear types were shown as one breed, until The Kennel Club split them in 1964 and gave the drop-eared dogs the Norfolk name. American and Canadian clubs followed in 1979.142
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The Norfolk and Norwich Terriers were one breed until 1964; the easiest way to tell them apart is the ears, which fold down on the Norfolk and stand up on the Norwich.4
- 2
It is counted among the smallest of all working terriers.2
- 3
Early forms of the breed went by names such as Cantab, Trumpington and Jones Terrier.2
- 4
The FCI standard jokingly calls it a 'demon' for its size, a nod to its courage.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 272, Group 3 Terriers, Section 2 Small-sized Terriers; standard published 13.10.2010, country of origin Great Britain.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Terrier group; separated from the Norwich Terrier in 1964; not a vulnerable native breed.4
- AKC
- Terrier breed with its own standard, approved 13 October 1981 and reformatted 23 March 1990. Wikipedia states the AKC accepted the split from the Norwich in 1979.3
- UKC
- Recognised in 1979 according to Wikipedia.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Norfolk Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Norfolk Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your Norfolk Terrier at least two meals a day for an adult, or three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Sticking to set times helps their digestion, and you can ask your vet for a schedule that fits your dog best.5
What should a Norfolk Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A balanced dog food that suits their age and size is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and chives, as these are especially risky for dogs.6
How often should I bathe a Norfolk Terrier?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath about every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if they get dirty. Always use a dog shampoo and check with your vet if you have concerns.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Norfolk Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Norfolk Terrier more than once a week to keep their wiry coat tidy. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing weekly, and hand stripping a few times a year helps maintain the coat's texture.41 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Norfolk Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim their nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you if you're unsure.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Norfolk Terrier need?
Your Norfolk Terrier needs up to about an hour of exercise daily, including walks, sniffing games, and digging-style play. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily walks and play to keep them happy.4 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Norfolk Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check their ears every two weeks, never pushing anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique for both.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Norfolk Terrier live?
Norfolk Terriers typically live around 10 years or more, with senior years starting around age 10. Regular vet check-ups help them stay healthy throughout their life.4 Furry Diary plan
Is a Norfolk Terrier good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are usually good with people and children, and have been known to work happily in packs. They are friendly and easy-going, but always supervise interactions with very young children.2
Can a Norfolk Terrier be left alone?
Norfolk Terriers enjoy company and like to be part of family activities, so they may not do well left alone for long periods. If you need to leave them, start with short times and ask your vet or a trainer for advice.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard N° 272 Norfolk Terrier fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Norfolk Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, height, recognition years, fun facts
- AKC Official Standard of the Norfolk Terrier images.akc.orgused for height, weight, colours, temperament
- The Royal Kennel Club: Norfolk Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, history
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.