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
You might also like
Norwich Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Border TerrierLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
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
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.