Norfolk Terrier — breed guide
The drop-eared half of a pair split from one breed in 1964 — and one of the few terriers genuinely happy in a pack.
At a glance
- Group
- terrier
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 5–6 kg (11–13 lb)
- Life span
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Hard, wiry, straight coat
Living with a Norfolk Terrier
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Regular grooming — brushing a few times a week.
- Light shedding.
- Quick to learn.
- Barks readily.
- Good with children.
- Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
- Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Fearless · Gregarious · Busy · Even-tempered
Health to watch
- Mitral valve disease
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Upper airway syndrome
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Norfolk Terrier good with kids?
Generally yes. Norfolk Terriers are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Norfolk Terrier good with cats?
It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.
How much exercise does a Norfolk Terrier need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Norfolk Terrier handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Norfolk Terrier's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.