Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is virtually identical to the Norwich Terrier in all respects except one — the Norfolk's ears drop forward (V-shaped, folded at the top) while the Norwich's ears stand erect.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
5–5.5 kg (11–12 lbs)
Height
23–25 cm (9–10 in)
Exercise
20 to 30 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — quality small/toy breed kibble
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Norfolk Terrier is virtually identical to the Norwich Terrier in all respects except one — the Norfolk's ears drop forward (V-shaped, folded at the top) while the Norwich's ears stand erect. Separated from the Norwich in 1979 by the AKC (and earlier by the KC in 1964), the Norfolk shares the same working terrier heritage of East Anglia, the same coat, temperament, and size. They are among the smallest working terriers and are notably sociable and good-natured for their terrier heritage.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
Identical to the Norwich Terrier in all respects except the ears — the Norfolk's ears are drop ears folded forward at the tip, while the Norwich has fully erect prick ears. Both breeds have the same hard, wiry straight coat, compact build, and colour range.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Low
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Identical temperament to the Norwich Terrier — fearless, affectionate, sociable, and more dog-friendly than most terrier breeds. The breed's drop ears give it a slightly softer facial expression.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
5/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
20 to 30 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
50%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
barking, digging, clinginess, stubbornness
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Same as Norwich Terrier. Daily exercise of 30–45 minutes. Wiry coat requires hand-stripping and brushing. Dental care important.
Nutrition Notes
Same UAS risk as Norwich. Generally healthy. Small-breed formula. Dental care important.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Upper airway syndrome (same as Norwich). Mitral valve disease. Luxating patella. Epilepsy. Drop ears (vs Norwich's prick ears). Were the same breed as Norwich until 1964 (KC) / 1979 (AKC) split. 12-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
450 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
300 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Same profile as Norwich Terrier — upper airway syndrome is a documented concern. Generally a robust, healthy breed.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Drop ears (vs Norwich prick ears). Same breed until 1964. India: unavailable.
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $3,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Norfolk and Norwich Terrier were considered the same breed until 1964 (KC) and 1979 (AKC), when ear type became the basis for formal separation — one of the most unusual breed separations in kennel club history.
The Norfolk Terrier is the preferred terrier of Cambridge University students — the "Jones' Terrier" as it was historically known was popular in the Cambridge area where the breed was refined.
