Is a high-energy, affectionate Norwich Terrier your dream dog?

The Norwich Terrier is a variation of the standard terrier breed and is a fantastic small dog for individuals and families.

If you’re looking for a new pet to accompany you or cuddle with, then a Norwich Terrier might be your companion.

To help you make the right decision, we will take a closer look at the Norwich Terrier, including its health, life expectancy, personality, grooming needs, and more.

Always remember that owning a pet is a responsibility and a 15-year commitment, be sure to consider carefully before acquiring a new dog.

Norwich Terrier breed information

Though perhaps not the most well-known terrier breed, the Norwich Terrier was officially recognized in 1936. The Norwich Terrier is one of many terrier breeds from England.

The Norwich Terrier is named after the town from which it was first bred. This breed was used for rat control in areas of England and later used in packs to hunt.

If you’ve seen 2000’s “Best in Show,” Winky, the dog handled by Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy is a Norwich Terrier. 

This breed is unique among terriers because it was used in packs to hunt, so these dogs were bred to be much more social than other terriers. 

You’ll find that your Norwich Terrier, though its own unique breed, shares many characteristics with other Terriers and similar-sized small dogs. This can help you prepare for what to expect.

Size, weight, and energy Level

In terms of size, Norwich Terriers stand slightly shorter than average Terriers. Norwich Terriers top out at around 10 inches in height. Similarly, they grow to about 12 pounds on average, making them small among the different terriers. Like most dogs in their size class,

Norwich Terriers are very high-energy and tend to be constantly playful and affectionate. This trait makes them excellent around children but also good companions for adults.

Their energy is manageable with light exercise compared to larger dogs, which can become destructive if they aren’t allowed to exert enough energy through exercise or play.

This makes the Norwich Terrier more suitable for smaller living spaces like apartments than larger breed dogs. They can still fit in well in a larger home, but there is less worry if they don’t have a large amount of space, as it is unnecessary for this breed.

Coat and grooming requirements

Grooming is an important responsibility when owning a dog, not only for keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter but also for keeping them healthy.

Norwich Terriers have a two-layer, short hair wiry coat. The two-layer coat is excellent for keeping them insulated but must be carefully groomed to prevent matting and cause other problems for your pet. They shed moderately, meaning you’ll want to keep them brushed between groomings.

The AKC recommends grooming your Norwich Terrier once a month to once every three weeks to keep their coat healthy and free of knots, tangles, and debris.

Health and exercise

As a small dog, you’ll want to ensure that your Norwich Terrier maintains a healthy weight and gets the right amount of exercise.

Your Norwich Terrier should weigh no more than 12 pounds, and even a couple of pounds for a dog this size will make them obese and can lead to a range of health problems. On average, a healthy Norwich Terrier will live anywhere from 11 to 15 years.

Small dogs are more prone to obesity and specific health problems because of genetic factors and size. Your Norwich Terrier may experience common health problems, including hip dysplasia, knee dysplasia, epilepsy, degenerative myelopathy, and airway obstruction/breathing issues.

Breeders can screen certain conditions to help minimize the risk, but for issues like breathing trouble and hip or knee dysplasia, one of the best ways to prevent these problems or reduce the effects is to keep their weight regulated.

Norwich Terriers typically only require around 30 minutes of brisk exercise. A good walk or run is enough to keep them healthy so long as they have a balanced diet.

The exact dietary needs of your pup will vary. Some need fewer calories than others. Check with your vet and always give them age-appropriate dog food.

As they age, your Norwich Terrier’s metabolism will slow, making it easier for them to pick up extra weight. It’s good to counter this with exercise and lean, nutrient-filled dog food.

Training and intelligence

Norwich Terriers are considered highly intelligent and can be easily trained.

They have a charming demeanor and are eager to please, making them excellent students for training in obedience.

Coupled with their high energy, they can easily handle most types of training and quickly adapt to new skills.

This also makes them an excellent breed for competitive events like agility. One thing to note is that it is a good idea to socialize puppies when they are as young as possible so that they become accustomed to other dogs and people.

They get along well with others, but socialization from an early age is vital to develop these habits.

Your Terrier may perform well as a guard dog once trained. They naturally have a high tendency to bark, but with proper training, this can be controlled, and their protective nature will make them excellent for alerting you to strangers or intruders.

Final thoughts on Norwich Terriers

Norwich Terriers are a fantastic breed of a small dogs that is an excellent choice of pet for just about any family.

Being highly affectionate and easy to train makes dogs easy to have around.

So long as you pay attention to your weight and keep up a healthy diet and exercise, it’s easy to have a long-term companion that everyone will love.

Alana Redmond is a content writer who specializes in law and consumer safety. She also works with The Janda Law Firm, a personal injury law firm specializing in dog bite injuries and accidents.