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An energetic, compact and hardy breed, the Norfolk Terrier originated in England where farmers used them to bolt vermin such as foxes from their dens. Admired for his gameness, loyalty and charm, the Norfolk Terrier does well in families with other animals. He is known for his ability to adapt to any situation, making the breed ideal for city or country life. An affectionate, loving companion, the Norfolk requires regular brushing and stripping to maintain his coat.
DID YOU KNOW? The Norfolk Terrier was known as the Norwich Terrier with drop ears until 1979 when it became a separate breed.
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Weight: | 4–5kg |
| Height: | 25cm |
| Colours: | All shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle |
| Size: | Small |
| Kennel Club Group: | Terrier |
| Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 4/5 |
| Easy to train: | 5/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 3/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 4/5 |
| Energy level: | 4/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 1/5 |
Country of Origin: England
The Norfolk Terrier didn’t become a separate breed until 1964 and up until then, they were just looked on as a variation within the Norwich Terrier breed and so their histories are the same.
The Norfolk’s origins can be found liked closely to Cambridge University in the late 1800s. It was fashionable for the sportier of the undergraduates to own a particular type of terrier that was being bred in a livery stable in Trumpington Street which ran along the back of several of the colleges. These small working terriers were put to work as college ratters, and as the students lived and socialised together, their dogs had to be equally social and indeed they would work in a pack.
It was one of these dogs, a sandy coloured dog called Rags, that is credited with being the founding father of both the Norwich and Norfolk Terriers that we know today.
Until 1964, the drop eared dogs were still classified as Norwich Terriers but after this date, the two were kept separate with the drop-eared dogs being called Norfolks.
