Norfolk Terrier characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | 24% of breeds |
| Energy level | High | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Medium | 26% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Medium | 38% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 14 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Norfolk Terrier right for you?
The Norfolk Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. In terms of temperament, it is reliably good with children and a solid family choice and will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive. Day to day, the Norfolk Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Norfolk Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. With high energy and high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Norfolk Terrier to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Norfolk Terrier wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Norfolk Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and barks a fair amount, usually for a reason. It copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Norfolk Terrier
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Norfolk Terrier genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Size: Small — the Norfolk Terrier is genuinely small, which suits limited space. Only 24% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Norfolk Terrier actually costs you
| Exercise | Around an hour to ninety minutes of daily exercise, and it will notice when a day is skipped. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Weekly brushing keeps the coat in reasonable order. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the Norfolk Terrier fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Good fit | High energy and medium barking travel well into a flat. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Depends | High prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Active families
- Apartment living
- Small dog lovers
- Terrier enthusiasts
Things to consider
- High exercise needs for size
- Can be independent
- Regular grooming needed
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Norfolk Terrier good with children?
- Yes — the Norfolk Terrier is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Norfolk Terrier shed a lot?
- The Norfolk Terrier has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Norfolk Terrier need?
- With high energy, the Norfolk Terrier needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Norfolk Terrier live?
- The Norfolk Terrier typically lives around 14 years.
- Can the Norfolk Terrier live in an apartment?
- Yes — the Norfolk Terrier is small and not overly vocal, so it adapts well to apartment living with daily walks.
- Is the Norfolk Terrier easy to train?
- The Norfolk Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Norfolk Terrier be left alone during the day?
- The Norfolk Terrier copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.