Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier right for you?
The Norwich Terrier is a small dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. In terms of temperament, it is reliably good with children and a solid family choice and will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian. Day to day, the Norwich Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Norwich Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. 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 Norwich Terrier to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Norwich Terrier needs regular brushing to stay in good condition 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 Norwich Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it. 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 Norwich Terrier
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Norwich Terrier genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Size: Small — the Norwich Terrier is genuinely small, which suits limited space. Only 24% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Norwich 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 Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier good with children?
- Yes — the Norwich Terrier is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Norwich Terrier shed a lot?
- The Norwich Terrier has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Norwich Terrier need?
- With high energy, the Norwich Terrier needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Norwich Terrier live?
- The Norwich Terrier typically lives around 14 years.
- Can the Norwich Terrier live in an apartment?
- Yes — the Norwich Terrier is small and not overly vocal, so it adapts well to apartment living with daily walks.
- Is the Norwich Terrier easy to train?
- The Norwich Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Norwich Terrier be left alone during the day?
- The Norwich 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.