Norfolk Terrier Guide: Temperament, Grooming, Training and Health for Adopters
Norfolk Terrier history and overview
The AKC places the Norfolk Terrier in the Terrier Group and lists England as its origin. The breed was recognized by the AKC and by the United Kennel Club in 1979. It is speculated that the breed came from small Irish Terriers crossed with other terriers such as the Border and Cairn. The breed began with drop-eared and prick-eared varieties, and the prick-eared dogs became the Norwich Terrier. Norfolks were developed to go to ground to bolt a fox or deal with other vermin.
How big is a Norfolk Terrier?
The AKC lists the Norfolk Terrier as a small dog. The AKC and VCA Animal Hospitals both give a weight of 11 to 12 pounds. The body is low to the ground, compact and strong, and slightly longer than it is tall.
Norfolk Terrier temperament and personality
The AKC describes the temperament as alert, fearless and fun-loving. VCA Animal Hospitals calls the breed feisty and full of energy, with a loud bark that alerts the household to nearly anything. The United Kennel Club says the breed is alert and fearless but not aggressive.
Exercise needs
Norfolk Terriers tend to need regular, vigorous exercise, especially in their first few years. Walks, leashed explorations and outings in the woods help keep them engaged.
Norfolk Terrier grooming and shedding
The coat is hard, wiry and straight over a definite undercoat, and some tidying is needed to keep the dog neat. To keep the true coat texture, VCA Animal Hospitals suggests hand-stripping about every three months, though clipping is a more convenient option that may suit older dogs. Between sessions, comb the coat several times each week and keep nails, ears and teeth clean.
How to train a Norfolk Terrier
VCA Animal Hospitals notes that the breed can be a challenge to train. Training works best when it is creative and fun with plenty of rewards, and switching activities often helps because a bored Norfolk may wander off.
Norfolk Terrier health issues
VCA Animal Hospitals describes Norfolk Terriers as generally healthy but sometimes affected by allergies, heart disease, patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. If you adopt a Norfolk, ask a veterinarian which checks suit the individual dog.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Norfolk Terrier as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Terrier Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1979
- Height (AKC published)
- 9-10 inches
- Weight (AKC published)
- 11-12 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 12-16 years
- AKC size category
- Small
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 4 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 4 of 5
- Trainability: 3 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 2 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 4 of 5
- Drooling: 1 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Playfulness: 4 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 4 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 5 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Patella Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Ophthalmologist Exam
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Norfolk Terrier | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Norfolk Terrier | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Norfolk Terrier - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
