How much exercise does a Norfolk Terrier need?

Norfolk Terriers are high-energy dogs requiring 60+ minutes of vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation.

How often should I groom my Norfolk Terrier?

Norfolk Terriers require intensive grooming with daily brushing and regular professional grooming sessions.

How do I train a Norfolk Terrier?

Norfolk Terriers are highly trainable and typically respond well to positive reinforcement methods.

Are Norfolk Terriers good with children?

Norfolk Terriers are excellent with children. Their natural patience, gentle nature, and resilience make them outstanding family dogs. They typically form strong bonds with children and tend to be forgiving of the occasional accidental rough handling that can occur with younger kids. Remember that proper socialization and teaching children appropriate interaction with dogs are always important, regardless of breed.

What makes the Norfolk Terrier unique compared to other dog breeds?

The Norfolk Terrier stands out from other breeds due to its tiny, compact size, dignified appearance and bearing, rich heritage from Verenigd Koninkrijk, specialized abilities for ratting, fox bolting. This unique combination of characteristics makes them special among dog breeds and appeals to owners who appreciate these distinct qualities. Understanding these traits helps provide appropriate care tailored to their specific needs.

What should I know before getting a Norfolk Terrier?

Before bringing a Norfolk Terrier into your home, potential owners should consider: They have high exercise requirements (4/5) and need an active owner. Their coat requires significant maintenance (4/5) with regular grooming sessions. They typically excel in family environments with children (5/5 child-friendliness). They're typically highly trainable (4/5) and eager to learn. Additionally, researching reputable breeders or rescue organizations is essential for finding a healthy, well-socialized Norfolk Terrier. Understanding these factors will help ensure a good match between the breed and your lifestyle, leading to a happy relationship for both you and your dog.

What were Norfolk Terriers originally bred for?

Norfolk Terriers were originally bred for ratting, fox bolting. As part of the Terrier group, they share characteristics with other breeds developed for similar purposes. Understanding your Norfolk Terrier's breeding heritage helps explain many of their natural behaviors and instincts, which can be channeled appropriately through training and enrichment activities. Even though modern Norfolk Terriers are primarily companions, these inherent traits remain part of their genetic makeup.

How long do Norfolk Terriers typically live?

The average lifespan of a Norfolk Terrier is 12 - 15 years. With proper care including quality nutrition, regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate exercise, and preventative healthcare, some Norfolk Terriers may live beyond this range. Genetics, environment, and healthcare all play important roles in determining longevity.

← Back to Breeds

Norfolk TerrierImage not available

Norfolk Terrier

Q: What is the temperament of a Norfolk Terrier?

Norfolk Terriers are known to be self-confidence, fearless, spirited, companionable, happy, lovable, heartworm positive, good with dogs, good with kids, playful, affectionate, athletic, couch, curious, friendly, funny, loves, smart, loyal, gentle, sweet, nice, submissive, loving, cuddly, brave, independent, quiet, loves food, dignified, loves kisses, loves kisses, adult only home preferred, escape artist. This combination of traits makes them excellent companions for families with children. Their temperament is influenced by both genetics and proper socialization from an early age.

Written by Dr. Sarah Johnson, Veterinary Consultant

Published: January 15, 2024 • Last updated: August 30, 2025

Temperament

Self-confidence, Fearless, Spirited, Companionable, Happy, Lovable, Heartworm Positive, Good with Dogs, Good with Kids, Playful, Affectionate, Athletic, Couch, Curious, Friendly, Funny, Loves, Smart, Loyal, Gentle, Sweet, Nice, Submissive, Loving, Cuddly, Brave, Independent, Quiet, Loves Food, Dignified, Loves Kisses, Loves kisses, Adult Only Home Preferred, Escape Artist

Weight

11 - 12 lbs

Height

9 - 10 inches

Life Span

12 - 15 years

Breed Group

Terrier

Bred For

Ratting, fox bolting

Origin

Verenigd Koninkrijk

Additional Characteristics

Good with Children5/5

Good with Other Dogs5/5

Trainability4/5

Energy Level4/5

Grooming Needs4/5

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs4/5

They are high-energy dogs that need significant daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Grooming Requirements4/5

They have high grooming needs requiring frequent brushing and regular professional grooming.

Trainability4/5

Highly trainable and quick to learn commands

Good with Children5/5

They are excellent with children and often form strong bonds with them.

Good with Other Dogs5/5

🐕 Norfolk Terrier Guide

📚 Explore comprehensive information about this breed

Overview

About the Norfolk Terrier

The Norfolk Terrier is a wonderful dog breed with unique characteristics. Hunderasse

Breed Purpose

Ratting, fox bolting

Temperament

Finding similar breeds...

How We Find Similar Breeds

We analyze breed characteristics including temperament, size, appearance, and care needs to identify the most similar dog breeds. This helps you discover alternatives that might be a good match for your lifestyle and preferences.

Adopt a Norfolk Terrier

Pure Breed Only

Filter to show only purebred Norfolk Terriers (excludes mixed breeds and crosses)

Find Dogs Near You

Enter your location to discover adoptable pets nearby

Required

Find Your Perfect Norfolk Terrier Match!

Enter your location above to discover adorable Norfolk Terriers waiting for their forever homes near you!

With thousands of dogs available, your new best friend might be just a few miles away.

Our search covers over 6,000 adoptable dogs within 50 miles

No rescue organizations found

Try searching with a different location or contact your local animal shelter for information.

No verified breeders found for Norfolk Terriers

We prioritize rescue and adoption. Please consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization.

Adoption guide not available

Please check back later for information on adopting this breed.

Norfolk Terrier

Temperament

Weight

Height

Life Span

Breed Group

Bred For

Origin

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Characteristics

Care Requirements

About the Norfolk Terrier

Breed Purpose

Temperament

Breeds Similar to Norfolk Terrier

How We Find Similar Breeds

Adopt a Norfolk Terrier

Find Dogs Near You

Adoptable Norfolk Terriers

Find Your Perfect Norfolk Terrier Match!

Rescue Organizations

No rescue organizations found

Reputable Breeders

No verified breeders found for Norfolk Terriers

Adoption Guide

Adoption guide not available