Overview
The Norwich is the prick-eared half of the pair split from the Norfolk Terrier, and shares its history as a ratter around stables and farms in East Anglia and its popularity with Cambridge students a century ago. It is low, square and strong for its size, with a harsh red, grizzle or black and tan coat.
Temperament is bold and cheerful. Norwich Terriers are affectionate with their people and curious about everyone else, and they are less inclined to pick fights than many terriers. They are still terriers: quick, stubborn when it suits them, and electrified by anything small that runs.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour of exercise a day, split in two, is about right for an adult. They walk well on a lead and keep up a good pace, and they enjoy a route with hedgerows and banks to investigate as much as any open field.
They cope with cold and rain happily, and the hard coat dries fast. Puppies and veterans need less, and all of them need shade and water when it is warm.
On the walk
- Recall: Fair with practice but not something to stake a road on. Rabbits, squirrels and rats take priority over you. Enclosed areas only for off-lead time.
- Prey drive: Strong. The dog will dive into cover, follow a scent into a hole and come out filthy. Watch for holes and badger setts on country routes.
- Other dogs: Confident and sociable with most. A Norwich will not start a fight, but it also will not back off from one, so keep it away from bullies.
- Pulling: Minimal weight but plenty of determination. A harness is more comfortable than a collar for a dog that lunges at squirrels.
Tips for professional walkers
- Practise recall with high-value food every walk and quit while you are winning.
- Keep a towel in the van; the coat is low maintenance but the belly and legs collect mud.
- Check ears, armpits and toes for ticks and seeds after long grass.
What to ask the owner
- How does the dog respond to small animals, and has it ever caught anything?
- Does it have any dogs it dislikes, and how does it handle large, rough players?
- Any back, knee or breathing issues the owner wants you to watch on hills or in heat?