Terrier Small size 5-6 kg

Norfolk Terrier

One of the most sociable terriers - small, sturdy, and good-natured, but still a terrier that digs, chases, and needs real daily activity.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
5-6 kg, 24-25 cm at the shoulder
High
Activity
Busy and game for walks and play
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Copes with moderate alone time
Moderate
Trainability
Clever and fairly biddable for a terrier
Moderate
Coat care
Wiry coat needs hand-stripping
Good
Fit with kids
Good with children
Moderate
Other pets
Fine with dogs; may chase small animals
Light
Health burden
Obesity; Luxating Patella; Allergies & Skin Issues

The Norfolk Terrier typically weighs 5-6 kg, stands 24-25 cm, and lives 12-15 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a small dog with a real dog's temperament, not a lap ornament,
you can give it a brisk walk plus play every day,
you are willing to pay for or learn hand-stripping,
you can wait - litters are small and good breeders have waitlists.

Do not consider this breed if…

you have free-roaming hamsters, rabbits, or other small pets,
you want an off-leash dog in unfenced areas - the chase instinct wins,
a dug-up flower bed would ruin your week,
you need a puppy quickly or on a tight budget - this is a rare breed.

A typical day with a Norfolk Terrier

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    30 min brisk walk with plenty of sniffing
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Naps nearby - it wants to be in the same room as you
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short garden patrol or a quick game indoors
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    10-15 minutes of training or a puzzle feeder
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Second proper walk; fetch or tug afterward
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Settles happily once the household winds down

Temperament and training

Sociability High
Prey drive High
Trainability Moderate
Independence Moderate
Digging instinct High
Watchfulness Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Treating it like a fragile toy breed instead of a working terrier · Letting it off leash near roads or wildlife and trusting recall · Clipping the wiry coat instead of stripping it - texture and color fade

Family and environment

Kids Good
Sturdy and playful; one of the better terriers for families.
Dogs Good
Bred to work in packs; usually easygoing with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Works when raised together; will chase strange cats.
Apartment Suitable
Fine with daily walks; barks less than many terriers.
House with a yard Suitable
Expect digging; fence lines need checking.
City Manages well
Portable and adaptable, but always on leash.
Countryside Suitable
Loves it - just mind the wildlife-chasing instinct.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Obesity Watch calorie intake and keep it lean
Luxating Patella Kneecap slips out of its groove; may need surgery
Allergies & Skin Issues Environmental and food triggers are common
Dental Disease Routine brushing and cleanings help

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Nearly identical sibling breed, prick ears
Norwich Terrier
A cheerful, hardy little terrier that fits family life better than most of its cousins - but the prey drive, the rarity, and the price tag are all real.
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Similar size and easygoing terrier temperament
Border Terrier
A tough, friendly working terrier that is more trainable than most - a great active-family dog if you can meet its exercise and digging drive.
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Scrappier, more widely available alternative
Cairn Terrier
A hardy, spirited little earthdog that stays busy and vocal - great for active owners who can handle a strong terrier prey drive.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Norfolk Terrier cost?
This is a genuinely rare breed with small litters, so expect roughly $2,500-$4,000 from a health-testing US breeder and often a waitlist measured in months. The lifetime side is kinder: a small, generally healthy dog keeps food and routine vet bills modest, though paid hand-stripping adds up and a knee surgery for patellar luxation can run into the thousands over a 12-15 year life.
What is the difference between a Norfolk and a Norwich Terrier?
They were one breed in the UK until 1964, and the visible difference is the ears: Norfolk ears fold forward, Norwich ears stand up. Temperament is very close; Norfolks are often described as slightly softer and more pack-oriented, but individual personality varies more than the breed label does.
Are Norfolk Terriers good apartment dogs?
Yes, with the usual terrier caveat. The size fits, they are less yappy than many small terriers, and they settle well indoors - but only after real daily exercise. A bored Norfolk in a flat will bark at hallway noises and find something to shred or dig into.
Do Norfolk Terriers shed?
The wiry double coat sheds lightly, but it needs hand-stripping a few times a year to stay healthy - clipping softens the texture and fades the color. Budget for a groomer who actually strips (not all do), or learn to do it yourself. No coat is truly hypoallergenic, this one included.