Terrier Small size 5-6 kg

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.

Compare
Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
5-6 kg, 24-25 cm at the shoulder
High
Activity
Active and playful
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Copes with moderate alone time
Moderate
Trainability
Clever and fairly cooperative
Moderate
Coat care
Wiry coat needs hand-stripping
Good
Fit with kids
Good, sturdy family companion
Moderate
Other pets
Fine with dogs; may chase small animals
Light
Health burden
Obesity; Luxating Patella; Allergies & Skin Issues

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

Consider this breed if…

you want a bold small dog that joins family life instead of guarding a lap,
someone is home a fair amount and enjoys daily walks and games,
you can commit to hand-stripping or a groomer who does it,
you are patient - reputable breeders are few and litters are tiny.

Do not consider this breed if…

you keep rabbits, rodents, or birds the dog could reach,
you expect reliable off-leash recall - the chase reflex overrides it,
you want an instantly available or inexpensive puppy,
constant barking alerts in a thin-walled building would be a problem.

A typical day with a Norwich Terrier

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    30 min walk; it will want to investigate everything
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Shadows you around the house, then naps
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Quick outing or a hidden-treat search indoors
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Short training session - it likes having a job
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Second walk plus energetic play
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Curls up with the family, done for the day

Temperament and training

Cheerfulness Very high
Prey drive High
Trainability Moderate
Independence Moderate
Alertness / barking High
Fearfulness Low
Common owner mistakes
Trusting off-leash freedom because the dog is small and friendly · Skipping exercise on the theory that a small dog gets enough indoors · Overfeeding - a 6 kg frame shows every extra treat

Family and environment

Kids Good
Robust and playful; tolerates family chaos well for a terrier.
Dogs Good
Bred to hunt in packs; generally sociable with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Usually fine with the family cat it grew up with; chases others.
Apartment Suitable
Fits well if walked properly; alert barking needs managing.
House with a yard Suitable
Secure fencing matters; it will follow a scent under a gap.
City Manages well
Confident in bustle; leash is non-negotiable near traffic.
Countryside Suitable
In its element, but wildlife will be chased.
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, drop ears
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.
View profile →
Similar size, easier to find
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 →
Comparable spirited small terrier
West Highland White Terrier
A confident, portable terrier that suits many homes - skin allergies are the standout health concern to budget for.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Norwich Terrier cost?
One of the pricier small breeds: litters are very small and breeders scarce, so $3,000-$4,500 from a health-testing US breeder is a realistic range, usually after a wait. Ongoing costs stay low for a healthy 5-6 kg dog, but budget for grooming (hand-stripping) and keep a reserve - knee surgery or chronic skin allergies can add thousands over a 12-15 year lifespan.
Norwich or Norfolk Terrier - which should I pick?
Honestly, whichever you can actually get. They split from one breed in 1964 and differ mainly in ears (Norwich prick, Norfolk drop) plus subtle temperament shading - Norwich are often called a touch more independent. Pick the breeder with health testing and a litter, not the ear style.
Are Norwich Terriers yappy?
They are alert and will announce visitors and hallway sounds, but they are not compulsive barkers like some toy breeds. A well-exercised Norwich with something to do is reasonably quiet; a bored one under-walked in an apartment will find its voice.
Can a Norwich Terrier be let off leash?
Only in securely fenced areas. This is a hunting terrier with a fast trigger for squirrels, rabbits, and cats, and once it locks on, recall training tends to lose. Long lines and fenced dog parks are the safe compromise.