Norwich Terrier
NOR-ich TAIR-ee-ur
Affectionate, Curious, Fearless, Loyal. Originally bred for ratting in barns and fox bolting.
An adult Norwich Terrier weighs 10-12 lbs (male) or 10-12 lbs (female), needs 300-500 calories daily, and lives 12-15 yrs. As a small breed, every calorie and every ounce of body weight matters proportionally more. The breed's primary health watch is tracheal collapse. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Norwich Terrier needs 300 to 500 calories per day. An average male (11 lbs / 5.0 kg) needs around 400 kcal; a female (11 lbs / 5.0 kg) roughly 400 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Norwich Terrier. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Smaller breeds generally live longer than large breeds, and the Norwich Terrier benefits from this with a life expectancy of 12-15 yrs. Their compact frames create their own set of vulnerabilities. The breed's primary health concerns are tracheal collapse and epilepsy, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
30-45 minutes of daily exercise. Active and playful but manageable energy levels. Terriers are diggers, chasers, and independent thinkers. The Norwich Terrier will investigate every hole, chase every squirrel, and test every boundary you set. Provide outlets for natural terrier behavior: digging pits, earth dog trials, agility, and puzzle toys that require problem-solving. Without sufficient exercise, the Norwich Terrier is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
Norwich Terriers have a hard, wiry, straight coat. Origin: England (Norwich/Norfolk).
One of the smallest terrier breeds but with a big personality. Formerly grouped with the Norfolk Terrier; Norwich have prick ears (like a witch's hat), Norfolk have drop ears. Hardy and generally healthy for a small breed.
Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, but they still need daily outdoor exposure and socialization. Small dogs are vulnerable to injury from rough handling, falls from furniture, and confrontations with larger animals. Supervision around young children is essential.
Tools for Norwich Terrier owners
Frequently asked questions
A healthy adult Norwich Terrier requires between 300 and 500 calories daily. A 11-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Small breeds have higher metabolic rates per pound than larger dogs, so they need calorie-dense food relative to their size. Active dogs need more; seniors and less active individuals need less. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males and females share the same target weight range: 10-12 lbs (4.5–5.4 kg).5–5.4 kg). Small dogs hide extra weight under their coat. Pick them up regularly and feel for rib coverage as your most reliable body condition check. Run your hands along the ribcage: you should feel ribs under a thin layer of flesh without pressing hard. From above, look for a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs.
The top health priority for Norwich Terrier owners is awareness of tracheal collapse. Talk to your vet about screening options and early detection strategies for tracheal collapse. Other conditions seen in the breed include epilepsy, upper airway syndrome. Not every Norwich Terrier will develop these conditions, but knowing the breed's tendencies helps you and your vet monitor proactively.
A Norwich Terrier thrives on 30 to 45 minutes of daily physical activity. Good activities for this breed include digging games, earth dog trials, fetch. Indoor play and training sessions count as legitimate exercise for dogs this size. An under-exercised Norwich Terrier will find outlets for pent-up energy, often in ways you will not appreciate: chewing, barking, digging, or restless pacing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026