What Are the Traits and Care Tips for Norfolk Terriers?

Norfolk Terrier: folded ears on a compact, low frame

The Norfolk Terrier has a short back, strong bone and a compact, low outline in its FCI description. Its medium-sized V-shaped ears have slightly rounded tips and fold forward close to the cheeks. Put beside the Norwich Terrier, those folded ears are a much clearer distinction than the shared small size label.

Similar names, visibly different ears

The Norwich has upright, pointed ears set apart on top of the head. The Norfolk’s coat is hard, wiry, straight and close to the body, with longer, rougher hair over the neck and shoulders. Head and ear hair is shorter, apart from modest whiskers and eyebrows.

The Border Terrier also has forward-dropping ears, but its own standard describes a deep, narrow, fairly long body rather than the Norfolk’s short-backed outline.

Ask about wire-coat care before choosing

AKC’s Norfolk care guide describes hand-stripping as removing old outer hairs and excess undercoat. It recommends learning the technique or finding a groomer who offers it. For an owner considering a Norfolk, access to that skill is part of the grooming plan, alongside routine brushing.

The earlier UK guide lists grooming more than once a week. That category gives a broad frequency, while the AKC description helps identify the kind of work to discuss with a groomer.

Make room for walks and shared games

The earlier UK guide pairs up to one hour of exercise with a flat or apartment, a small or medium garden, and town or country. Norwich shares those entries. AKC’s Norfolk suggestions include long walks and games of fetch, with a leash for outings and a fenced garden.

The FCI height ideal is 25 cm; no numeric weight is supplied. Norwich also has a 25 cm ideal without a weight figure, so use ear shape, coat and body descriptions alongside size when comparing them.