Norfolk Terrier

Before giving a Norfolk Terrier a forever home, consider any possible health issues. Not every dog experiences them, but it’s important to be prepared.

For more advice on potential health issues for Norfolk Terriers, speak to your local vet. Some practices offer ‘pre-purchase consultations.’ These tell you about potential health conditions, management options and an idea of financial costs.

If you’re considering buying a puppy, they can advise you on finding a responsible breeder and testing for genetic diseases.

Any breed of dog needs basic preventative healthcare like vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. Pet insurance is also important to help cover your vet bills. 

There is no set amount for how much food your Norfolk Terrier needs. This will depend on their:

• age
• size
• activity levels
• fitness
• weight.

The information on dog food packets can be a helpful guide, but you still need to adapt the portion size to your dog’s individual needs.

It’s helpful to know your Lakeland Terrier’s body condition when deciding how much food to give them. You can find out about body condition scoring through the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WVASA).

Check with your vet to find out more. 

Norfolk Terriers are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy.

They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Like all dogs, they need training and benefit from daily enrichment.

If you enjoy regular time outdoors, this breed could be a great match for you.

Norfolk Terriers need training like any other dog, as well as daily enrichment. When exercising your Norfolk Terrier, think about their:

• age
• health
• personality.  

Young, growing dogs may need a few shorter walks. Whereas older, ill or injured pooches may need an exercise plan tailored by your vet. Some may need quiet, calm walks while others benefit from more sociable strolls.

Check with your vet for advice on exercising your dog. 

Norfolk Terriers shed very little. To put your dog at ease and help their confidence, introduce handling and grooming step by step. This will make grooming more enjoyable for everyone and ensure a positive experience for your pup. 

In their crate, your dog should be able to comfortably:

• sit and stand at their full height
• turn around without touching the edges
• lie down at full stretch
• wag their tail.  

Gradually build up the time your dog spends in their crate, so they feel good about it and associate it with positive things happening. 

Like us, every furball has their own unique personality shaped by their experiences. This means that different Norfolk Terriers have varying temperaments.

As dogs grow, they learn all about the world. They figure out their likes and dislikes and learn to respond to situations in different ways.

Some doggos, for example, might like meeting new dogs and new experiences. Others might not, or might prefer human company.  

Any dog can be taught new tricks, whatever their breed. It’s all about positive learning. Find out what motivates your dog, whether that’s treats, toys or praise. You can use this as a reward throughout training to make it a positive experience for everyone.

They also need some useful life skills like recall, loose lead walking and settling. This will ensure that you and your pup both feel relaxed spending time together out and about or at home.  

Every dog has a different personality shaped by their life experiences. They develop likes and dislikes as they grow, and react differently to situations.

However, some ways of respecting and behaving safely around dogs are universal to all pooches.

It’s important for the whole family to know about this. To learn more, why not book one of our family workshops on living happily together? They’re suitable for children aged seven to eleven.