Norwich Terrier
A deep dive into the Norwich Terrier, covering its 14-year lifespan, genetic risks like portosystemic shunts, and the history of its split from the Norfolk Terrier.
14 years is the typical life expectancy for a Norwich Terrier, though the breed faces specific genetic risks that require proactive management. The most significant complications involve a high rate of portosystemic shunts, respiratory obstructions linked to a specific gene mutation, and severe labour difficulties that often necessitate caesarean sections.
Size and physical standards
This is one of the smallest working terriers, weighing approximately 12 pounds (5.4 kg) and ideally standing no higher than 10 inches (25 cm) at the withers. The skull is broad and slightly rounded with a well-defined stop, and the muzzle ratio to the head is precisely 2:3. The coat is a double layer, appearing in all shades of red, tan, wheaten, black and tan, and grizzle. Ears are usually erect and set apart with good width, though they can be laid back when the dog is calm. The tail is of moderate length when not docked, thick at the base with a taper near the top, and should be carried jauntily rather than excessively gay. The American Kennel Club standard specifies a medium docked tail with enough length to be held or grabbed.
Genetic health risks are high
While the breed is generally hardy, it carries a disproportionately high risk for portosystemic shunts. A US study of over 90,000 dogs found the Norwich Terrier to be the second most predisposed breed, with 7.41% of dogs affected compared to just 0.35% for mixed-breed dogs. Cataracts are also more prevalent, with a North American hospital study finding a 4.02% prevalence in the breed versus 1.61% in mixed breeds. Respiratory issues present a unique challenge; some Norwich Terriers suffer from an upper respiratory obstructive syndrome distinct from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. In a study of 12 dogs with signs of the condition, 11 had abnormalities of the laryngeal opening, including redundant aryepiglottic folds, laryngeal collapse, everted laryngeal saccules, and a narrowed laryngeal opening. A 2019 study identified a mutated variant of the gene ADAMTS3 associated with airway swelling; dogs with two copies of the mutation scored worse on airway-function tests.
Reproduction requires surgical intervention
Labour complications are common enough that a questionnaire identified the Norwich Terrier as a breed requiring more than half of all bitches to undergo caesarean section to give birth. A UK-based questionnaire specifically found a caesarean section rate of 36.6%. The same data indicated that more than a fifth of all Norwich Terrier pups are stillborn. These statistics highlight that natural birth is often not a viable option for this breed, and breeders must be prepared for surgical delivery and potential neonatal loss.
Temperament and working drive
Originally bred to hunt small rodents, the breed occasionally displays barking and digging behaviours reflective of their terrier heritage. These habits can be managed with consistent and early training. They are described as fearless but possess an independent streak. As companions, they love people and children, though their activity level generally reflects the pace of their environment. They are not typically yappers but will bark when appropriate given their watch-dog tendencies. The breed should not be kept or live outside, as they thrive on human contact and do not tolerate isolation well.
History and breed separation
The breed originated in England, with fox hunting terriers resembling the Norwich described since the 19th century. Two extinct breeds, the Cantab terrier and the Trumpington terrier, are often suggested as ancestors. The Cantab terrier was developed in the 1880s by Charles Lawrence, a dog dealer at Cambridge University, by crossing Irish Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, and East Anglian red terriers. The Trumpington terrier was developed by E. Jodrell Hopkins at a livery stable on Trumpington Street, crossing a dark brindle Aberdeen-type Scottish Terrier bitch with a Cantab terrier. Frank Jones, a whip in the Norwich staghounds, later popularized the breed in the early 20th century, importing them to the US where they were known as 'Jones Terriers'. The drop-eared variety was fought for as a separate breed by Marion Sheila Scott Macfie, who eventually succeeded in 1964 when the Kennel Club recognized the drop-eared variety as the Norfolk Terrier. Until that separation, the two ear types were designated as Norwich Terriers, P.E. (prick ears) and Norwich Terriers, D.E. (drop ears).
Current population status
The breed remains relatively rare. In 2018, both Norfolk and Norwich terriers appeared on the Kennel Club's list of most vulnerable dog breeds, with the Norwich breed having fewer than 300 births per year. This low population number underscores the importance of genetic testing and careful breeding to maintain the health of the remaining stock.