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Prior to 1964 the Norwich Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier were recognized as one breed by the British Kennel Club. In 1964 the Norwich gained independent status as the prick-eared variety of the two. Its appearance and characteristics are otherwise identical with its Norfolf kin. In the United States both prick-eared and drop-eared varieties were known as the Norwich Terrier until January 1979, when separate breeds were recognized.

The Official Standard states: A small, low, keen dog, compact and strong, with good substance and bone. Excessive trimming is not desirable. Honourable scars from fair wear and tear should not be penalized.

Size
Height: 10 inches (25 cm) at the withers
The height must not be attained by excessive length of leg.

Coat and Colour
Coat hard, wiry, and straight, lying close to the body with a thick undercoat. Longer and rougher on the neck, forming a ruff to frame the face. Hair on head and ears short and smooth, except for slight whiskers and eyebrows. Colour all shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle. White marks or patches are undesirable.

Long soft or wavy hair in either variety is a serious fault.

Exercise
The Norwich Terrier will settle for regular walks if living in a city, but is happiest when allowed off-the-lead runs in the countryside. It is adept at rabbiting and ratting.

Grooming
Little grooming or trimming is required.

Feeding
Recommended would be 1/2 – 1 can (13.3 oz 376 g size) name-brand dog food, with a biscuit, or 1 1/2 cups dry dog food. Always provide an ample supply of fresh water for your Norwich Terrier.

Origin and History
There is controversy as to whether Colonel Vaughan of Ballybrick, or Mr. Jodrell Hopkins, a horse dealer from Trumpington, Cambridgeshire, England deserves credit for founding the Noewich Terrier breed.

Colonel Vaughan hunted in the 1860's with a pack of small red terriers that had evolved from the Irish terrier. As there were many outcrosses, terriers with drop and prick ears came about, and breeders tended to crop the ears of the drop-eared dogs until the practice became illegal. When it did, the Norwich Terrier Club protested loudly about the admittance of the drop-eared variety, when the breed was recognized by the Kennel Club, the Norwich Terrier Club requested that the standard should call for only those with prick ears.

Mr. Jodrell Hopkins owned a bitch, a number of whose pups came into the hands of his employee, Frank Jones. Mr. Jones crossed them with other terriers, including the Irish and Glen of Imaal Terrier, using only small examples of these breeds, the progeny were known as 'Jones' or 'Trumpington' Terriers. There is a breeder who claimes a direct line from Mr. Jones' dogs to the Norwich of today.

The Norwich is a breed that has not been spoilt, for, perhaps suprisingly, it has — like the Norfolk — never gained great popularity.

Celebrity Owners
Joan Rivers owns two Norwich Terriers: Veronica and Lulu.