Norfolk Terrier
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Norfolk Terrier. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Mitral valve disease | high | Heart valve degeneration is unusually prevalent in the breed; annual cardiac checks advised. |
| Patellar luxation | moderate | Kneecap slippage occurs at typical small-terrier rates. |
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | Surprisingly common for the size; request OFA scores. |
| Eye disease (cataracts, glaucoma) | moderate | Hereditary eye conditions occur; annual eye exams recommended. |
| Dental disease | moderate | Small jaws need routine dental care from a young age. |
Pet insurance for a Norfolk Terrier
Insurers price a Norfolk Terrier from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 1 high-risk condition, led by Mitral valve disease. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Norfolk Terrier is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 11–12 lbs and a grooming score of 3/5, the Norfolk Terrier sits around the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is the drop-eared half of the Norwich/Norfolk pair — a small English earthdog with an outsized, sociable personality. Norfolks are more companionable and less scrappy than many terriers, getting along well with children and other dogs, while keeping real prey drive and a readiness to dig and bark. The wiry coat needs weekly brushing and occasional hand-stripping. Cardiac health deserves attention: mitral valve disease is prevalent, so annual heart checks are wise. Suits owners wanting a portable, characterful small terrier.
Origin: England
Temperament
Related reading for Norfolk Terrier owners
Norfolk Terrier FAQ
How long do Norfolk Terriers live?
The typical Norfolk Terrier lifespan is 12–16 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Norfolk Terrier?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Norfolk Terrier carries 1 documented high-risk condition, which is the main reason a Norfolk Terrier policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Norfolk Terrier a good apartment dog?
Conditionally. The Norfolk Terrier can live in an apartment, but its 4/5 energy level means you'll need a consistent daily exercise routine.
What health problems are Norfolk Terriers prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Mitral valve disease, Patellar luxation, Hip dysplasia. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.