Do Norfolk Terriers bark a lot?
Norfolk Terriers bark at a moderate level — they'll alert you to strangers and unusual sounds, but aren't a nuisance breed. Manageable with consistent training and ensuring their needs are met.
Small, shaggy, and sociable. One of the more family-friendly terriers that actually gets on with other dogs.
How much do Norfolk Terriers bark?
Norfolk Terriers bark at a moderate level — not a silent breed, but not a nuisance either. They tend to be alert barkers: they'll tell you when someone's at the door, when there's movement outside, or when something unusual catches their attention. Then they typically settle.
The main risk of increased barking is separation anxiety. Norfolk Terriers that are left alone for long periods or haven't been properly habituated to alone time can become vocal. This is a training and management issue, not a fixed breed characteristic.
With consistent training, adequate exercise, and proper alone-time habituation, most Norfolk Terriers are perfectly manageable from a noise perspective — including in flats and terraced houses.
Fearless dogs bark to challenge, not to alert. That type of bark is harder to manage in a residential setting because it doesn't respond to the same reassurance techniques. High alertness means nothing passes unnoticed in the vicinity of the home. Some things get assessed silently. Others get a comment.
What triggers Norfolk Terriers to bark?
- Strangers approaching the home. The most common trigger; alert barking is normal
- Unusual sounds or movement. Short alert barks, generally stops when the trigger passes
- Being left alone. Can increase barking if separation anxiety is present; needs proper habituation
- Excitement — some Norfolk Terriers become vocal at high-energy moments (walks, playtime)
Do Norfolk Terriers suit flat living?
The bigger considerations for flat living are:
- Exercise — Norfolk Terriers need regular daily walks. A flat is fine if you're committed to getting them out twice a day.
- Alone time. Any dog in a flat needs proper habituation to being alone. Barking while you're out affects neighbours even with a quiet breed.
How to manage barking in Norfolk Terriers
Managing barking in Norfolk Terriers comes down to two areas: training a reliable quiet command, and addressing the root causes.
- Teach "quiet" as a positive command. When the dog is barking, calmly say "quiet," then wait for a brief pause and immediately reward it. Build the duration of silence before rewarding. Don't shout, which the dog often interprets as you barking along with them.
- Address separation anxiety early — habituate your Norfolk Terrier to being alone from puppyhood. Short absences, gradually extended. A dog that's comfortable being alone doesn't bark when you leave.
- Ensure adequate exercise. A tired dog is a quieter dog. Insufficient physical and mental exercise directly increases problem barking.
Full Norfolk Terrier profile — temperament, shedding, training and costs.
Read the complete Norfolk Terrier breed guide →