Those who wish to own a small and sociable breed can consider getting a Norwich terrier. This breed shares obvious similarities with its boisterous English kin; the Norfolk terrier. However, they also possess biological and psychological traits that make them quite unique.
If you are considering owning this adorable pet, then you should know how much does Norwich Terrier cost on this article.
Average Cost of a Norwich Terrier
The average Norwich terrier price can range anywhere between $1,000 and $2,350 based on popular websites that sell purebred dogs. In exceptional cases, a certain Norwich terrier type could fetch a price range as exorbitant as $3,000 to $4,000.
However, the cost is justifiable by the fact that it is purebred and registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). Also, the Norwich Terrier is considered a rare breed, and there are only about a few hundred puppies born annually.
Bear in mind, though that there is no definitive evidence that guarantees prospective owners when buying a particular dog registered with the AKC. This accreditation only ensures better odds of acquiring a healthy pet on account of their improved market value.
If you can’t afford that price range or feel that it’s too much for a pet, another option would be to look for adoption from rescue groups. From there, you could get a puppy for around $450.
Additional Costs
For those who are buying Norwich terriers outside their immediate location (state-to-state), there is an additional cost of $150 for shipping. The price may increase depending on the distance and other logistical demands.
You will also need to invest in crates and leashes if you don’t have them yet. These are very important when transporting your new pet.
How Norwich Terrier Prices Are Determined
Despite the eyebrow-raising price, there are clear factors that can help buyers understand how a Norwich terrier is priced prior to purchase or adoption. Some of these are the following:
- Age Factor
There are two ways of looking at how the price of a Norwich terrier increases in terms of age. Considering the age alone, young pups are more expensive than adolescent or adult ones.
The rationale behind this is that puppies are ‘fresher’, so to speak. After all, exposure to a plethora of health risk factors is almost always relative to age.
However, older dogs can also be more expensive than their younger counterparts when one has to account for the investment a breeder has spent in raising the puppy until it is sold. These expenses include food, shelter, grooming, vet visits, vaccinations, and behavioral conditioning (training), among others.
The health and skills advantages of a more mature dog also entail an expensive premium in contrast to a ‘clean slate’ puppy. This is because it always leaves prospective owners with the greater burden of training the new member of the family when acquired at a very young age.
- Color Factor
Another important factor is the dog’s fur color. A Norwich terrier sports conventional shades of red or ends up with black and tan fur.
However, there are also uncommon shades like grizzle, wheaten (pale gold), and even pinkish puppies. These shades are obviously priced higher than others because of their rarity.
This factor even makes all the more sense given that, unlike other breeds of dogs, the Norwich terrier only sires an average of 2 to 3 pups.
- Breeder
The cost also depends on the source of the puppy. The manner and ethics in which the dog is being bred definitely affect the price of the Norwich Terrier.
You also need to consider the reputation of the breeder. If they are widely known to produce a quality breed of dog, then expect higher costs.
- Location
Where the breeder is doing business can also contribute to the overall pricing of the puppy. If the breeder operates in a state where everything is expensive, then you’d better prepare for a higher budget than you normally would in another location.
Overall Pet Maintenance Cost
People who plan to buy dogs must have a clear vision in terms of calculating costs to be able to somehow prepare for what’s in store as new pet parents. This is especially due to the fact that a Norwich terrier can easily be very expensive for a certain variety to begin with.
The $1,000 minimum projected cost of buying this breed is just the start. Every single day, from their adoption up to their maximum lifespan of 14 to 16 years, fur parents must at least know how much they are investing annually.
Beyond the cost of the puppy, one of the most basic cost considerations is its maintenance and upkeep. The average cost of feeding a Norwich terrier is an average of $6 to $15 per week. Hence, dog owners are looking at a maximum annual investment of around $800.
When it comes to its hygiene, this small, hairy dog requires grooming every week. It is up to the owner whether they will spend time fixing the dog’s mane themselves or indulge their four-legged kids with a visit to the pet salon.
One of the most prevalent costs for grooming a Norwich terrier is around $50 to $60, which already includes a small percentage of sales tax. The total cost of grooming for a year will depend on how often your dog gets the service.
Health & Temperament Issues
Another way to effectively assess one’s investment beyond the purchase price of the puppy is to acknowledge its inherent characteristics. As mentioned earlier, the Norwich terrier has its own unique attributes that make it quite different from its Norfolk cousins.
- Health Profile
For one thing, Norwich terriers are a sturdier breed with very low susceptibility to illness. For owners who may worry about medical (veterinary) bills, their concerns are merely reserved for potential injuries caused by their animated nature.
These dogs may be prone to upper respiratory problems, and they also share the same genetic propensity for canine epilepsy as their Norfolk kin. Fortunately, their minimal birth rate means a higher chance for breeders to isolate and root out these genetic flaws.
- Restlessness Factor
The Norwich terrier is best suited for households with spare outdoor space (e.g. front yard). Their countryside instincts cause them to dig holes for hours.
Anyone who owns a resplendent garden might take these behavioral quirks into account. One of the most advantageous characteristics of a Norwich terrier is that they are less prone to aggression than the high-strung Norfolk terrier.
Homeowners must also remember that this highly energetic breed requires an average of 60 minutes of their owner’s time for walking outdoors. This has always been an effective way of exhausting their restlessness and making them an easier subject of training.
For some reason, this dog has a selfiosh streak that causes them to seek attention from their human parents. So be sure to spend some time with them if possible.