Norfolk Terrier Colors & Coat Guide

All recognized Norfolk Terrier colors, coat types, genetics, and how color can impact pricing and health.

Norfolk Terrier Colors Overview

Norfolk Terrier coat colors are governed by a complex interplay of genetics. Red is the most common and popular color, with wheaten, black and tan, and grizzle also accepted, all following standard terrier color inheritance patterns..

Understanding which colors are standard versus non-standard helps buyers make informed decisions. Color should never be the primary selection criterion—health and temperament come first.

Recognized Colors

Red Standard

Wheaten Standard

Black and Tan Standard

Grizzle Standard

Color & Price Impact

Standard colors	Normal pricing ($2000–$3000)
Rare/unusual colors	Premium pricing (+$900–$1500)

Coat Genetics

Norfolk Terrier coat color is controlled by several genes that determine pigment production and distribution. The primary genes include the E (extension) locus, A (agouti) locus, K (dominant black) locus, and B (brown) locus.

DNA color testing is available and can help breeders predict puppy colors and identify carriers of recessive genes. Red is the most common and popular color, with wheaten, black and tan, and grizzle also accepted, all following standard terrier color inheritance patterns..

Rare vs Standard Colors

Among Norfolk Terriers, the standard colors (Red, Wheaten, Black and Tan, Grizzle) are most common. With 4 recognized colors, variety exists even within the standard palette. Buyers should be cautious—extremely rare colors can sometimes be associated with health issues or may indicate crossbreeding.

Red is the most common and popular color, with wheaten, black and tan, and grizzle also accepted, all following standard terrier color inheritance patterns..

Do Norfolk Terrier Colors Change with Age?

As your Norfolk Terrier puppy matures toward its adult weight of 11–12 lbs, expect their coat to change too. Most puppies undergo a coat transition between 4 and 12 months that can alter color depth, pattern visibility, and overall appearance. The breed's hard, wiry, straight outer coat with undercoat coat may require adjusted grooming during this transition..

Controversial Colors

Be cautious of Norfolk Terrier breeders who promote non-standard colors at prices above the typical $2000–$3000 range. These 'rare' colors may not be recognized by kennel clubs and can occasionally carry genetic health risks. A responsible Norfolk Terrier breeder from the Terrier group focuses on health testing for Mitral Valve Disease and temperament first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard Norfolk Terrier colors include Red, Wheaten, Black and Tan, Grizzle. Red is the most common and popular color, with wheaten, black and tan, and grizzle also accepted, all following standard terrier color inheritance patterns..

Among Norfolk Terrier colors, rarity reflects recessive genetics rather than quality. Red is the most common and popular color, with wheaten, black and tan, and grizzle also accepted, all following standard terrier color inheritance patterns..

Color changes during the puppy-to-adult coat transition (4–12 months) are normal in Norfolk Terriers. Their hard, wiry, straight outer coat with undercoat coat undergoes significant texture changes during this period as well. Standard colors (Red, Wheaten, Black and Tan, Grizzle) tend to be established by maturity.

In most cases, coat color does not affect health. However, certain color genes (such as merle or extreme white) can carry health implications in some breeds. Red is the most common and popular color, with wheaten, black and tan, and grizzle also accepted, all following standard terrier color inheritance patterns..

Popularity among Norfolk Terrier colors tends to track with the breed standard. The standard recognizes Red, Wheaten, Black and Tan, Grizzle as acceptable colors. With 4 color options, Norfolk Terrier buyers have good variety. Red is the most common and popular color, with wheaten, black and tan, and grizzle also accepted, all following standard terrier color inheritance patterns..