The norwich terrier originates from different types of small terriers, and originally came from the East Anglia area of England, which includes Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. This area is famous for its horses, and many horse people liked to keep small terriers, as did students from Cambridge. Frank 'Roughrider' Jones sold the attractive little dogs, and called them 'norwich terrier'.
The most important dog in the creation of the breed was most likely Rags, a small red terrier that lived in the 1910's. 'Rat terrier' didn't ring well in the owner's ears, however, so people called them 'working terrier' instead and spoke of how they were used for fox hunting, though this was never true. The breed was recognized in 1932.

The norwich terrier should have a broad head with wedge-shaped muzzle, and marked stop. The eyes have an alert expression. The ears are erect and set well apart. The neck is storng and rather long, with a short, compact and deep chest and straight back. The boning should be heavy, rather short with good angulation. The tail is powerful and set high. The coat is hard, wirey and close-laying.