The Norfolk Terrier is a small but mighty breed with a big personality. They are a compact dog with a sturdy build and a short, easy-to-maintain coat.
One of the most distinctive features of the Norfolk Terrier is their wire-haired coat, which comes in a variety of colors including black, tan, and red. Their coat is one of the things that sets them apart from other breeds.
In terms of size, the Norfolk Terrier is a small dog that typically weighs between 8 and 12 pounds and stands between 9 and 10 inches tall at the shoulder. They are a great choice for city dwellers or those with small living spaces.
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Physical Characteristics
The Norfolk Terrier is a small but mighty breed, with a compact and active body that's perfect for ratters and earth-dogs.
They have a wire-haired coat that comes in a variety of colors including red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle.
Norfolk Terriers are moderately proportioned dogs, with a good balance of bone and substance that allows them to be agile and free-moving.
They typically stand between 9 to 10 inches tall at the withers, with males and females having the same height.
Their ideal weight is around 11 to 12 pounds, making them a great companion for city dwellers or those with limited space.
Norfolk Terriers have a strong rear angulation and a slightly longer length of back, which gives them good side gait and allows them to cover more ground than their Norwich cousins.
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Temperament and Behavior
Norfolk Terriers are fearless and have a soft temperament, making them great companions for people and children. They thrive on human contact and can become destructive if left alone for too long.
They are not naturally inclined to digging, but will do so if bored. Norfolk Terriers are also not yappy, but will bark when necessary due to their watchdog tendencies. They generally get along with other household pets, but may chase small animals outdoors.
These little dogs are incredibly social and love to interact with their family. They're happiest when they're in the middle of everything that's happening at home.
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Temperament
The Norfolk Terrier is a breed that thrives on human contact and interaction. They love people and children and make great pets.
Their activity level is generally reflective of the pace of their environment, so they'll be just as energetic or laid-back as you are. They're not yappers and are not particularly vocal, but they will bark when necessary, given their watch-dog tendencies.
Norfolks are natural hunters with a strong prey drive for small vermin, so they'll chase rodents, squirrels, rabbits, and other small creatures if given the opportunity. They're also quite affectionate and loyal to their families.
They'll sound the alarm if they sense something is amiss, but they're small and pretty docile, so handling the situation will largely be up to you. They're not incredibly wary of strangers, but they can be reserved around newcomers.
Norfolk Terriers can be intolerant of boundary issues that come with little humans, so it's essential to teach any children in your dog's life how to respectfully and gently interact with dogs. They're also great with other dogs, but may chase cats or other small pets.
Their high energy level means they hate being bored or left alone, and they'll resort to digging and chewing if they don't get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They're clever enough to entertain themselves, but it's up to you to provide them with the right outlets for their energy.
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Exercise
Exercise is a crucial part of a Norfolk Terrier's life, and they're surprisingly low-maintenance when it comes to it. A brisk 30-minute walk every day should be plenty.
Norfolk Terriers are extremely playful, so exercise doesn't have to be a boring chore. They love running and walking, but playing fetch and tug-of-war is also great for them.
Mental stimulation counts, too, so if the weather isn't cooperating, you can always try dog puzzles. This will keep your pup engaged and active even on a rainy day.
It's essential to keep your pup on a leash when you're out and about – always. Norfolk Terriers have an incredibly high prey drive, so they're guaranteed to give chase if something interesting walks by.
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Grooming and Care
Norfolk Terriers have a double coat that sheds minimally year-round, making them a great choice for people with allergies.
Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling of their coat. They should be combed daily with a steel "greyhound" comb, but weekly combing is sufficient for a companion dog.
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Clipping or cutting the coat ruins its colours and harsh texture, so it's best to avoid it. Instead, the coat is hand stripped once in the Autumn and once in the Spring.
The Norfolk coat comes in shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle, with longer fur around the neck and shoulders forming a ruff at the base of the ears and throat.
Their coat should be brushed one or twice a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Trimming their toenails regularly is also a must.
Monthly bathing is needed, but frequent bathing may soften the coarse terrier coat. Regular tooth brushing with a soft toothbrush and doggie toothpaste helps prevent gum disease.
Norfolk Terriers don't need regular haircuts, as clipping will soften and lighten the coat and remove its natural waterproofing.
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History and Highlights
The Norfolk Terrier has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s in East Anglia, England. They were originally bred as farm dogs and hunters to catch vermin in barns.
These small but brave dogs were bred to be fierce and sturdy, and they lived up to their reputation as "a demon in the field." They were so good at their job that they earned the right to have "honor scars" in the show ring as a testament to their courage.
The Norfolk Terrier was first classified as a separate breed in 1979 by the American Kennel Club, and they're now recognized as one of the smallest breeds in the Terrier group, standing at just 10 inches tall.
The History of
The Norfolk Terrier has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s in East Anglia, England.
They were originally bred to be farm dogs and hunters, believed to be a cross between Border Terriers, Cairn Terriers, and Irish Terriers.
Frank "Roughrider" Jones, an English dog breeder, played a significant role in developing the breed.
The Norfolk Terrier was first classified in the Terrier group with its close cousin, the Norwich Terrier, as one breed.
In 1979, the American Kennel Club finally recognized the Norfolk and Norwich Terriers as separate breeds.
These tiny dogs, standing at only 10 inches, were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin in barns.
They were affectionately known as "a demon in the field" due to their bravery and hunting prowess.
Interestingly, Norfolk Terriers are one of the few breeds allowed to have "honor scars" in the show ring, a testament to their courage and scrappiness.
The breed is becoming harder to find as breeders are aging out, and few new breeders join the ranks.
Highlights
Norfolk Terriers are small, sturdy dogs with a wiry, double coat that can be any color, but the most common colors are red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle.
Their distinctive fox-like head with a short muzzle and triangular ears makes them easily recognizable.
These dogs are known for being affectionate, playful, and loyal companions, which is why they make great family pets.
They are also intelligent and relatively easy to train, but early socialization and training are still crucial to develop good behavior.
Norfolk Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to allergies, patellar luxation, and eye problems, so regular check-ups with the vet are a must.
A daily walk or playtime session is typically sufficient exercise for Norfolk Terriers, but they also enjoy hiking, swimming, and other activities.
Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coats from matting, and they should be brushed and combed regularly, with trimming or hand-stripping every few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dog is similar to the Norfolk Terrier?
The Norwich Terrier is similar to the Norfolk Terrier, with the main difference being ear carriage. They share many physical and temperamental characteristics, making them closely related breeds.
Sources
- Norfolk Terrier Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- standard (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- Breed Standard (ckc.ca)
- "The Kennel Club" (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- The Norfolk Terrier (norfolkterrier.org)
- Norfolk Terrier Club (norfolkterrierclub.org)
- Norfolk Terrier: Characteristics, Care & Photos (chewy.com)
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