The Norfolk Terrier is a small but spirited breed that's perfect for families and first-time dog owners. They weigh between 3-4 kg and stand about 20-22 cm tall.
Their short, dense coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for those with busy schedules. Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are the only maintenance tasks you'll need to worry about.
The Norfolk Terrier is a friendly and outgoing breed that gets along well with children and other pets. They're also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, requiring only short daily walks and playtime.
In the UK, you can expect to pay between £800-£1,200 for a Norfolk Terrier puppy from a reputable breeder.
Personality and Temperament
The Norfolk Terrier is a delightful breed with a unique personality. They are clever, active, and surprisingly tenacious for their size.
One of the standout traits of the Norfolk Terrier is their social nature. They are friendly, cheerful, and tolerant, making them a great breed for families with children.
Norfolk Terriers are also known for being fearless and sometimes a little foolhardy. This means they can be a bit of a handful if you don't provide them with enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Here are some key characteristics of the Norfolk Terrier's personality and temperament:
- Delightful disposition
- Extremely lovable
- Alert and inquisitive
- Fearless and sometimes a little foolhardy
It's worth noting that Norfolk Terriers can be a bit jealous and need plenty of socialization training, especially if they've grown up without other animals around. They also have a strong prey drive and can get distracted by small animals, so be sure to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Care and Upkeep
Norfolk Terrier puppies are energetic and love to play, so they need a daily exercise outing, whether it's a short walk or a lively play session.
They especially enjoy hunting and investigating, but make sure they do so in a safe area. A housedog with access to a yard is ideal for them.
Their wire coat requires regular grooming, with weekly brushing and stripping of dead hairs three to four times a year.
To keep their coat in good condition, brush them at least once a week with a slicker brush and a comb. They'll also need to be trimmed a couple of times a year, as their fur grows more like hair than other dogs.
Here's a quick rundown of their grooming needs:
Their diet is relatively easy to manage, as they're not fussy eaters. Just make sure to monitor their food intake to avoid unwanted weight gain.
Nutrition and Feeding
Small dogs have a fast metabolism and must eat little and often due to their small stomachs.
Specifically designed small-breed foods have the right levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths.
This encourages chewing and improves digestion in small dogs.
It's essential to space out your small dog's meals to prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight.
Norfolk Terriers, in particular, can be prone to obesity and need careful monitoring to ensure they don't overeat.
To determine if your Norfolk Terrier is gaining too much weight, look for a visible waistline when viewed from above.
You should be able to feel their ribs without seeing them when placing your hands on their back with your thumbs along the spine.
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General Care
The Norfolk Terrier is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, but regular brushing is still essential.
Norfolk Terriers have a harsh wiry coat that needs a thorough weekly brush. This helps keep their coat in good condition and prevents matting.
While some Norfolk Terriers may be sensitive to hand-stripping, most can benefit from it twice a year to maintain their natural texture.
Norfolk Terriers aren't picky eaters and will generally eat whatever you put in front of them, but it's still crucial to monitor their diet to prevent unwanted weight gain.
A good rule of thumb for grooming is to brush your Norfolk Terrier at least once a week, using a slicker brush and a comb to minimize shedding.
Here's a quick rundown of Norfolk Terrier grooming needs:
- Brush at least once a week
- Hand-pluck twice a year
- Trim a couple of times a year
By following these simple grooming tips, you can keep your Norfolk Terrier looking and feeling its best.
Health
Norfolk Terrier puppies are generally robust and healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.
Their life expectancy is around 13-15 years, which is a good indication of their overall health.
Major concerns for Norfolk Terriers include heart disease, specifically CHD, which can be life-threatening.
Minor concerns include allergies, which can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe.
Occasionally, you may see patellar luxation, which is a condition where the kneecap slips out of place.
Your veterinarian may recommend hip, knee, and cardiac tests to ensure your Norfolk Terrier is healthy.
Here's a summary of common health issues in Norfolk Terriers:
- CHD (heart disease)
- Patellar luxation
- Allergies
Training and Behavior
Training Norfolk Terrier puppies requires an early start, firm consistency, and gentle approach. They can be sensitive little souls, so be gentle but firm in your training.
Norfolk Terriers are intelligent and straightforward to train, but they can be mischievous. They ultimately want to impress their people and are down to earth, behaving best when they know they're doing the right thing.
A solid recall is vital, as their instinct to hunt combined with their lack of road sense can lead them into trouble. Be prepared to use positive feedback and tasty treats to convince them to listen.
Exercise Needs
Norfolk Terriers are surprisingly obedient and enjoy working with their owners, but they do need to be taught a good recall to prevent them from getting distracted by squirrels.
They require an hour's exercise a day, and they'll be active and into everything the rest of the time. They love games and play, and they're always ready for a mountain hike.
You can wear them out easily due to their small size, so take them on long walks or short jogs every day. Aim for about 4 miles per week, giving them around 30 minutes of activity each day.
They love the outdoors and particularly enjoy digging, so a dog-digging pit in the garden is a great idea to prevent them from tunnelling in the flower beds.
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Training
Training your Norfolk Terrier requires a gentle yet firm approach. They enjoy working with their owners and can be surprisingly obedient if trained properly.
Start training early, as consistency is key. Norfolk Terriers can be sensitive, so be gentle but firm in your approach. They may be stubborn at times, so be patient and use positive reinforcement techniques.
A tasty treat can go a long way in convincing your Norfolk Terrier to listen to you. They love their food, and a tasty titbit can make them more receptive to training.
A solid recall is vital, as their instinct to hunt combined with their lack of road sense can easily lead them into trouble. If they see a squirrel, they may suddenly become deaf to your commands.
To make training more effective, give your Norfolk Terrier plenty of positive feedback. They thrive on pleasing their owners and will repeat actions that bring them happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Norfolk Terrier cost in the UK?
In the UK, a Norfolk Terrier can cost between £500 to over £1000 for a well-bred pedigree puppy. The price may vary depending on factors such as breeder reputation and bloodline.
Are Norwich and Norfolk Terriers the same?
No, Norwich and Norfolk Terriers are distinct breeds, recognized as separate by major kennel clubs. Their separate classification is a result of a dedicated effort by dog enthusiasts to acknowledge their unique characteristics.
Are Norfolk Terriers lap dogs?
No, Norfolk Terriers are not lap dogs, despite their affectionate nature. They're loyal companions that enjoy human interaction, but have a strong terrier spirit.
Sources
- Norwich Terrier (live-74995-petcare-purinattt-unitedkingdom.pantheonsite.io)
- Norfolk Terrier Dog & Puppy Breed and Adoption Info (petfinder.com)
- NORFOLK TERRIER Breed Standard (fci.be)
- Norfolk Terrier Breed Profile (yourdog.co.uk)
- A post shared by Trixie the norfie (@lickle_spud.thenorfie) (instagram.com)
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