Norfolk Terrier

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Norfolk Terrier

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Size: Small
Other Names: Norfolk
Country of Origin: Great Britain
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Terrier
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Terriers
United Kennel Club (UKC): Terrier
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Terriers
The Kennel Club (KC): Terrier
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Terrier
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Terrier

The Norfolk Terrier is the smallest of the working terriers. He is compact, free-moving, self confident, and carries himself with presence and importance, holding his head and tail erect. He is low to the ground, and has good bone and substance. His head is wide between the ears and slightly rounded, with a wedge-shaped muzzle that is not as long as the skull. He has small, dark, and oval-shaped eyes, with black rims, with a sparkling, keen, intelligent expression. His ears are small, V-shaped, and slightly rounded at the tip, very smooth and velvety to the touch. His tail is straight and high-set.

A small drop-eared earth dog who can share an apartment if walked and given a job; a wiry coat and a busy voice at the door.

In the 1880s, British sportsmen developed a working terrier of East Anglia in Eastern England. Believed to have been developed by crossing the Cairn Terrier, small, short-legged Irish terrier breeds, and the small red terriers used by the Gypsy ratters of Norfolk, the drop-ear variety became known as the Norfolk Terrier, and the prick-eared variety became known as the Norwich Terrier. Norfolks were originally bred as barn dogs to rid the barn of vermin. As a pack dog, they take turns working their prey. They are fearless and courageous. Today, the Norfolk Terrier is also a companion dog, and must have an agreeable disposition for living with people.

Height: 10-12 inches
Weight: 11-12 pounds
Color: All shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle
Coat: Double; harsh, wiry topcoat; soft, warm undercoat
Lifespan: 13–15 years
Litter size: 2–4 puppies

Temperament

A Norfolk Terrier typically is happy, spirited, self-confident, alert, gregarious, and loyal. A well-trained Norfolk is fearless, yet not aggressive. He has one of the softest temperaments of the terrier group, and loves people and children, and makes a good pet. He thrives on human contact, and does not make a good backyard-only dog. Norfolks get along with other dogs and household pets, when introduced as a puppy; however, in the outdoors, they are natural hunters with a strong prey drive for small vermin. They can be barkers and are very vocal.

Training

Early socialization will help the Norfolk get along with other dogs and household pets.

Care and grooming

The Norfolk requires a good combing once a week to remove the loose, dead hairs and prevent matting. As a minimum, the coat should be hand stripped once in the fall and once in the spring. His hair should not be clipped or cut, ad it ruins the coat's colors and harsh texture. He can be bathed with a dog shampoo anytime he is dirty.

Shedding

Low to moderate; the broken coat sheds less when it is stripped.

Health

Norfolk Terriers may develop patellar luxation and collapsing trachea, as do many small terriers. Use a harness instead of a collar on walks.

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