History

The Norfolk Terrier has been around for over 100 years. The ancestors of this little dog may have included the Border Terrier and its ancestors, the Cairn Terrier and a red terrier from Ireland. During the late 1800’s they were popular with the students at Cambridge University, so much so that they became their mascot. This dog was originally known as the Norwich Terrier and was first recognised in the UK in 1932. However some of these dogs had erect pointed ears and others had ears that dropped down close to the head. In 1965 the drop eared terrier was renamed the Norfolk Terrier.

Appearance

The Norfolk Terrier has a wire-haired coat which, according to the various national kennel club breed standards, can be "all shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle."

They are the smallest of the working Terriers. They are active and compact, free moving, with good substance and bone (and therefore heavier than toy breeds of comparable size). Good substance means good spring of rib and bone that matches the body such that the dog can be a very agile ratter, the function for which it was bred.

Norfolks are moderately proportioned dogs. A too-heavy dog would not be agile. A too-refined dog would make it a toy breed. Norfolks generally have more reach and drive and a stronger rear angulation, hence cover more ground than their Norwich cousins. Norfolk have good side gait owed to their balanced angulation front and rear, not their perceived slightly longer length of back as is often cited.The ideal height is 10 to 12 inches ( 25-30 cm) at the withers and weight is about 12 pounds (5 Kg). They are the smallest of the terriers.

Temperament

Norfolk Terriers are described as fearless but should not be aggressive despite being capable of defending themselves if need be. The AKC standard describes the Norfolk as “alert, gregarious, and loyal”. They are dogs that work in packs and must get along with other dogs. They love people and children and can make good companions.

They are self confident and carry themselves with presence and importance, holding their heads and tails erect. A Norfolk that is shy, or carries its tail between its legs is untypical as is a dog that is hot tempered and aggressive with other dogs; these are not the standard. Norfolk Terrier's typical breed temperament is happy, spirited and self confident.

Health

There are incidences of health issues that responsible breeders consider worthy to do preventative testing. Norfolks have incidences of mitral valve disease, luxating patellas, and bad bites (where the teeth do not align with the breed standard, ie. overshot or undershot)

Characteristics

The Norfolk Terrier should have a slightly round head with a broad skull and a strong wedge shaped muzzle. The jaws should be strong and have a regular scissor bite. The eyes should be small, oval in shape and dark with a keen expression. The ears should be medium in size, V shaped with slightly rounded tips and drop forward close to he cheek. The neck should be strong and quite long. The chest should be deep with a short back and level topline. The front legs should short, straight and powerful, the back legs should be broad, strong and muscular. The feet should be round and cat like in appearance. Tail docking is optional and if docked it should be to half its length. Tails are high set and carried erect. The coat should be hard, wiry, and straight with a thick undercoat. The hair should be longer and rougher on the neck and shoulders, and should be short and smooth on the head and ears. The colours desired are self-colours in all shades of red, wheaten, tan, grizzle or black, white is not desired.

Care and Exercise

Norfolk Terriers need regular brushing of their shaggy medium, length water proof coat. Take extra care when shedding. Minimal clipping is required. Bathe only when necessary. Norfolk Terriers enjoys activity and should be given the opportunity for free play, walks on a leash and the opportunity to dig as they are natural diggers.