Description
This lovable little dog is among the smallest of the working terriers. It has a short, strong, sturdy body with strongly boned legs and a fox like muzzle with large solid teeth. The eyes are dark and expressive. The ears are hanging and tight to the cheeks. The tail is docked by half. Their coats are wiry and straight and come in red, wheaten, tan, black & tan, grizzle, and occasionally with white markings. The faces sport jaunty whiskers and eyebrows.
The small, oval shaped eyes are dark in color. The ears are small, hanging tight to the cheeks. The legs are straight and the feet are round with black toe nails. The medium sized tail is set high level with the topline and is usually docked by half. Note: it is illegal to dock tails in most of Europe. The wiry, straight coat is about one and a half to two inches long. Coat colors include red, wheaten, tan, black and tan, or grizzle with or without dark points and occasionally with white markings.
Temperament
The Norfolk Terriers are active, courageous, affectionate, balanced, and without any nervousness or quarrelsomeness. They are easy to train but need consistent rules to follow. These little dogs love everyone and are good with children. He will dig and bark if left outside for long periods of time with nothing to occupy his quick mind. They love toys and balls and are generally good with other pets, but can be difficult to housebreak. Norfolk Terriers should not be let off of their lead unless secure. They are okay joggers for short distances. Norfolk Terriers sometimes suffer from jealousy.
The Norfolk Terrier is among the smallest of the working terriers. Active, courageous, affectionate, balanced and without any nervousness or quarrelsomeness. They are easy to train, and need consistent rules to follow.
Height, Weight
Height: 10 inches (25cm.)
Weight: 10-12 pounds (4½-5½kg.)
These are the smallest of the Terriers.
Health Problems
The breed is long-lived and hardy.
Living Conditions
Norfolks will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Exercise
These little dogs were bred to work. They are energetic and thrive on an active life, and need to be taken on a daily walk.
Life Expectancy
About 12-15 years
Grooming
The shaggy, medium-length, waterproof coat is relatively easy, but daily combing and brushing is important. Little clipping is required. Take extra care when the dog is shedding. Bathe and dry shampoo only when necessary. This breed is a light shedder.
Origin
Originally from the country of Norfolk, this breed has only recently been recognized. The Norfolk and Norwich Terriers started out as one breed, but were officially separated in England in 1964. The AKC followed suit in 1979. The Norfolk has dropped ears and the Norwich has prick ears; also Norfolks are angular and the Norwich Terriers are more round. Some other differences are: the Norfolks are more apt to suffer from jealousy than the Norwich, and they frequently become hunting or racing addicts with great power of concentration. Norwich Terriers adapt more easily to urban life, preferring the company of humans over the other dogs. The breed was officially developed in England as a small ratting dog. Later they were also used to bolt foxes that had gone to ground during a fox hunt - so the horses and hounds could resume the chase. This small terrier could get in and out of a small burrow quite easily. As they were bred to hunt in packs, the Norfolk and Norwich Terriers tend to be more sociable than many other terriers. Today the Norfolk Terrier serves primarily as a companion dog, but can still take care of vermin.
Group
Terrier, AKC Terrier
