Norfolk Terrier: Personality, Exercise, Grooming

Group: AKC and KCGB Terrier Group

Also Known As: Jones Terrier

AKC Ranking: 115

About Norfolk Terrier

Origin and History of the Breed The Norfolk Terrier comes from the Norfolk County of England, where it was originally developed as a small ratting dog. They were later used on fox hunts to chase foxes out of their holes so the hunt could be continued. In England at the turn of the century, working terriers from stables in Cambridge, Market Harborough, and Norwich, were used by Frank "Roughrider" Jones to develop a breed recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1932 as the Norwich Terrier. In the early days there was diversity in type, size, color, coat, and ear carriage. Correct color and ear carriage were constantly argued. Originally the Norwich Terrier and Norfolk Terrier were a single breed.

The main factor of difference being that the Norwich Terrier has more rounded prick ears, while the Norfolk Terrier has more angular dropped ears. The breeds separated in England in 1964 and in the AKC in 1979.

A General Appearance of the Dog

The Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest of the working terrier breeds. They have a strong, compact, sturdy body and fox-like muzzle. Norfolk Terriers have dark expressive eyes with dark rims. Their tails are docked by half. The Norfolk Terrier differs from the Norwich Terrier primarily in the fact that its ears are dropped. The Norfolk Terrier is more angular than the Norwich.

Coat Color

The Norfolk Terrier coat coloring can be red, wheaten, tan, black and tan, grizzle, and may have white markings.

Coat Type

Norfolk Terriers have a hard wiry, straight coat laying close to the body. The Norfolk’s coat is between 1 ½ and 2 inches long with a definite undercoat. The Norfolk Terrier has a mane on its neck and shoulders which is longer and forms a ruff at the base of the ears and the throat. The ears and head have shorter hair except for slight eyebrows and whiskers.

Height: 9 to 10 inches

Weight: 10 to 12 pounds

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

The Norfolk Terrier is an active, affectionate Terrier. They are alert, fearless and loyal, seldom nervous or quarrelsome. Norfolk Terriers are easy to train but need consistent rules to follow. They make good watchdogs but are never aggressive. Norfolk Terriers are good with other dogs as well. However, left alone too long, they may dig or bark, and sometimes suffer from jealousy. He is loyal to his master. Quite a charmer, the Norfolk Terrier is obedient if his training is started early and continued consistently.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

Norfolk Terriers are small and easily adapt to city or apartment life. They can live without a yard if they get daily walks.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

The Norfolk Terrier is good with children. In fact, they love everyone.

Activity Level

How Active is the Breed?

The Norfolk Terrier is an energetic and active dog. They need daily walks and should never be let off lead unless in a fenced area.

How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?

Norfolk Terriers are an active breed, they need daily walks and love toys and balls to play with. They are active indoors and will do okay in an apartment or without a yard as long as they have daily walks and plenty of play time.

Grooming

Norfolk Terriers’ medium length coat should get a daily combing and brushing. Three or four visits to a professional groomer each year will make them look great. They are a light shedder.

Health and Care

The Norfolk Terrier is a hardy and long-lived breed with no known genetic problems.

Litter Size: Average Litter size is 3

Life Span: 12 to 15 years

National Breed Clubs

British – Norfolk Terrier Club – www.norfolkterrierclub.co.uk
US – Norwich and Norfolk Terrier Club - www.norwichandnorfolkterrier.org

Other Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CET, APRI, ACR

Rescue Link: http://www.norwichandnorfolkterrier.org/rescue.html