Norfolk Terrier

Size
Small (under 11kg)
Exercise
20 min/day
Training
Puppy school only
Size of home
Some outdoor space
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Weekly
Barking preference
Low
Personality
Independent + affectionate

History

The Norfolk Terrier originated in the ﬂat agricultural counties of East Anglia in England. It was bred for ratting and to accompany the hunt. The breed was not expected to follow on foot, but was carried by huntsmen in wicker baskets. Much of its work was in agricultural drains which, being larger and straighter than the average earth, presented less of a problem to the Terrier due to the breed’s make and shape.

Appearance

The Norfolk Terrier is described as a small, low, keen dog with a hardy constitution. It is alert and fearless with a lovable disposition, not quarrelsome. The breed’s skull is wide and slightly rounded with good width between the ears, which should be dropped forward, lying close to the cheek. The Norfolk Terrier’s eyes are oval shaped and its body should be sturdy with good bone and substance.

It’s short in back from the withers to the set on of tail, but reasonably long from the point of shoulder. The breed’s hindlegs are strong and muscular with well-turned stiﬂe and low-set hocks, giving good powers of propulsion. Its coat should be hard, wiry and straight, lying closer to the body. In terms of colour, all shades of red from wheaten through to deep red, black and tan and grizzle are acceptable.

Temperament

The Norfolk Terrier is alert and fearless. It likes real exercise, such as chasing mice and rats, and occasionally a bird. While the breed enjoys playing in water puddles, it needs to be taught how to handle deep water, as it has been known to get carried away and drown. The Norfolk Terrier also needs to be taught road sense.

If you have a garden, you will need to ensure it’s securely fenced, as the breed is naturally inquisitive and likes to explore.

Health

The Norfolk Terrier has very few health issues. While reports have been collated on heart issues overseas, it has not become a major issue in Australia. Cataracts can develop in older dogs, but juvenile cataracts are rare. The breed’s average life span is 14-16 years. Overall the Norfolk Terrier is a sturdy, sound, little dog and has been described as having a big heart in a small package.

Maintenance & Suitability

While regular grooming is needed to maintain the breed’s weatherproof coat, excessive clipping is not desirable. The Norfolk Terrier’s nails need to be kept short and its teeth clean. The breed makes for a good family companion and is especially good with children. It is, however, important to remember what the Norfolk Terrier was bred for: it is not a lap dog and requires regular and varied exercise. The breed also gets on well with cats, especially if it grows up alongside them.

Words: Elizabeth Hindley

Image by Roughstock Photography

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Norfolk Terrier, you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Norfolk Terrier and its needs, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 22 May 2009)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Small, low, keen dog, compact and strong, short back, good substance and bone. Honourable scars from fair wear and tear permissible.

Characteristics

One of the smallest of terriers, a 'demon' for its size. Lovable disposition, not quarrelsome, hardy constitution.

Temperament

Alert and fearless.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Skull broad, only slightly rounded with good width between ears. Muzzle wedge-shaped and strong; length of muzzle about one-third less than measurement from occiput to bottom of well defined stop.
Eyes	Oval shaped, dark brown or black. Expression alert, keen and intelligent.
Ears	Medium size, V-shaped, slightly rounded at tip, dropping forward close to cheek.
Mouth	Tight lipped, strong jaw, teeth strong and rather large; perfect scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck	Strong and of medium length.
Forequarters	Clean, well laid back shoulder blade, approximating in length to upper arm. Front legs short, powerful and straight.
Body	Compact, short back, level topline, well sprung ribs.
Hindquarters	Well muscled, good turn of stifle, hocks well let down and straight when viewed from rear; great propulsion.
Feet	Round with thick pads.
Tail	Docked: Medium docked, set level with topline and carried erect.Undocked: Tail of moderate length to give a general balance to the dog, thick at the root and tapering towards the tip, as straight as possible, carried jauntily, but not excessively gay.
Gait/Movement	True, low and driving. Moving straight forward from shoulder. Good rear angulation showing great powers of propulsion. Hindlegs follow track of forelegs, moving smoothly from hips. Flexing well at stifle and hock. Topline remaining level.
Coat	Hard, wiry, straight, lying close to body. Longer and rougher on neck and shoulders. Hair on head and ears short and smooth, except for slight whiskers and eyebrows. Excessive trimming undesirable.
Colour	All shades of red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle. White marks or patches undesirable but permissible.
Size	Ideal Height: 25 cms (10 ins) at withers.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.