Norfolk Terrier Breed Description

An Owner's Norfolk Terrier Description
This is Pumpkin, my Norfolk Terrier. Like most Terriers, Pumpkin is inquisitive, intelligent, alert and aggressive when it comes to small outdoor pests, like moles and mice. These terriers were originally bred to hunt and destroy farm vermin. Yet he adores people and other dogs and never shows any aggressive behaviors with either.

His inquisitive nature keeps him from settling down for any long period of time. He's always in search of something to do, so he loves to play with children. True to his Terrier nature, Pumpkin loves to be the center of attention and will readily perform silly tricks if that's what it takes.

Pumpkin can be rather vocal at times. I think that's okay because he is really savvy about people, so he actually is a pretty good watchdog in terms of setting off an alarm when it's appropriate and not barking his head off when it isn't. He can be counted on to let us know if there is someone unfamiliar to us getting too close.

Like most terriers, Pumpkin has a moderate-to-high energy level and needs daily exercise. He is quite intelligent and needs consistent mental stimulation even more so. We play games that challenge his mental and physical abilities so we can keep him fit in both ways.

Even though he always seems to be exploring his surroundings, I've noticed that after a good hike or walk, Pumpkin likes to take a short nap before moving on to the next activity. But once that nap is over, he expects everyone to be ready to play or at least give him some attention. He's eager to get to the next activity.

Introduction

Originally from the English county of Norfolk, these dogs and the Norwich Terrier started out as one breed. Officially separated in England in 1964, the AKC followed suit in 1979. Norfolks are active, courageous, affectionate, balanced and without any nervousness. They are energetic and thrive on an active life. These dogs are good with children. They are light shedders, but daily grooming is necessary. Norfolks weigh 10 to 12 lbs. and only stand 10" at the shoulders. They are the smallest of the working terriers.

History

In the early part of the 1880s, sportsmen in Britain developed working terriers of East Anglia on the eastern side of Europe. Norwich Terriers, later known as Norfolk Terriers, originated from crossbreeds of small red colored terriers, small short-legged breeds of Irish terriers and the local terrier-like dogs by the Gypsy ratters of Norfolk. Initially, students of Cambridge University in England kept the Norfolk dogs in their rooms and branded them ‘Cantab terriers.’ Later on, the breed name was changed to ‘Trumpington Terrier’ after an area where the breeds were initially developed. Just before the First World War, an Irish horseman known as Frank Jones sold many short-legged terriers to the American government. Due to that, these dogs adapted the name Jones Terriers.

General Description

These loveable little dogs are the tiniest in the working terrier groups. The breed has strong, sturdy and short bodies with powerful legs and fox-like muzzles with extensive solid teeth. The Norfolk Terriers’ eyes are expressive and dark and their ears are tight and hang to their cheeks. Their tails are docked by half and they have straight, wiry coats that are available in tan, red, black, wheaten, grizzle and black colors with rare white markings. The dogs’ eyebrows and face have jaunty whiskers.

Temperament

Although Norfolk terriers are brave and can defend themselves when necessary, they are not aggressive. Of all the Terrier group pets, Norfolk Terriers along with Border Terriers and Norwich Terriers have the softest personalities. These pets like working when in packs and get along with different dog breeds and domestic animals easily. Since they are friendly, Norfolk Terriers adore human beings and children and they therefore make exceptional pets. The levels of activities largely rely on the environmental pace. These dogs ought not to live outside because they do better when in contact with human beings. Norfolk Terrier dogs rarely dig, but will do so when they are bored or left alone for long periods. These dogs are barkers and are exceptionally vocal.

Health and Care

Norfolk dogs are generally considered as healthy breeds although there are some health incidences that responsible dog breeders think need preventive testing. Norfolk Terriers have complications like incorrect bites, luxating patellas and mitral valve diseases. In the first condition, the teeth fail to align with the standard of the breeds; either undershot or overshot. In most cases, these pets have low hip sockets; therefore, masters must test their dogs for hip dysplasia.

Dog Exercises

The Norfolk dogs are suitably designed to work. This is because these dogs are full of energy and thrive on active lives, meaning going for daily walks with their masters can make these breeds healthy and physically fit. While taking these dogs for walks, the Norfolk dogs ought to be behind or beside the master so that they learn that he/she is the leader who is in control.

Colors

wheaten, red, black, tan and grizzle. Some white markings are seen in the breed but are not desirable in show dogs.

Living Area

A very adaptable breed the Norfolk terrier can do well in an apartment or a house with or without a yard. They will self-exercise indoors but still require regular walks and outings.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

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