Norfolk and Norwich Terriers - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 25.4 cm (10 inches)

Weight: About 5 kg (11 lb)

Life Span: 14 years

Grooming: Simple

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Alert, friendly & fearless

Country of Origin: England

AKC Group: Terrier

Temperament:

Norfolk and Norwich Terriers are hardy, alert, active, fearless and energetic. Both Norfolk and Norwich Terriers happily socialize with other dogs and children. They will announce the arrival of visitors with barking, but then will be calm. They tend to learn quite quickly with consistent training. These brave dogs also make good watchdogs.

Grooming:

Norfolk and Norwich Terriers need to be brushed regularly and the old hairs need to be plucked out about twice a year. The owner can learn to do this themselves or a professional dog groomer can do this job. The excess hair between the pads of the feet should also be trimmed.

Exercise:

Both the Norfolk and Norwich Terriers enjoy a sporting life with lots of outdoor activities. They can easily live in the city, provided they have their exercise needs met. They enjoy digging and going for walks in the country.

History:

These breeds originate from East Anglia in England and got their names from the Norfolk county and its main city Norwich. Both these breeds were considered as one type until 1964 when they were seperated into two breeds. It is believed that they evolved from the old Border Terrier and Irish breeds and possibly the shorter legged Glen of Imaal Terrier. These dogs were once known as Trumpington Terriers and at one time were very popular with Cambridge University Students.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Compact, small and low.

Color: Wheaten, red, grizzle or black/tan. Any white patches or markings are undesirable.

Coat: The outercoat is wiry, straight and harsh. The undercoat is thick and dense. The hair is long and rough on the shoulders and short and smooth on the head, ears and muzzle. There are distinctive whiskers and eyebrows.

Tail: May be docked.

Ears: Norfolk - Drop forward at the tip, V-shaped but slightly rounded at the tip. Norwich - Erect, set well apart with pointed tips.

Body: The body is short and compact with well-sprung ribs. The topline is level and the shoulders are well laid back. The back is straight and short and the loin is short.

Additional Comments:

* These two breeds are identical except that the Norfolk Terriers ears drop forward at the tip, whereas the Norwich Terriers ears are pricked. The Norwich Terrier is the older cousin of the Norfolk Terrier.

* They are the smallest dogs in the terrier group.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/norfolk_norwich_terriers/