About
AKC Terrier Group
Height: Approximately 9 to 10 inches.
Weight: Approximately 11 to 12 pounds.
Availability: Will take some effort to find. We strongly advise
that you research a potential breeder to ensure you are not
purchasing from a Commercial breeder. One good rule of
thumb is to ask the breeder for Norfolk Terrier club
affiliations and verify those affiliations. Also verify that the
puppy is AKC registered.
History:
The Norwich and Norfolk Terriers started out as one breed,
but were officially separated in England in 1964. The AKC
followed suit in 1979. The Norwich has prick ears and the
Norfolk, dropped ears. The breeds were originally developed
in England as small ratting dogs. 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 narrow burrows quite easily. As
they were bred to hunt in packs, the Norfolk Terriers tend to
be more sociable than many other terriers. Today the
Norfolk Terrier serves primarily as a companion dog, but they
can still take care of vermin.
Description:
A short-legged terrier with a harsh, wiry, straight coat and
rounded drop ears. The tail is docked, but should be left long
enough to make a balanced outline. It is set high and carried
straight. The feet are rounded, with thick pads. The weather-
resistant double coat comes in many shades of wheaten, red,
black-and-tan and grizzle. Dark points are permitted, but
white markings are not desirable.
Notes:
Generally a very healthy breed, but the Parent Club
recommends several health certifications, including CERF,
Patella Luxation, Color Doppler (for MVD diagnosis). If your
potential breeder will not guaranty your puppy against these
inheritable diseases, you should reconsider your purchase.
Will dig and/or bark if left outside for long periods of time
with nothing to occupy his quick mind.
Loves toys and balls.
Can be difficult to housebreak.
Don't let off lead except in a secure area. His curiosity and
intense focus will cause him to bolt heedlessly across a busy
street.
Can jog for short to moderate distances.
Personality:
Alert and devoted.
Feisty.
Charming and loving.
Outgoing and brave, assertive but not aggressive.
Some are one-person dogs; all want to be included in family
life and activities.
Training for the Norfolk calls for consistent rules and basic
obedience training.
Socialize well with other breeds as a puppy to avoid tendency
toward timidity or dominance.
Behavior:
Children: Good with children the age of reason.
Friendliness: Loves everyone.
Trainability: Moderately easy to train.
Independence: Very independent.
Dominance: Moderate
Other Pets: Generally good with other pets.
Combativeness: Not generally dog-aggressive.
Noise: Will bark when excited.
Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: Regular grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: Skilled trimming or stripping needed.
Coat: Medium coat.
Shedding: Very light.
Docking: The tail is customarily docked.
Exercise: Moderate exercise needed.
Jogging: Small, but a pretty good jogging companion.
Indoors: Fairly active indoors.
Apartments: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently
exercised.
Outdoor Space: Does all right without a yard if given
adequate walks.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Owner: Good for novice owners.
Longevity: Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
Talents: hunting, tracking, watchdog, therapy and agility.
Norfolk Terriers remain few in numbers across the
country in comparison to the more popular
breeds. Although they are limited in availability,
there are occasional opportunities to acquire a
Norfolk from reputable sources. The benefits of
acquiring a dog from a responsible, reputable
breeder dedicated to producing quality dogs and
available for advice throughout the dog’s life
should be obvious to anyone endeavoring to
purchase a puppy.
A reputable breeder will ascertain information
about your lifestyle, your family, your home and
your schedule. Every adult member of your family
may be questioned regarding their expectations of
a dog. A responsible breeder will help you
understand the Norfolk personality and,if
necessary guide you to another breed more
appropriate to meet your needs.
Luxury Handmade Chocolates and Pastries