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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Norfolk Terrier
Norfolk Terriers have a wiry, weather-resistant double coat. The hair on the neck
should be longer forming a mane. The undercoat should be straight and thick. When
showing this breed, desirable coat colors are tan and black, red, wheaten, and grizzle.
Norfolk Terriers should not have white markings. The head is slightly rounded and
the skull is wide. The muzzle tapers into a wedge-shape and the stop is well-defined.
The small, expressive eyes should be oval in shape and dark in color. The V-shaped,
wide set ears are medium in size and should drop forward close to the cheek. The
nose is black and the jaw strong. The teeth should meet in a scissor-like bite.
The long muscular neck merges into a short, stocky body. The chest is deep and the
topline level. The forelegs should be straight and muscular while the hindlegs are
broad and strong. The feet are rounded with thick pads. The high set tail is carried
high and is customarily docked by half.
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Temperament
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Norfolk Terriers are affectionate, balanced, alert, devoted and friendly. However,
they can also have a mind of their own and be willful. They get along well with
older more respectful children and with the elderly. Some may prefer one family
member over the other and may suffer from jealousy. However, they love to be included
in all manner of family life. This charming breed may become destructive if left
alone for long periods of time. Norfolk Terriers can be feisty and should not be
let off a lead in unsecure areas.
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Height, Weight
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Height: 10" ; Weight: 10-12 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Norfolk Terriers are generally a healthy, hardy breed however common ailments include
skin issues, heart murmurs, and genetic eye problems.
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Living Conditions
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Norfolks can live okay in an apartment if they are given sufficient exercise. They
are pretty active indoors and will do fine without a yard.
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Exercise
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This energetic dog was bred to work and thrive on an active life. They are pretty
even-tempered if you miss a day of exercise.
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Life Expectancy
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About 12-15 years
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Grooming
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This breed needs daily brushing because of their medium-length weatherproof coat.
Only a little clipping is necessary. Shampoo when necessary. This breed is a light
shedder.
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Origin
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The Norfolk Terrier originated in the 1800s and were breed to catch vermin. They
were developed from the Border Terrier, the Cairn Terrier and a red terrier from
Ireland. Eventually this little dog was used in fox hunts to lure them out of their
hiding places. This terrier breed is fairly sociable since they were bred to hunt
in packs. In the late 1800s this breed became popular with the students at Cambridge
University and quickly became their mascot. The breed was first recognized in the
United Kingdom in 1932; however, in 1964 the breed was separated between the Norfolk
and the Norwich Terriers. The AKC and the UKC recognized this separation in 1979.
The reason for the distinction of breeds was due to the primary characteristic of
each breed. The Norwich Terrier has erect ears, rounded bodies, and enjoy urban
lifestyles. The Norfolk Terriers ears drop close to the head, have narrower bodies,
tend to become jealous and love to hunt or race.
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Group
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AKC and UKC Terrier
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