The Norfolk Terrier was originally bred in Norwich and sold to Cambridge undergraduates, they are small active and alert terriers.
They are lively, affectionate and fearless, much like all the terriers. These guys are not quite as intense as other terriers, but they are still feisty and lots of fun. If you are looking for an energetic addition to your family, you may just of found your perfect breed.
They need plenty of exercise so as long as you have an active life and time to play outdoors and take them on a good daily walk, they are a fantastic addition to your active family. They can cope quite well to apartment living and as long as all their exercise needs are met and given plenty of playtime.
Remember a bored dog will usually become a mischievous dog, whether it be nuisance barking, chewing or digging. Try to make sure they are occupied with jobs, playtime or plenty of exercise to keep them out of trouble.
They make great playful and affectionate family pets, they are not suitable for families with young children as they have their limits to being pulled around. With older children and those used to being around dogs, they will play endless games running around the garden with them.
They should be fine with other dogs and cats if brought up with them. They can be a little bossy like most terriers. They are hunters so the instinctive need to chase neighbours cats and small animals is probably too strong to control. Make sure your outside area is well enclosed and they can’t escape when giving chase.
They are usually good with strangers but perhaps a little un-trusting so good socialiastion will help them. They make excellent watchdogs and you will also be informed of people at the door or anything of interest going on outside.
They are intelligent dogs but a little stubborn, but they should be fairly easy to train and work with. Try to keep training both interesting and fun for the best results and avoid being harsh with them, identifying their motivation reward early will get you the best results and it’s normally food.
These breeds have a double coat: a harsh, wiry topcoat and a soft, warm undercoat. They are fairly low maintenance with requiring a weekly brushing. Their coats need to be stripped twice a year in spring in summer, so you will need to take them to a professional or learn to do it yourself. They are very light shedders all year round.
Norfolk Terrier Stats
About the middle of the 19th Century a man known as ‘Doggy’ Lawrence was breeding small red terriers (about 4kg) that he sold mainly to Cambridge undergraduates. It is believed these dogs were the foundation of what are now known as Norwich and Norfolk Terriers.
- Weight -6kg –7kg
- Size – 25cm – 26cm
- They live for 13-15 years