Norfolk Terrier Information

The perky little Norfolk terrier is one of many dog breeds that originated in England. It is often confused with the Norwich terrier, because both terrier breeds were considered the same until the 1930s, according to "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds." The Norwich terrier has special needs that potential owners need to be aware of before bringing one home.

  1. History

    • Both Norfolk and Norwich terriers were developed in the Norwich and Norfolk counties during the 1880s. Small, scruffy terriers with short legs could be carried in saddlebags by hunters to where prey was hidden in their dens. The terrier could then enter the den, kill or drag out the prey. These terriers became the dog breed of choice at Cambridge, so for a while they were known as CamTabs. A CamTab named "the Jones terrier" is considered the foresire of the breeds. By the 1930s, quarrels by dog breeders as to what the ideal terrier would look like split the breed into the Norwich and Norfolk terriers.

    Comparison

    • Norfolk and Norwich terriers are similar in size, ear shape, and temperament. The Norfolk is the smaller of the two breeds, averaging about 9.5 inches tall at the shoulder, compared to the Norwich terrier that averages 10 inches in height. Norfolk terriers weigh 10 to 12 pounds while the Norwich weighs 11 to 12 pounds. Norfolk terrier's ears fold down while the Norwich terrier's ears stick up like triangles.

    Function

    • Norfolk terriers were bred to hunt, dig out and kill vermin. They should not be kept in homes with pet rodents. They may also be inclined to dig. Norfolk terriers were also bred to bark in order for a hunter to find the dog and the prey. Although this makes Norfolk terriers excellent watchdogs, they do need to be trained to stop barking on command.

    Colors

    • Norfolk terriers mostly are shades of brown. These shades are known as red; a red mixed with white fairs called fawn; a type of soft gold called wheaten; tan with black patches and grizzle, which is a mixture of tan, black, grey and white hairs. Although there are Norwich terriers born with white patches, they are usually disqualified from dog shows, according to the American Kennel Club. No matter what the coat color is, the nose is always black and the eyes are usually brown.

    Health Problems

    • Norfolk terriers are often healthier than many other types of small purebred terriers, perhaps because the breed was never as popular as the West Highland white terrier or the Yorkshire terrier. But because of their short legs, Norfolk terriers can have knee, leg and heart problems, which can get worse if they are allowed to become overweight, according to the Norfolk Terrier Club of Great Britain.

    Coat

    • The Norfolk terrier has a body coat from one to two inches in length. The topcoat is harsh in order to help protect the dog from the elements. The undercoat is much softer. The coat is very short on the head and ears, except for the eyebrows, which gives the dog a comical expression, according to the American Kennel Club.