Norfolk Terrier

Even if he is primarily a companion dog, the Norfolk Terrier is also an excellent pest hunter, as his natural hunting instinct comes from his distant ancestors. He is suitable for all types of owners, and can easily be a guardian as well as a life companion for all family situations. The Norfolk Terrier is a pleasant little dog, much less known than his cousin the Yorkshire Terrier, or some other Terrier breeds. However, the breed deserves to be more widespread, because this small dog has great qualities and aptitudes for all those who want a pleasant four-legged life companion.

Height 23 to 25 cm
Weight 5 to 6 kg
Life expectancy 12 to 15 years
Home country United Kingdom (UK)

Quick Overview of the Norfolk Terrier

Temperament

  • Real little active and lively devil
  • Never aggressive
  • Very friendly and affectionate
  • Gentle, cheerful and sociable

Appearance

  • Low on legs
  • Solid and very robust
  • Excellent bones
  • Straightforward and impulsive

Health

  • No particular pathology
  • Usually healthy
  • Long life expectancy

Temperament of the Norfolk Terrier

Real active and very lively little devil, the Norfolk Terrier is never aggressive. Rather very friendly and affectionate, he is still able to guard if necessary and defend his own despite his small size. In the terrier group, he has one of the best characters.

This dog is ideal for companionship, he gets along wonderfully with humans. He is very effective in locating and exterminating small vermin that are harmful to his environment. His ratter instinct comes from afar, and he has kept it over the years.

Gentle, cheerful, affectionate and sociable, the Norfolk Terrier gets along with everyone, humans and other animals alike. His education must be firm and rigorous because he is sometimes stubborn.

Although he is called a little hairy devil, the Norfolk Terrier is way less hairy than most other Terriers. The Norfolk Terrier can live just about anywhere, because his size allows him to spend all his energy whatever the space available.

In spite of his appearance and small size, he tolerates temperature variations very well, but he hates solitude. Human presence is vital to him.

All situations are compatible with this small dog. He is gentle with both small and large dogs.

An early education is necessary because he has a slight tendency to stubbornness. Rigor and firmness must be part of his learning, so that he reacts well to commands.

norfolk terrier personnalité

Breed Appearance

norfolk terrier

Low on legs, this small dog is nevertheless solid and very robust. With excellent bone structure and great power, this compact dog is surprisingly lively despite his small size.

His pace is frank and impulsive, and his little doggy look does not reflect in any way his great capacity and liveliness.

Height

Between 23 and 25 cm (9.06 to 9.84 inches) for the male
Between 23 and 25 cm (9.06 to 9.84 inches) for the female

Weight

Between 5 and 5 kg (11.02 to 11.02 pounds) for the male
Between 5 and 6 kg (11.02 to 13.23 pounds) for the female

Color

His color varies between different shades of red, grey or black and tan. White markings may be accepted.

Hair

His flat hair is straight and hard. Its texture is similar to a wire.

Morphology

The skull of the Norfolk Terrier is slightly rounded but broad and has a well defined stop. His oval eyes are dark brown or black.

His medium sized ears are v-shaped. His nose is black.

His tail was initially shortened, but the trend is more and more towards medium length. It is straight and tapers towards the tip. When shortened, it is carried erect.

According to the FCI breeds nomenclature, this breed belongs to group 3, section 2 and is #272

Price and monthly budget

Price you can expect to pay for a Norfolk Terrier puppy: between and
These prices are indicative and may vary from breeder to breeder

Norfolk Terrier pictures

Health of the Norfolk Terrier

No particular pathology affects the breed, and he usually enjoys excellent health. This robust and hardy dog also enjoy a good life expectancy.

GROOMING

His pretty dress requires daily brushing. It is also preferable to give the Norfolk Terrier a professional grooming two to three times a year, to ensure a good health to his "wiry" coat.

History of this breed

Originally from Great Britain, the Norfolk Terrier shares his origins with Norwich Terriers. These two joint breeds are apparently the result of crossbreeding between the Irish and the Yorkshire Terrier, which took place towards the end of the 19th century in England, in the county of Norfolk.

The Norwich Terrier Club was therefore created in 1930 and the breed was received in 1932 with the addition of blood from other terriers.

It was in 1964 that the two breeds were separated and each received his own characteristics. Originally, the two dogs were very similar, but nowadays they are totally distinct, as much by their temperament as by their physical difference.

Over the generations, they have become two very different breeds of dogs in their own right.

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