Norfolk Terrier

Last updated
Norfolk Terrier
Norfolk terrier CAC.jpg
A tan-coloured Norfolk Terrier
Origin Great Britain
Traits
Height 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in)
Weight 5 to 7 kg (11 to 15 lb)
Coat Hard, wiry & straight
Color Red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle
Kennel club standards
The Kennel Club standard
Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog ( domestic dog )

The Norfolk Terrier is a British breed of dog. Prior to gaining recognition as an independent breed in 1964, [1] it was a variety of the Norwich Terrier, distinguished from the "prick eared" Norwich by its "drop ears" (or folded ears). Together, the Norfolk and Norwich Terriers are the smallest of the working terriers.

Contents

Description

Norfolk Terrier has a wire-haired coat Charmonty Norfolkterrier.jpg
Norfolk Terrier has a wire-haired coat

Appearance

The Norfolk Terrier has a wire-haired coat which, according to the various national kennel clubs' breed standards, can be "all shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle." [2]

Norfolk Terriers are the smallest of the working terriers. They are active and compact, free moving, with good substance and bone. Good substance means good spring of rib and bone that matches the body such that the dog can be a very agile ratter or earth-dog.

Norfolk terriers are moderately proportioned dogs. A too heavy dog would not be agile. A too refined dog would make it a toy breed. Norfolks generally have more reach and drive and a stronger rear angulation, hence cover more ground than their Norwich cousins. Norfolk have good side gait owed to their balanced angulation front and rear and their slightly longer length of back.

The ideal height is 9 to 10 in (23 to 25 cm) at the withers and weight is about 11 to 12 lb (5.0 to 5.4 kg). [3]

Temperament

Norfolks are self-confident and carry themselves with presence and importance, holding their heads and tails up. Kofi in tartan 1.jpg
Norfolks are self-confident and carry themselves with presence and importance, holding their heads and tails up.

Norfolks are described as fearless, but can have an independent streak. They, along with Norwich Terriers and Border Terriers, have the softest temperaments of the Terrier Group. Norfolks work in packs and must get along with other dogs. As companions, they love people and children and do make good pets. Their activity level is generally reflective of the pace of their environment. This breed should not be kept or live outside since they thrive on human contact.

Generally, Norfolks are not given to digging but, like any dog, will dig out of boredom when left alone for too long a period. Norfolks are not yappers and are not particularly vocal; however, they will bark when appropriate given their watch-dog tendencies. They generally cohabit well with other household pets when introduced as a puppy. Outdoors, they are natural hunters with a strong prey drive for small vermin.

Working style

Norfolks were originally bred as barn dogs to get rid of the barn vermin. Just going for a spin....jpg
Norfolks were originally bred as barn dogs to get rid of the barn vermin.

Norfolks were originally bred as barn dogs to rid the barn of vermin. Some literature suggest that they were also occasionally used on the hunt to bolt animals of equal size from their den.

To some extent they are still used in that capacity in continental Europe. Norfolks are pack animals and hence expected to get along with other dogs while working or in the home. As a pack dog, they take turns working their prey. They are fearless and their courage is incredible. Today, of course, they are household companions and must have an agreeable disposition for living with people.

Health

in the 1880s British sports men developed a working terrier named the Norwich Terrier that later changed to Norfolk Terrier. Norfolk-terrier.JPG
in the 1880s British sports men developed a working terrier named the Norwich Terrier that later changed to Norfolk Terrier.

The life expectancy of a Norfolk Terrier is 8–14 years, with some growing as old as 17 years. [4] Norfolks do have incidences of mitral valve disease, luxating patellas, and incorrect bites (where the teeth do not align with the breed standard, i.e. overshot or undershot). Norfolks most often have shallow hip sockets and many breedlines are dysplastic. There has never been a Norfolk Terrier recognized by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) as having "excellent" rated hips. Therefore, responsible breeders are testing for hip dysplasia. Breeders that do not radiograph hips and have them evaluated by either OFA or PennHip, cannot answer questions regarding hip dysplasia in their breeding program.

Norfolks generally have medium to small litters. Responsible breeders only breed healthy dogs who are of good temperament, good pedigree lineage and best reflect the breed standard. The demand for Norfolk is far greater than the supply. The environment in which they are raised directly impacts the temperament of the puppy for its lifetime.

Care

A Norfolk Terrier at a conformation show Norfolk show.jpg
A Norfolk Terrier at a conformation show

Grooming

These breeds have a double coat: a harsh, wiry topcoat and a soft, warm undercoat. Ideally, the coat is combed daily with a steel "greyhound" comb, but all that is really necessary for grooming a companion dog is a good combing once a week to remove the loose, dead hairs and prevent matting. As a minimum, the coat is hand stripped once in the Autumn and once in the Spring. Clipping or cutting ruins the coat's colours and harsh texture. A Norfolk Terrier can be washed with a dog shampoo when it is dirty. The breed is considered largely hypoallergenic, although they do shed minimally year-round.

History

In the 1880s, British sportsmen developed a working terrier of East Anglia in eastern England. The Norwich Terrier and later the drop-eared variety now known as the Norfolk Terrier, were believed to have been developed by crossing local terrier-like dogs, small, short-legged Irish Terrier breeds and the small red terriers used by the Romani ratters of Norfolk (the county of which Norwich is the county town).

They were first called the Cantab Terrier when they became fashionable for students to keep in their rooms at Cambridge University in England. [5] Later, they were called the Trumpington Terrier, after Trumpington Street where the breed was further developed at a livery stable. [6] Then, just prior to World War I, a prominent Irish horse rider Frank Jones sold quantities of the short-legged terriers to the United States, so there they were called Jones Terriers. [7] It was Jones who designated the terriers were from Norwich. [7]

In 1932, the Norwich was granted acceptance into the English Kennel Club and the first written standard was created. The American Kennel Club registered the first Norwich Terrier in 1936. In 1964, [1] The Kennel Club reclassified the drop-ear variety as it its own breed, the Norfolk Terrier, and the prick-eared variety retained the name Norwich Terrier. The American Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club both recognized the division of the Norwich Terrier breed in 1979. The Norfolk Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1979.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Airedale Terrier</span> Dog breed

The Airedale Terrier, also called Bingley Terrier and Waterside Terrier, is a dog breed of the terrier type that originated in the valley (dale) of the River Aire, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England. It is traditionally called the "King of Terriers" because it is the largest of the terrier breeds. The Airedale was bred from the Old English Black and Tan Terrier and the Otterhound and probably some other Terrier breeds, and has contributed to other dog breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier. Originally bred to serve as a versatile hunting and all around working farm dog, this breed has also been used as a war dog, guide dog, and police dog in Britain. In the United States, the breed has been used to hunt big game, upland birds, and water fowl, and serve in many other working capacities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Affenpinscher</span> German breed of dog

The Affenpinscher is a German breed of small toy dog of Pinscher type. Originally developed as a mouser, the Affenpinscher's distinctive appearance and charming personality has gained popularity as a companion among dog lovers worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Labradoodle</span> Crossbreed dog

A Labradoodle is a crossbreed dog created by crossing a Labrador Retriever and a Standard or Miniature Poodle. The term dates back to at least 1955 but was unpopular at the time. Labradoodles are, wrongfully so, considered a good choice for people with canine dander allergies, even though most dogs produced from this mix will shed. However, since a small number of the mixed breeds have the same or similar low shed coat of their poodle parents or grandparents, some people consider this mix a good choice.

Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier Dog breed

The soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is a pure-breed terrier originating from Ireland. Wheatens typically have one of two coat types: Irish or Heavy (American). The Irish coat is generally silkier and wavier than the Heavy, or American coat, which is thicker and fuller. Wheatens are generally friendly and playful, and tend to get along well with children and other dogs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bedlington Terrier</span> Breed of small dog

The Bedlington Terrier is a breed of small dog named after the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland in North East England. Originally bred to hunt, the Bedlington Terrier has since been used in dog racing, numerous dog sports, as well as in conformation shows and as a companion dog. It is closely related to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Whippet and Otterhound.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cairn Terrier</span> Scottish dog breed

The Cairn Terrier is a terrier breed originating in the Scottish Highlands and recognised as one of Scotland's earliest working dogs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American Bulldog</span> Dog breed

The American bulldog is a large, muscular breed of mastiff-type dog. Their ancestors were brought to the British North American colonies where they worked on small farms and ranches.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rat Terrier</span> Dog breed

The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a background as a farm dog and hunting companion. They share much ancestry with the small hunting dogs known as feists. Common throughout family farms in the 1920s and 1930s, they are now recognized by the United (UKC) and American Kennel Clubs (AKC) and are considered a rare breed. Rat Terriers are an intelligent and active breed that can be kept both for pest control and as a family pet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sealyham Terrier</span> Dog breed

The Sealyham Terrier is a rare Welsh breed of small to medium-sized terrier that originated in Wales as a working dog. It is principally a white-bodied, rough-coated breed, developed in the mid-to-late-19th century by Captain John Edwardes at Sealyham House, Pembrokeshire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miniature Fox Terrier</span> Dog breed

The Miniature Fox Terrier is a small, fine, lightweight working terrier developed as a hunting dog and vermin router. It is known colloquially in its native Australia as the “Mini Foxie”.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brittany (dog)</span> Dog breed

The Brittany is a breed of gun dog bred primarily for bird hunting. Although it is often referred to as the Brittany Spaniel, they are not actually spaniels. The AKC reclassified them in 1984 as just Brittanys, since they are pointing dogs and have less genetically in common with Spaniels, and more in common with Setters, which are pointing dogs. The breed's working characteristics are more akin to those of a pointer or setter than a spaniel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norwich Terrier</span> Dog breed

The Norwich Terrier is a breed of dog originating in the United Kingdom, and was bred to hunt small rodents. With a friendly personality, Norwich Terriers are today mostly a companion dog breed. One of the smallest terriers, these dogs are generally healthy, but are relatively rare, due in part to their low litter size and the common need for caesarian sections. Their drop-eared variety is the Norfolk Terrier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Russian Terrier</span> Dog breed

The Black Russian Terrier, also known as the Chornyi Terrier, is a breed of dog created in USSR in Red Star Kennel during the late 1940s and the early 1950s for use as military/working dogs. At the present time, the Black Russian Terrier is a breed recognized by the FCI, AKC, CKC, KC, ANKC, NZKC and other cynological organizations. The contemporary Black Russian Terrier is a working dog, guarding dog, sporting and companion dog.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Havanese dog</span> Dog breed

The Havanese, a bichon-type dog, is the national dog of Cuba, developed from the now extinct Blanquito de la Habana. The Blanquito descended from the also now-extinct Bichón Tenerife. It is believed that the Blanquito was eventually cross-bred with other bichon types, including the poodle, to create what is now known as the Havanese. Sometimes referred to as "Havana Silk Dogs", but this is a separate breed, which has been bred to meet the original Cuban standards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American Pit Bull Terrier</span> Dog breed

The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a dog breed recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA), but not the American Kennel Club (AKC). It is a medium-sized, short-haired dog, of a solid build, whose early ancestors came from England. When compared with the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier is larger by margins of 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in height and 25–35 pounds (11–16 kg) in weight. The American Pit Bull Terrier varies in size: males are normally about 18–21 inches (45–53 cm) in height and around 35–60 pounds (15–27 kg) in weight, while females are normally around 17–20 inches (43–50 cm) in height and 30–50 pounds (13–22 kg) in weight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glen of Imaal Terrier</span> Dog breed

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a breed of dog of the terrier category and one of four Irish terrier breeds. It is sometimes called the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Wicklow Terrier, and the name of the breed is often shortened by fanciers to just Glen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tibetan Terrier</span> Dog breed

The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Tibet. Despite its name, it is not a member of the terrier group. The breed was given its English name by European travelers due to its resemblance to known terrier breeds. The Tibetan name for the breed, Tsang Apso, roughly translates to "shaggy or bearded ("apso") dog, from the province of Tsang". Some old travelers' accounts refer to the dog as Dokhi Apso or "outdoor" Apso, indicating a shaggy or bearded working dog which lives outdoors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pumi dog</span> Dog breed

The Pumi is a medium-small breed of sheep dog from Hungary. They are versatile stock dogs equally adept at gathering, driving and keeping stock under control. They have a long head with semi-erect ears, a whimsical expression, and a tail that forms a circle over the back. The coat is a combination of wavy and curly hair forming curls all over the body.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eurasier</span> Dog breed

The Eurasier, or Eurasian, is a spitz type breed of dog that originated in Germany through cross-breeding between popular European and Asian Spitz. It is widely known as a wonderful companion that maintains its own personality, has a dignified reserve with strangers, has a strong bond to its family, and is relatively easy to train.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Feist (dog)</span> Dog breed

A feist is a small hunting dog, descended from the terriers brought over to the United States by British miners and other immigrants. These terriers probably included crosses between the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Manchester Terrier, and the now-extinct English White Terrier. These dogs were used as ratters, and gambling on their prowess in killing rats was a favorite hobby of their owners. Some of these dogs have been crossed with Greyhounds, Whippets or Italian Greyhounds, and Beagles or other hounds —extending the family to include a larger variety of purpose than the original ratter, or Rat Terrier.

References

Citations

  1. 1 2 "The Kennel Club" . Retrieved 2016-11-26.
  2. Breed Standard Archived 2015-12-18 at the Wayback Machine at the Canadian Kennel Club's website
  3. Norfolk Terrier Archived 2012-08-19 at the Wayback Machine at the American Kennel Club's website
  4. "Individual Breed Results for Purebred Dog Health Survey". Archived from the original on 2013-08-13. Retrieved 2012-06-28.
  5. Read (2004), p. 16.
  6. Read (2004), p. 17.
  7. 1 2 Read (2004), p. 20.

Bibliography

Further reading