The norfolk terrier is considered one of the smallest terrier-type dogs. Friendly, very active and brave, he is the perfect companion for all those people willing to dedicate hours of play to their dog. Thus, although a hunter by nature, this close relative of the Norwich Terrier has long since ceased to be a working dog to become an excellent companion dog. Are you thinking of adopting a Norfolk Terrier and want to know everything about this dog breed? Do you already live with one and are you looking to expand your information to offer all the care that your furry companion deserves? Keep reading! In this tab of our site you will find everything you need to know about the norfolk terrier, its history, characteristics, care and training advice.
Origin of the norfolk terrier
Originally bred as dogs that hunt rats, foxes, and other small animals, norfolk terriers share their origins with norwich terriers Thus, both breeds were considered one, under the name of Norwich Terrier, until the 1930s. At that time, these dogs with erect ears were preferred and their floppy ears were cut, causing serious damage to these animals.
When British law prohibited ear cropping for "aesthetic" purposes, Norwich Terrier breeders decided to separate the lop-eared dogs and create a different breed of dog, since crosses between the two varieties did not allow to predict if the puppies were going to have erect or drooping ears. The lop-eared variety of dogs was then called the Norfolk Terrier and became the breed we know today.
Physical Characteristics of the Norfolk Terrier
This dog's small body is compact and strong for its size The legs are short but muscular, and it has round padded feet thick. The head of this terrier-type dog is broad and slightly rounded, the muzzle is strong for its size and wedge-shaped. The oval eyes have an alert and intelligent expression and are dark brown or black. The ears, meanwhile, are medium-sized and "V" shaped, slightly rounded at the tip and fall forward next to the cheeks.
The Norfolk Terrier's tail is thick at the base and gradually tapers towards the tip. According to the FCI breed standard, "aesthetic" amputation was once optional. Fortunately, that custom is dying out and is illegal in many countries.
The hair of the norfolk terrier is wire, characterized by being hard and rough, straight and completely close to the body, short and ready, except for the area of the snout and the eyebrows, since it may have a kind of mustache. His coat can be any shade of red, black and tan, wheaten or greyish. Also, some white spots are allowed, although not desirable.
The ideal height at the withers for this breed is around 25-26 centimeters. On the other hand, the FCI breed standard does not indicate an ideal weight, but Norfolk Terriers usually weigh around 5 kilograms.
Norfolk terrier character
The norfolk terrier is a dog with character friendly, outgoing and playful, although always alert. Thus, it is a sociable dog, in general, both with people and with other animals, as long as it has been properly socialized. Otherwise, he may be shy around strangers to the point of groaning from feeling uncomfortable or insecure.
Unlike other terriers, the Norfolk is not usually pretentious or aggressive, although it can become a barker without proper training. Of course, because it was bred and selected for hunting burrowing animals, its instinct is to chase small prey such as rabbits and even small cats, so it is crucial to also socialize it with these animals to avoid possible persecution. during their adult stage.
In addition to the above, the norfolk terrier is a very brave dog, willing to defend his family from him, cheerful, intelligent, affectionate and active. It is an ideal dog for flats, apartments, houses and all types of dwellings, and it can become the perfect companion for adults and children educated to treat dogs of this size with care. Due to his active and playful nature, we do not recommend his adoption to elderly people.
Norfolk terrier care
Norfolk terrier hair tends to tangle, but is relatively easy to maintain. Combing two or three times a week can prevent the hair from becoming tangled and appearing coarser than it is. Also, since this dog regularly sheds, this activity is important to reduce the amount of hair on furniture and clothing. It is not good to bathe the norfolk very often, it is better to do it only when it is dirty.
On the other hand, being an active dog he needs daily exercise combined with calmer walks. Thus, it is recommended to carry out two moderate walks a day and an outing in which the animal can run and play to channel all the accumulated energy.
As we said before, this dog is ideal for living in an apartment as long as he is educated not to bark continuously. Its size and its need for company makes it an ideal companion animal for most families, but it must be taken into account that they are not lap dogs, but rather small working dogs. Even if they live in a house, it is better if they live inside and only use the garden to play and run.
Norfolk terrier education
The norfolk terrier is a smart However, he also learns bad habits easily, so he doesn't it is recommended to neglect their training. The best way to educate him is through positive training, basing practically all the dog's education on reinforcing good behaviors, through congratulations, prizes and petting. Punishments and yelling do not give good results and only destroy the bond between the dog and its owner, in addition to generating serious consequences in the animal such as aggressive behavior, fear or stress. Likewise, by using positive reinforcement we also manage to keep the dog motivated and stimulated, fundamental factors to educate while ensuring the 5 freedoms of animal welfare.
Common problems with this breed include excessive barking and yard destruction. The Norfolk Terrier tends to dig instinctively, so it's a good idea to designate a small area of the garden for this practice. Either way, with enough exercise, lots of company, and a good training plan, this dog can make a great family companion.
Norfolk terrier he alth
The Norfolk Terrier tends to be a very he althy dog and there are no known diseases characteristic of the breed. Of course, you have to take the same care that you have with dogs of other breeds to avoid contagious diseases and other he alth problems. Thus, it is essential to go to regular veterinary visits, follow the vaccination schedule and deworm it when indicated by the specialist to avoid contagion of serious diseases, such as canine parvovirus, or suffer an infestation of fleas or ticks.
