Norfolk terrier

It is said that the Norfolk Terrier “has the personality of a large dog in a small body.” It is true that representatives of this breed have a strong character, as well as a cheerful and sociable disposition. Norfolk is very similar to his cousin – norwich terrier.

Nature

Don’t let this pooch’s small size fool you. Norfolk terrier, as befits a representative of a group of terriers, has inexhaustible energy in it – he could run after the ball for hours or … dig holes. Dogs of this breed are therefore ideal for dog sports. In addition, there is nothing better for norfolk than outdoor activities. He is also characterized by strong character, and adventure and new challenges are his elements. If he were told that he was really small, he would probably not believe it. He shows courage, especially when he feels threatened or his guardian is in danger. It also alerts the owner of an uninvited guest.

Norfolk is a dog who is passionate about exploring new places and digging new holes. This breed is also known for its cunning, intelligence, and fearless disposition. But the Norfolk Terrier is also a sensitive dog that attaches to its guardian and is interested in everything the owner does. He gets along well with older children and animals – provided they are not small rodents, birds or reptiles. Norfolk has a strongly developed hunting instinct, so he could start hunting small animals. In addition, it will be happy to search every hole encountered during a walk.

Norfolk must be socialized from the very beginning to become a confident dog . He tolerates screaming and violent treatment. If he is scolded or treated unfairly, he may be locked in.

The norfolk guardian will never be bored. First of all, he is an extremely energetic, hearty dog ​​with a head full of ideas. Secondly – he doesn’t like to be bored. Therefore, both mental and physical stimulation is the basis for caring for this breed of dog. Due to its small size, norfolk will work well in a small apartment as well as a large house.

Skills

Norfolk, as befits a terrier, has a strong hunting instinct. This breed was bred to hunt rats and other rodents. Over time, the norfolk was also used to drive foxes out of their burrows. Today it is a dog that will gladly penetrate every hole. Some quadrupeds of this breed also love to swim.

Norfolk terrier will be interested in various forms of activity – if any and will be happy to check, for example, in frisbee or agility.

Training and education

Norfolk terrier should be well socialized from the very beginning. It is extremely important for him to grow up as a social quadruped. Like other terriers, norfolk can be stubborn. That is why it is worth determining who has the last word to say in this account. Sometimes invasive norfolks tend to over-protect their guardian.

Building a bond with a norfolk terrier is the first and most important step in its successful training. A caring and loving relationship must be established with him to gain his trust. When a norfolk terrier feels good at home, he is more likely to respond to his guardian’s instructions.

Norfolk terrier is undeniably an intelligent dog breed. Trainings offered to this dog must be interesting and varied – monotony bored him. Norfolk is a dog that is relatively easy to train. Sometimes, however, that he is too interested in the environment and diffused by the sounds or smells of the area to focus on training sessions for a long time. For this reason, training can be a challenge for a beginner.

During walks, it is best to keep the norfolk on a long line. Due to strong hunting instincts, it is important for this breed of dog to master basic commands that will not only simplify everyday life, but also can often save a dog’s life. Especially when the terrier suddenly breaks up in pursuit of a smaller animal – and Norfolk can do it. For a norfolk, there is nothing better than outdoor activities. He will be very pleased with the long walks, varied exercise and throwing the ball.

The best and most effective method of training a dog of this breed is positive reinforcement using favorite delicacies. Remember not to punish the mentee during training, because there is a high probability that he/she will be withdrawn and will not be interested in continuing the lesson.

Who is this race for?

If you’re looking for an energetic dog companion who is both fearless and affectionate, then the Norfolk Terrier can be a breed for you. However, he is not a dog who will spend most of his time on your lap or with you on the couch watching the next episode of the series. The happiest will be when the guardian also shares his worship for an active outdoor lifestyle.

A person who does not have much experience in raising dogs, but wants to get involved, should not have trouble with the norfolk. However, he must have time to devote himself to this energetic animal. Norfolk is suitable for families with children. He is also a good watchman and his care is not time consuming. If you have a garden that you don’t care about too much, and the next holes you dug won’t give you heart palpitations, this is the dog for you.

Advantages and disadvantages

Norfolk terrier – what is it like? Learn its pros and cons!

Disadvantages

• he sometimes hunts smaller animals (especially rodents and birds)
• badly tolerates loneliness  (can bark and destroy)
• poorly socialized, may show fear of new people
• he is jealous of his guardian
• stubborn

Advantages

• loyal and loving companion
• gets attached to the guardian
• a good choice for a novice owner
• intelligent
• works in training and dog sports
• not expensive to maintain
• gets along with other animals and children (if raised with them from the very beginning)

Health

Norfolk terriers are generally considered a healthy breed. However, he has a predisposition to inherit certain diseases. Fortunately, congenital diseases are extremely rare in this breed. Norfolk may be susceptible to epilepsy, heart problems (ischemic heart disease), eyesight (cataracts), as well as patellar dislocation or skin problems.

Feeding

Due to the fact that the Norfolk Terrier is a vigorous dog, its diet should consist of high-quality food. If the dog has a lot of movement, he will also need high-calorie food. Norfolk, however, has a large appetite and can quickly gain weight, which is why keeping an eye on calories consumed and constant weight control are extremely important.

Care

Norfolk coat is resistant to weather conditions. It seems to be disheveled and “neglected”. In fact, it is hard and wire-like, which means that its care is not burdensome and time consuming. Weekly brushing with a steel comb will help remove dead hair. In addition, norfolk hair needs to be trimmed once or twice a year.

Because the dog of this breed loves to scrub in the thickets and dig holes, sometimes bathing may be necessary. However, do not do it too often, because then the coat becomes dry and brittle. In addition to basic fur care, you should also remember to regularly check the condition of the ears where fungi can multiply. You also have to take care of your teeth and claws.

Accessories

When the hunting instinct awakens in the norfolk, without looking at anything – including the guardian – he will go after the potential prey. Instead of a collar and a short leash, braces and a long rope will work much better.

As befits a terrier representative, norfolk will be happy with toys that stimulate his instincts, such as artificial fur on a string. Norfolk also loves to run after the ball thrown by the guardian, so this toy should necessarily be in the layette for the puppy of this breed.

History

The Norfolk Terrier is native to East Anglia and is believed to be a descendant of the Cairn Terrier, Border Terrier and Irish Terrier . The early history of the norfolk terrier and his cousin norwich terrier are identical. In 1964, the English Kennel Club separated the two races. These dogs were used to control the rodent population in England, and eventually also during fox hunting.

In the 1870s, this breed was popular among students from the University of Cambridge. The dogs were to catch rats that lived in the dorms. Because the quadrupeds were supplied by a riding school, which was located on Trumpington Street, they began to be called Trumpington terrier.

The breed was first exhibited in the exhibition ring in 1932. Both norfolk and norwiche were then presented as norwich terrier. More often, dogs that had upright ears (like a Norwegian Terrier) won, which did not please the owners of dogs whose ears hung down. They called for the separation of these races and the creation of two separate, different ears. The English Kennel Club decided to do so after many debates among breeders, but only in 1964. In the United States, on the other hand, they were not registered as separate breeds until 1979.

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Norfolk terrier – group III FCI, section 2, reference number 272

• Country of origin: Great Britain
• Size: 25 cm
• Coat: hard, wire-like and close-fitting; around the neck is longer, which creates a ruff
• Ointment: various shades of ginger and wheat are allowed, as well as gray and black and tan colors; in turn patches or white markings are undesirable
• Maturity: approx. 12 months
• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Weather resistance: quite high

Interesting facts

The Norwich Terrier and Norfolk Terrier were considered to be one breed until 1964. They are very similar to each other. Their ears, however, differ –  norfolk is dejected and his cousin norwich is standing.