NORFOLK TERRIER Breed Standards
Around the turn of the 20th century, Frank “Roughrider” Jones developed the Norfolk and Norwich Terrier from other working terriers in the stables of Cambridge, Market Harborough, and Norfolk, England. The ability of these dogs to dig and maneuver in small burrows made them useful for bolting foxes and killings rats. The English Kennel Club recognized the Norwich Terrier as a breed in 1932. Brought to the United States by traveling sportsmen, who often called it the Jones Terrier, the Norwich was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936.
The Norfolk Terrier was originally considered a variety of the Norwich Terrier: whether ears should be pricked or dropped was heavily debated. After World War II, there was little interbreeding between the two varieties, allowing each to develop differently. Eventually the dropped ear became a hallmark of a different breed, the Norfolk Terrier, while the pricked ear identified the Norwich. The distinction was made in 1964 by the English Kennel Club and in 1979 by the American Kennel Club. Since separation each breed has developed further, creating a distinct difference, though the ears are still the most readily identifiable difference between the two. The Norfolk Terrier’s congenial personality makes it an excellent family pet.
SKILLS: The Norfolk Terrier, game and hardy, with expressive dropped ears, is one of the smallest of the working terriers. It is active and compact, free-moving, with good substance and bone. With its natural, weather-resistant coat and short legs, it is a "perfect demon" in the field. This versatile, agreeable breed can go to ground, bolt a fox and tackle or dispatch other small vermin, working alone or with a pack. Honorable scars from wear and tear are acceptable in the ring.
SIZE: Height at the withers 9 to 10 inches at maturity. Bitches tend to be smaller than dogs. Length of back from point of withers to base of tail should be slightly longer than the height at the withers. Good substance and bone. Weight 11 to 12 pounds or that which is suitable for each individual dog's structure and balance. Fit working condition is a prime consideration.
COAT: The protective coat is hard, wiry and straight, about 1½ to 2 inches long, lying close to the body, with a definite undercoat. The mane on neck and shoulders is longer and also forms a ruff at the base of the ears and the throat. Moderate furnishings of harsh texture on legs. Hair on the head and ears is short and smooth, except for slight eyebrows and whiskers. Some tidying is necessary to keep the dog neat, but shaping should be heavily penalized.
Color - All shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle. Dark points permissible. White marks are not desirable.
CARE REQUIRED: The shaggy, medium-length, waterproof coat is relatively easy, but daily combing and brushing is important. Little clipping is required. Take extra care when the dog is shedding. Bathe and dry shampoo only when necessary. This breed is a light shedder.
CHARACTER: Alert, gregarious, fearless and loyal. Never aggressive.
EXERCISE: These little dogs were bred to work. They are energetic and thrive on an active life, but they won't sulk if you miss a day now and then.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: Norfolks will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
TRAINING: They are easy to train but need consistent rules to follow. These little dogs love everyone and are good with children. He will dig and bark if left outside for long periods of time with nothing to occupy his quick mind.
