Developed for specialist rat hunting purposes, the Norfolk Terrier still loves a chase but is equally happy to remain a devoted companion for active families…

The Norfolk Terrier is a small but sturdy terrier breed that is closely related to the Norwich Terrier – having been considered the same breed at one stage – and features short ears that hang closely by the head with a wiry red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle coat that sheds almost no hair. The breed first appeared in the early 1900s, and they were originally bred for the core reason of hunting rats.

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Some of their most typical features are known to be their bold and feisty manner, occasional stubbornness, love for children and their hypoallergenic coat – which in essence make the Norfolk Terrier a common dog breed for more patient owners or families as well as people suffering from allergies. Below are a number of quick Norfolk Terrier facts:

Trainability & Intelligence:

Friendliness With People:

Compatible With Animals:

Daily Exercise Required:

Grooming Requirements:

Suitable For A Family Pet:

Suitability As A Guard Dog:

Origins Of The Norfolk Terrier

During their early history the Norfolk Terrier was considered to be a drop-eared variety of the Norwich Terrier and both were considered the same breed before being separated by breeders in the 1930s. Both breeds were created in England and the Norfolk Terrier was mainly chosen with the purpose of hunting rats. They are assumed to be a result of cross-breeding local and Irish terrier breeds.

Average Size Of The Norfolk Terrier

Norfolk Terriers are classified as a small-sized dog. The recommended standard size for the Norfolk Terrier male is 9-10 inches high from paw to shoulder and a weight of 11-12 pounds.

Temperament Of The Norfolk Terrier

The Norfolk Terrier is renowned for their bold, loyal, feisty and often stubborn character. They are characteristically friendlier than most terriers with unfamiliar people, which often makes them unsuitable as a guard dog.

The Norfolk Terrier is also known to be fairly intelligent – placing equal 56th compared to other dogs when considering their capability to learn obedience commands. They are also well-known to be good with children when raised with them – making them quite suitable as a family pet. The Norfolk Terrier is usually well-matched with other dogs and cats that they're raised with though may not get along with smaller animals like hamsters, mice or birds due to their natural prey instinct.

Grooming Requirements Of The Norfolk Terrier

Grooming the Norfolk Terrier is a pretty simple undertaking. They require a small level of brushing once or twice every week and full grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. The method for properly grooming the Norfolk Terrier can be described as:

1. Brush through the coat with a boar bristle brush, following up with a comb.
2. Moisten a cotton ball with ear cleaner and wipe inside the ears, then follow up with medicated ear powder.
3. Use a guillotine-type nail trimmer to clip the nails.
4. Trim the hair around the paws and between the foot pads using thinning shears.
5. Bathe with a tearless terrier shampoo and start drying with a cage dryer.
6. Finish drying with a blow dryer while brushing with a bristle brush then a steel comb.
7. Remove any dead hair on the outsides of the ears with your fingers.
8. Use a stripping knife to remove excess hair on the head.
9. Comb the whiskers and eyebrows in a downward direction.
10. Trim any excess hair on the tail with a stripping knife.
11. Use scissors to trim the hair around the rear end.
12. Finish by spraying protein coat conditioner on a bristle brush then brush through the top of the coat to add shine and fragrance.

Living Requirements For The Norfolk Terrier

The Norfolk Terrier doesn't always need a yard to give them room to run, so they can be quite suitable for life in an apartment provided they are exercised on a regular basis.

Health & Life Expectancy Of The Norfolk Terrier

Similarly to a large number of small-sized dog breeds, the Norfolk Terrier is normally long-lived having a life expectancy of 12-15 years. The leading health concern for Norfolk Terriers is regularly identified as heart problems like mitral valve disease in certain breeding lines. They are also vulnerable to conditions like breathing problems and epilepsy but are overall a very healthy breed with few issues when you get one from a reputable breeder.

Exercise Needs For The Norfolk Terrier

The Norfolk Terrier is made happy with hobbies that include chasing after a ball or simply running around the yard. They possess a high level of energy and this necessitates exercise each day in the form of moderate walks or short jogs to put a stop to behavioral habits like excessive barking or digging that they may be more inclined to start when left alone or with a lot of energy.

Who Should Own The Norfolk Terrier?

The Norfolk Terrier can make the perfect dog breed for an active owner or family and their non-shedding coat makes them one of the most popular breeds for allergy sufferers. They are appropriate for anyone who is ready to execute a small level of grooming and set aside time to provide them with patient housebreaking and positive obedience training in addition to take them for moderate walks every day while being kept on the leash and present a very high quantity of company and attention. Though they may not be the best around smaller animals and as a consequence for being safely let off the leash while out in public, if you are capable of meeting their demand for regular loving care and patience while training them then the Norfolk Terrier may perhaps be the ideal dog for you.

Norfolk Terriers Available For Adoption

If you are attracted to the Norfolk Terrier breed then it's best you first consider adopting one – the top place to begin is your nearest animal shelter:

Finding Norfolk Terrier Puppies For Sale

If you desperately want to own the Norfolk Terrier (but aren't able to find any rescue dogs up for adoption) then perhaps you may think about getting one from a reputable breeder. Your local kennel club should provide a few suitable people to get in touch with:

Have you owned the Norfolk Terrier? Please share your thoughts with other prospective Norfolk Terrier owners by adding your comments in the section below!