The Norfolk Terrier, once registered as the Norwich Terrier, is a working terrier. Its first recorded ancestors were small demon ratters, popular among sporting Cambridge undergraduates toward the end of the last century. These sought-after scrappers were a mixture of gypsies' dogs crossed with weavers' pets from Yorkshire and fiery red mites from County Wicklow in Ireland.

By 1932, two types of Norwich Terrier achieved Kennel Club recognition as one breed. While usually red in color, some were black-and-tan. Though roughly equal in height, weight and spunk, their once-cropped ears were nose either erect (up) or pendant (down).

Due to the efforts of Miss MacFie, the drop-ear variety survived. During WW II, many East Anglian farms used ratting terriers. The, when hostilities ceased, Miss MacFie made every effort to popularize drop-ear Norwich (now Norfolk) Terriers through showring and press exposure. The dogs from her Colonsay Kennels, at Steyning in West Sussex, were consistent winners. However, ultimately the rewards proved disappointing when the plainer, hard-coated, drop-ear dogs were often defeated by their prick-ear counterparts. This ring rivalry ended in 1964 with the separation from Norwich and the recognition of the Norfolk Terrier as a separate breed with a club of its own.

In the United States, Norfolk Terriers gained American Kennel Club recognition in 1979. This is also when the American Norfolk Terrier Association (ANTA), a separate educational association, was established in the United States. Currently, with six active clubs throughout the world, the future of the breed is assured.

Appealing, clever and portable, Norfolks are outgoing and affectionate with a passion for digging. Rarely quarrelsome, they are both sensitive and jealous and so can become stubborn or shy without an understanding owner. Norfolk Terriers have no road sense and are fascinated by rodents, wheels, water and everything that flies.

Game and sturdy, Norfolk Terriers are easy to breed and whelp naturally with few problems. Three is the average litter size and the devoted dams prefer seclusion so that they can follow their own weaning and teaching schedule.

Tooth care is important as this breed has a tendency to retain both puppy teeth and to have tartar build up. Norfolks are prone to mouth faults which may impede their show careers but rarely affect their health. Heart murmurs are not uncommon and those with sensitive tracheas prefer walks in a harness or a flat, wide collar.

Norfolks require no special care. Their natural short coats collect little dirt and are easy to tidy with thumb and forefinger. Unfortunately the show ring has encouraged breeders to produce softer coats which need trimming with a knife and scissors as many exhibitors and judges today favor a dog with furnishings. Norfolks respond well and are easily trained as ears for the deaf. They are also popular for pet therapy.

These adaptable family pets thrive on regular exercise, travel and town or country life. They are reliable watchdogs, seldom yappy without reason.

Essentials Of The Breed

The Norfolk, game and energetic, is a small power-packed worker with short straight legs of good substance and bone. It should have a clean outline free of fringe or skirt. Its height should not exceed 10 inches/25 cm or its weight about 12 pounds/5 kg.

The wedge-shaped head has a well defined stop, a slightly rounded skull and good width between the ears. The small dark eyes, placed well apart at a slight angle, give a kindly, keen expression. The muzzle, tight-lipped, wide and deep, is just slightly shorter that the distance from the occiput to the stop. The mouth has large close-fitting teeth with a scissors bite. A strong, slightly arched neck is covered by a protective mane and flows into close shoulders. The topline is level, standing or moving; the tail, set high, is carrier erect when docked. (Docked tails should be left long enough to grasp. In 1984, optional docking was added to the Standard but in the United States a tail is still unwelcome at American Kennel Club dog shows.)

The well sprung rib cage of the Norfolk Terrier is long and heart shaped with the brisket below the elbow. The loin is short; the quarters wide and deep with short parallel hocks. The legs should track truly and drive in a purposeful manner. While going away the pads should show.

The coat is a significant breed trait and in general should be harsh, wiry and straight, lying close to the body, with a short, dense undercoat. However, the coat should be longer and rougher on the neck and shoulders. The hair on the head and ears is naturally short except for slight eyebrows and whiskers. Its color may be any shade of red. Wheaten, black-and-tan, and grizzle are equally desire able. Under the American Standard, its pigment should be black.

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