Norwich Terrier

Norwich Terrier - Breed Profile:

Origin: United Kingdom
Colors: Shades of red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle
Size: Small
Type of Owner: Novice
Exercise: Moderate
Grooming: Regular
Trainability: Easy to train
Combativeness: Not generally dog-aggressive.
Dominance: Low
Noise: Likes to bark

Physical characteristics

The Norwich Terrier is a small short-legged dog with a sturdy built and medium size erect ears. The body is slightly longer than tall, with a level topline. The ribs are well-sprung. The broad skull is slightly rounded, with a strong wedge-shaped muzzle. The stop is well-defined. The nose and the lips are black. The small eyes are oval, dark, with black rims. The ears are set well-apart, with rounded tips. The teeth should form a scissor bite. The tail is docked to medium length, but long enough to make a balanced outline. It is usually carried erect. The gait is free and balanced.
Norwich Terriers weigh about 12 pounds. Their height is up to 10 inches.

Temperament

Affectionate, outgoing, playful, and brave. Adaptable and sporting. Good with other domestic animals, although should not be trusted with pet rodents. Can get along well with cats if raised with them from puppyhood. Good with children. Due to their natural instincts, these dogs tend to love anything you can toss, and will gladly chase after toys, balls, sticks or bones.
Like any dog, Norwich Terriers need proper human leadership, discipline and rules to follow, otherwise it may develop the "small dog syndrome". If left outside for long periods of time with nothing to occupy their quick mind, Norwich Terriers may become enthusiastic diggers and barkers. Proper socialization at an early age is necessary to avoid timidity. Can be difficult to housebreak.

Coat and grooming

The Norwich Terrier comes in any shade of red, wheaten, black and tan, grizzle. Dark points are permissible, but white markings are not desirable in show dogs. The coat is double and weather-resistant. The harsh hair lie close to the body; it is wiry and straight. The neck and the chest are covered with longer hair, which forms a mane. The hair on the head, ears and muzzle is short and smooth, except for slight eyebrows and whiskers. Daily grooming is recommended to keep the coat in good condition. Shedding is little.

Health

This breed is very healthy. Some individuals can be prone to back problems and genetic eye diseases. The lifespan is 12 to 15 years.

Other interesting facts

The Norwich Terrier was developed as a barnyard ratter and used to bolt vermin such as fox from their dens. Originally, the breed included two varieties: dogs with erect ears dogs and with dropping ears. In 1979, the drop eared variety was recognized as the Norfolk Terrier, while the version with erect ears remained the Norwich Terrier.
The Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest working terriers.