Norwich Terrier

Norwich Terrier
History:

Country/Date of Origin: England/19th Century

The working terrier of East Anglia was developed in the 19th Century, but there wasn't much uniformity of type until 1923 when the dogs were given the name Norwich Terrier and accepted into the English Kennel Club. Originally both the prick eared and drop eared varieties were called Norwich Terrier and both appeared in the same litter. However, in 1979, the American Kennel Club reclassified the breed and the prick eared variety retained the Norwich name and the drop eared variety was dubbed Norfolk Terrier. Game and hardy, the little earth terriers were used as house and stable vermin exterminators. Carried in saddle bags they were taken on fox hunts to drive the fox from its lair when the hounds had forced it to ground. Norwich were often around horses and to this day the breed retains a special affinity for the species equine.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

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Cantab Terrier, Jones Terrier, Trumpington Terrier

AKC Group: Terrier

Breed Club: Norwich & Norfolk Terrier Club

Rescue Club: Norwich & Norfolk Terrier Club Rescue

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Body Type:

  • A sturdy short-legged "go to ground" terrier with prick ears and a tiny tail
  • Height: 10 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: 11-12 pounds
  • Erect, prick ears are not altered
  • Tail which is carried stiffly erect is usually docked

Personality:

  • One of the most personable of all dogs
  • An excellent watchdog
  • A sturdy, friendly little fellow who loves to join in children's games
  • A perfect demon when ratting, the Norwich is not overly quarrelsome in everyday life

Coat:

  • wiry double coat
  • Shades of red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle are allowed
  • Requires hand stripping to maintain the proper coat texture

Health Concerns:

  • Generally healthy constitution
  • Subject to dry skin problems if kept in the house
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Tasty Tidbits:
  • Once the mascot of students of Cambridge University
  • Today the darling of the horsy set
  • Likes to dig and once free of the restraining fence will set out in quest of adventure and/or mischief