| Norwich and Norfolk Terriers: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Norfolk and Norwich Terrier personality and behavior. |
|
|
My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Norwich and Norfolk Terrier, including these excerpts:
"The AKC Standard calls Norwich and Norfolk Terriers "game and hardy... perfect demons in the field."
True representatives of what a terrier is supposed to be, Norwich and Norfolk Terriers are full of fire and assertiveness, yet agreeable and companionable.
They can adapt to any home with moderate exercise (brisk walks and active play sessions) and lots of companionship. They are sociable and busy and demand full participation in all activities.
Their reaction to strangers varies from friendly to reserved, but they should remain poised and hold their ground. Norfolk and Norwich Terriers do need more socialization than some other terriers so their caution doesn't become timidity.
They can be jealous of other pets, and trusting them around rabbits or rodents would be foolish. They are inquisitive and independent, with strong chasing instincts. They require a leash or fence at all times.
To the casual eye, the two breeds are virtually identical, with the most obvious difference being ear carriage. Some terrier enthusiasts say the Norfolk is more emotionally sensitive and prone to jealousy and can have a higher-pitched, squeakier bark. The Norwich, they say, is stronger-tempered and more stable in mood."
History
This barnyard ratter originated around the city of Norwich, England and was developed into a "hunt terrier." He rode in the saddlebag as the huntsmen on horseback followed the foxhounds. The hunt terrier was dropped from the saddle when the fox went to ground, it being his job to bolt the fox from the den so the chase could continue.
Prick-eared dogs and drop-eared dogs were eventually developed into separate breeds, with the prick-eared retaining the Norwich name, and the drop-eared taking the name Norfolk. Now that we know more about canine genetics, this was unwise, as it made the gene pool for both breeds smaller and less diverse, which eventually leads to health problems. Dogs should not be developed into separate "breeds" based on such a trivial feature as ear carriage.
Size
9-10 inches and 11-14 lbs |
|
Norwich and Norfolk Terriers
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- There are energetic individuals, and placid individuals.
- Hard-headed individuals, and sweet-natured individuals.
- Serious individuals, and good-natured individuals.
- Introverted individuals, and individuals who love everyone.
| If you acquire a Norwich or Norfolk Terrier puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
Now let's look at some common characteristics for these breeds...
- Is small, yet sturdy and tough -- not a delicate lapdog
- Has a natural appearance
- Needs only moderate exercise
- Makes a keen watchdog
- Doesn't shed too much
- Co-exists with other pets more willingly than some other terriers
A Norwich or Norfolk Terrier may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- The dynamic terrier temperament (see full description below)
- Providing enough exercise and activities to keep them busy
- Timidity when not socialized enough
- Aggression toward other animals -- chasing instincts
- Stubbornness
- Digging holes
- Barking
- Regular brushing and clipping of the wiry coat
- Waiting lists (hard to find) and a high price tag
A Norfolk or Norwich Terrier may not be right for you.
| If I were considering a Norwich or Norfolk Terrier... |
My major concerns would be:
- The dynamic terrier temperament. Most terrier breeds are remarkably similar. The same words are used over and over -- quick to bark, quick to chase, lively, bossy, feisty, scrappy, clever, independent, stubborn, persistent, impulsive, intense.
- Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Norwich and Norfolk Terriers are active go-getters. They MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and to use their busy minds to do interesting things.
| Terriers were never intended to be simply household pets. I strongly recommend that you get your Norwich or Norfolk Terrier involved in obedience classes at the intermediate or advanced level, in agility (an obstacle course for dogs), or in an earth dog club (terriers dig and tunnel after small critters who are secured in a sturdy cage so they can't be harmed). |
- Providing enough socialization. Norfolk and Norwich Terriers need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise they may end up shy or suspicious, which are difficult to live with.
- Animal aggression. Norwich and Norfolk Terriers are often less scrappy toward strange dogs than some other terrier breeds, but they are still a determined force to reckon with if they decide to initiate or accept a challenge to fight. Most terriers have strong instincts to chase and seize small fleeing creatures. This can make for conflict if you own a cat. It may be much worse than that if you own a pet rabbit or hamster!
| Terriers cannot be trusted off-leash. They will take off -- oblivious to your frantic shouts -- after anything that runs. |
- Fence security. Many terriers are clever escape artists who will go over or under fences in search of adventure. You may need higher fences than you might imagine for their small size. You may also need to sink wire into the ground along the fence line to thwart digging. Gates should have the highest quality locks.
- Barking. Terriers are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. If you work all day and have close neighbors, terriers are not the best choice for you. For the same reason, terriers should NEVER be left outside in your yard, unsupervised. To make matters worse, some terriers have high-pitched barks that can set your teeth on edge.
- Mind of their own. Norwich and Norfolk Terriers are not Golden Retrievers. They must be taught at an early age that they are not the rulers of the world. The toughness that makes them suited to killing vermin can frustrate you when you try to teach them anything. Terriers can be stubborn and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
- Defensive reactions. If you need to physically chastise a terrier, and you go beyond what THEY believe is a fair correction, terriers (as a group) are more likely than other breeds to growl or snap. It may be because they were bred to become more fierce when their prey fought back, i.e. terriers are apt to "return pain" if they "receive pain." As an obedience instructor, I'm always extra careful when putting my hands on any terrier for a correction.
| I do NOT recommend terriers for small children. Many terriers will not tolerate any nonsense from little life forms whom they consider to be below themselves in importance. Many terriers are quick to react to teasing, and even to the normal clumsiness that comes with small children (accidental squeezing of their ears or pulling of whiskers or stepping on their paw). Many terriers are possessive of their food and toys and will defend these from all comers, including children. |
- Grooming. To keep their wiry coat free of mats, Norfolk and Norwich Terriers require regular brushing, and also clipping and trimming every few months.
- Finding one and paying the price. In the United States, only about 800 new Norfolk and Norwich Terrier puppies are registered each year. (Compare that to over 60,000 new Golden Retriever puppies.) And many breeders are charging $1500 and up.
| If you're considering an adult Norwich and Norfolk Terrier... |
There are plenty of adult Norfolk and Norwich Terriers who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
|
Copyright © 2000-2006 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author. |
|
