NORFOLK TERRIER

Temperament: Fearless, Alert, Fun-Loving
Height: 9-10 inches
Weight: 11-12 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Group: Terrier Group 

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

The Norfolk Terrier is what’s considered a “big dog in a small package.” Alert, gregarious, and nimble, they’re a loyal companion with the heart of a working terrier.

Norfolk Terriers have steady, live and let live personalities. They generally have a happy attitude and make a reliable companion for children if they’ve been raised with them. They’re not known for being yappy, but they will bark when the need arises.

If you choose a Norfolk, be prepared to have him as a part of your family for a very long time. These are hardy dogs that have been known to live into their late teens, still active and happily playing with their toys.

As a cute and cuddly breed with plenty of love to give, these pups get along with just about everybody in just about any type of living situation. Novice pet parents, apartment dwellers, or lifelong dog lovers in large homes can all fall for this pooch’s charms. But that doesn’t mean you get to relax and snuggle all day. This breed has high energy and needs plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Meet their needs, and you’ll have a tiny best buddy for life.

If you’re seeking a lively canine companion who is fearless, yet affectionate, the Norfolk Terrier may be the breed for you.

PERSONALITY

The outgoing Norfolk loves people. He’s eager to meet everyone he sees and loves getting attention from them. His affectionate and happy-go-lucky nature combined with his small size make him well suited to any home as long as someone will be there to keep him company. He likes children, seniors, and most other pets, with birds, rabbits, and rodents being notable exceptions. The Norfolk is a fearless hunter who will see them as easy prey.

This is a curious, observant dog. Not surprisingly, he’s a very effective watchdog while also being one of the most easygoing members of the Terrier group. He’s less likely than many to be yappy, as long as he’s not bored.

The Norfolk might be small, but he’s sturdy. He is best suited to homes with children who are at least 7 or 8 years old. In homes with younger children, supervision is important. Remember that no dog is automatically good with kids. An adult Norfolk who is not experienced with children needs time to get used to their quick movements and shrill voices. Teach children never to tease or mistreat a dog. As with any dog, never leave a Norfolk alone with young children, no matter how well he knows them or how friendly he seems.

FEEDING

Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

HEALTH

Norfolk Terriers are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders test their stock for health conditions such as heart and eye issues and patellar luxation. A Norfolk’s teeth should be brushed often using a toothpaste formulated for dogs. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure your dog will have a long, healthy life.

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

• Patella Evaluation

• Cardiac Exam

• Ophthalmologist Evaluation

CARE

The Norfolk is an easy-care dog. Because of his small size, he’s well-suited to apartment living–though he can get barky if bored.

He needs at least one 20 to 30 minute vigorous walk or play session, or two 10 to 15 minute sessions every day.

This dog is intelligent and enjoys learning. But his natural independence and occasional stubborness can make training challenging at times. Consistent, positive training is the best way to convince him to do what you ask.

Teaching the Norfolk to come reliably when called is especially important in case he accidentally comes unleashed. Don’t ever yell or use physical force with these dogs–they’re highly sensitive and may become fearful or agitated as a result.

Like many terriers, the Norfolk barks. While he’s not overly noisy, a “Quiet” command should become part of his basic canine repertoire.

One word of caution: the Norfolk, like many other earth dogs, enjoys, no, loves, digging and this trait is not as easy to deter as barking.

GROOMING

The Norfolk Terrier has a hard, wiry, straight coat with a heavier amount of hair on the neck and shoulders forming a protective mane. Trimming isn’t necessary, but the coat does need to be hand-stripped twice a year, a time-consuming process of pulling out loose hair with a tool called a stripping knife. In the meantime, brush or comb the coat weekly.

If you choose not to strip the coat, the Norfolk will have a scruffy appearance, which some people like. The drawback to this is that the coat will shed more, especially as the dog matures. Stripping the coat has other benefits as well. A stripped coat sheds dirt and is water resistant. Terriers whose coats are stripped need fewer baths.

For a neater look, you can have your Norfolk clipped by a professional groomer, but it’s not the perfect solution. When you cut a Norfolk’s hair, it lightens the color because part of the pigment is removed, and it softens the texture, making the coat less protective.

The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually every week or two. Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath.

SOME PICTURES ABOUT THIS BREED

Source: dogtime, akc, vetstreet.