Norwich Terrier

What you need to know about a Norwich Terrier

If you are considering enriching the home with a dog that is both faithful and easy to deal with, a Norwich terrier can be a good solution. The breed is generally a much-loved dog, but unfortunately, the Norwich terrier is relatively rare because of the small litter and because the dog's pregnancy often ends in a cesarean section. In this article, we make you more aware of the little terrier, which will become a beloved family dog ​​if it is activated properly.

The history of the Norwich Terrier

The history of this dog breed dates back to at least the late 1800s when the breed was used as a farm dog to hunt rats and other rodents in the stables of eastern England. Because of its small size, the dog was also popular for fox hunting, and it was a faithful and loyal family dog.

Since the 1860s there were Irish Terriers in the Cambridge area and it is believed that this breed may be the ancestor of the Norwich Terrier. In the beginnings of the breed, it was also called the Jones Terrier and the Cantab Terrier. In 1964, the breed was separated from the very similar Norfolk Terrier, which has the distinct difference that the ears fall forward over the head.

What is the activity level of a Norwich Terrier?

As is the case with many dog ​​breeds, the Norwich Terrier is also fond of food. It is therefore important that it gets regular exercise - preferably several times a day - so that it does not gain excess weight and become overweight. Because it has been bred to work, it can easily endure – and almost demands – to be stimulated through diverse activities. In addition to walks, playing with dog toys can also be a good idea, just as many owners train agility with the breed.

We are dealing with a small and robust dog that is lively, active, and strong with endurance. You can have some really good long walks with the dog, where you don't have to be afraid that it will run too far away. By nature, this terrier has a strong sense of pack mentality, which means that it will never stray too far from you.

Physical characteristics of a Norwich Terrier

There is no big difference between males and females for this dog breed. Both will be approximately 25-26 cm high. The dog's weight is around 6-7.5 kg. In terms of colors of Norwich terrier puppies, you will find them in all varieties of red, black/tan, wheat-colored and mixtures of dark and light colors, so-called grizzle.

A Norwich Terrier's temperament

This type of terrier is one of the smallest of its kind. It has a relatively energetic being and a lovable nature. You can often see the terrier running towards you with great excitement because it is generally happy with its surroundings and wants to show it. It is a good family dog ​​because it does not do much but instead is both a loving and faithful part of the home. It is often described as fearless, and with the right training, it can easily learn to get along with and tolerate other animals, including unfamiliar dogs.

Coat and fur care

As you might imagine, a country dog ​​in 1800s England had to be able to handle a bit of everything in terms of harsh conditions like wind and cold weather. The fur on a Norwich terrier is therefore rough, and relatively hard with a thick undercoat, which sits close to the small dog's body and makes it resistant to all kinds of weather.

Because the fur, from a breeding perspective, has had to be able to withstand a lot - e.g. chasing a fox out of a fox pit - it also grows relatively quickly. This means that you should expect your dog to be trimmed about three times during the course of a year. With the right trimmer, you can actually do it yourself, which is not only an advantage because it is a cheaper solution than at a dog salon. It can also be a good bonding experience that can bring you closer together.

In addition to trimming, you should brush the dog's fur frequently. This ensures a healthy coat, and you avoid having dog hair lying around the house all year round. If you remember to brush your terrier's fur regularly, you will, as a rule of thumb, be able to see when the dog needs to be trimmed - namely when it starts to shed.

You must be aware of this with your Norwich Terrier

The Norwich Terrier is a family dog ​​that has a special degree of pack mentality. Therefore, it is not suited to being alone at home for many hours at a time. If you acquire this dog breed, you must therefore be aware that it is a new family member that requires a lot of attention.

The dog breed also has a tendency to get bored if it is not stimulated enough or if its work tasks become too monotonous. This means that it is optimal that you do not follow the same routine and train the same things over and over again, and that the rewards – in the form of treats – are not the same. It will keep boredom at bay, and you will maintain good contact between you.

The dog tends to bark when strangers come, but it also quickly falls back and wants to be part of the pack. A Norwich Terrier can be careful, but not aggressive or shy. In general, it is a healthy dog ​​breed, but - especially with age - can suffer from hip dysplasia, epilepsy and loose kneecaps. If you can be there for your terrier, it will be there for you, and you will have a loving, loyal and active best friend with a life expectancy of 12-16 years.