The Norfolk Terrier: Small Dog with a Big Personality

As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘ve had the pleasure of working with many different breeds over the years. But few have captured my heart quite like the Norfolk Terrier. These plucky little pups pack a whole lot of personality into a compact 10-12 pound package. Whether you‘re already a fan of the breed or just considering adding one to your family, there‘s a lot to love about the Norfolk Terrier.

History of the Norfolk Terrier

The story of the Norfolk Terrier begins in the early 20th century in England. A huntsman named Frank "Roughrider" Jones set out to create the ultimate ratting and fox bolting terrier. He started with small red terriers, likely crosses of Irish and Yorkshire Terriers, then bred them with short-legged Glen of Imaal and Cairn Terriers to produce compact, tenacious little earth dogs.

Jones‘ efforts paid off, and his "Cantab Terriers" quickly gained a reputation as excellent working dogs and delightful companions. In 1932, the UK Kennel Club recognized them under the name Norwich Terrier.

In 1964, the drop-eared variety was labeled the Norfolk Terrier while the prick-eared ones remained Norwich Terriers. However, both ear types could still appear in the same litter. It wasn‘t until 1979 that the UK Kennel Club declared them separate breeds. The Norfolk Terrier was also recognized by the AKC in 1979.

Today, Norfolk and Norwich Terriers are very similar in all respects except ear carriage and a slightly longer back in the Norfolk. Both make wonderful companion dogs. As of 2021, the Norfolk Terrier ranked 131st out of 197 AKC recognized breeds in popularity.

Norfolk Terrier Breed Standard

Personality Plus in a Portable Package

What the Norfolk Terrier lacks in stature they more than make up for in personality. These are confident, curious, affectionate little dogs that love being the center of attention. They have an alert, inquisitive nature that pairs charmingly with a sensitive yet clownish disposition.

As terriers, Norfolk are independent thinkers with a mind of their own. They‘re clever problem solvers that like to do things their way. This can make training a challenge, as they tend to get bored with repetition. The key is keeping sessions short, fun, and rewarding. Positive reinforcement with praise and treats works best.

Early socialization is especially important for this breed, as they can be suspicious of strangers and dog aggressive if not properly introduced to new people and animals. Expose your Norfolk puppy to a wide variety of people, pets, places and situations to help them grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult.

One of the Norfolk Terrier‘s most endearing qualities is how affectionate they are with their families. These happy little tail-waggers live to be with their people. They‘ll follow you from room to room just to see what you‘re up to. They love a good snuggle session on the couch and are infamous burrowers under the covers.

Despite their lapdog tendencies, Norfolk Terriers still have plenty of the tenacity and boldness of their ratting ancestors. Their strong prey drive can kick into overdrive with cats and other small pets. And that big dog bark coming out of a little dog body makes them surprisingly effective watchdogs.

Exercise and Living Situations

Norfolk Terriers may be small, but they‘re far from delicate. These sturdy little dogs have moderate to high exercise needs and require at least 20-30 minutes of activity daily. They also need plenty of mental stimulation in the form of playtime, training, puzzle toys, and scent games.

A fenced yard where your Norfolk can race around and burn off steam is ideal. But they can also adapt well to apartment/condo life or small homes without a yard if sufficiently exercised. Just beware of off-leash adventures – these independent hunters are notorious for selective hearing when an interesting scent catches their attention!

Because of their portable size, Norfolk Terriers make excellent companions for on-the-go owners. Pop them in a pet carrier or dog stroller and they‘ll happily accompany you on all your daily adventures – from running errands to dining at outdoor cafes to strolling around town.

Health Concerns

Norfolk Terriers are generally healthy little dogs with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic health issues. Some seen in this breed include:

• Mitral Valve Disease – a heart condition where the mitral valve degrades, allowing blood to leak back into the atrium. Affects up to 15% of the breed.

• Luxating Patellas – a knee problem where the kneecap pops in and out of the joint. Reported in 7.4% of Norfolks.

• Hip Dysplasia – an abnormal formation of the hip socket. Seen in 6.5% of the breed.

• Eye Problems – cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy. Cataracts affect around 7% of Norfolk Terriers.

The best way to stack the health odds in your favor is to work with a reputable breeder who tests all breeding dogs for genetic problems. Avoid pet stores, puppy mills, and backyard breeders, as they often prioritize profits over producing healthy, well-socialized pups.

Grooming a Norfolk Terrier

The Norfolk‘s signature wiry coat is relatively low-maintenance for a small breed. They have a hard, straight outer coat and a soft undercoat. Occasional grooming includes:

• Brushing 1-2 times per week with a slicker brush to remove loose fur and prevent tangles.
• Hand-stripping 2-3 times per year to maintain proper coat texture. This involves using a stripping knife to pluck out the dead top coat. Many owners prefer to have a professional groomer handle this task.
• Bathing only as needed (every 4-6 weeks) with a gentle dog shampoo to avoid drying out the skin.
• Regular dental care including brushing teeth daily and professional dental cleanings as advised by your veterinarian.
• Trimming nails every 2-4 weeks or as needed to prevent overgrowth.
• Cleaning ears weekly with a pet-safe ear cleanser to avoid infections.
• Expressing anal glands if your dog is scooting or licking excessively at their rear end.

Feeding Your Norfolk Terrier

Norfolk Terriers typically do well on a high-quality dry dog food formulated for small breeds. Ideal feeding amounts vary based on age, weight and activity level:

Avoid overfeeding, as Norfolk Terriers are prone to obesity. Keep treats to no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. Puzzle feeders and slow-feed bowls are great for making meals last longer and providing extra mental stimulation.

Training and Behavior Tips

Like most terriers, Norfolk Terriers are highly intelligent but can also be willful and stubborn at times. The key to successful training is establishing yourself as a confident leader and keeping sessions positive and rewarding. Some tips:

• Start training and socialization early, ideally between 8-16 weeks old when puppies are most receptive.
• Use positive reinforcement methods like praise, play, and high-value treats to reward desired behaviors.
• Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun to avoid boredom.
• Be consistent with commands and expectations. The whole family needs to be on the same page.
• Prevent nuisance barking by teaching the "Quiet" command and providing plenty of mental stimulation.
• Channel their digging instinct into appropriate outlets like a sandbox rather than your flowerbeds.

House training can be challenging with this breed, as they can be stubborn about going outside in bad weather. Crate training helps prevent accidents and establishes a regular potty routine. Take your Norfolk out first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime. Praise and reward them each time they eliminate outdoors. With consistency and patience, most will be fully housetrained by 6-7 months old.

Finding Your Norfolk Terrier

If you‘ve fallen in love with the Norfolk Terrier‘s pint-sized good looks and oversized personality, you‘re not alone! These cheeky little charmers have been steadily growing in popularity over the last few decades.

However, finding a well-bred Norfolk Terrier can still be a challenge. The breed is relatively rare compared to some, so you may need to go on a waiting list with a reputable breeder. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,800 to $4,000 for a puppy, depending on breeder reputation and show/breeding quality.

When researching Norfolk Terrier breeders, look for one who does extensive health testing on all breeding dogs. Ask to see the results of genetic screenings for problems like hip dysplasia, eye issues, and luxating patellas. A good breeder will welcome your questions and want to meet you in person to make sure their puppies are going to responsible, loving homes.

Another option is adopting an adult Norfolk Terrier through a breed-specific rescue group. While these little dogs don‘t often end up homeless, it does happen occasionally. Adopting an adult allows you to skip the challenging puppy stage and have a better sense of the dog‘s health, temperament, and training needs.

Final Thoughts

It‘s hard not to fall head over heels for the Norfolk Terrier. From their portable size to their oversized personality, these little dogs just have a way of worming into your heart and making themselves right at home.

While Norfolk Terriers can be willful and a challenge to train at times, their intelligence, affectionate nature, and zest for life make them a joy to live with. Few things are more heartwarming than seeing a Norfolk‘s whole body wiggle with happiness at the sight of their favorite human!

Of course, no breed is the right fit for everyone. Norfolk Terriers do best with active owners who can give them plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Because of their strong prey drive and tendency to be territorial, they may not be ideal for homes with cats or frequent visitors. Their small size also makes them a better fit for families with older children who know how to handle dogs gently.

But for the right person or family, the Norfolk Terrier can be the most devoted and entertaining companion you‘ll ever have. If you‘re looking for a small dog with a great big personality, this portable, plucky pup might just be your perfect match!