Norwich Terrier
The Norwich Terrier, just like its cousin the Norfolk Terrier, is a fun-loving feisty little terrier that thrives off of adventure and action. They are hunters at heart so chasing small animals, especially rodents, is all that is needed for the Norwich to stay happy. These are the type of dogs that are best suited to be with people always on the go and enjoys daily outside activities.
Norwich Terriers make excellent watchdogs and are great around children. With a robust, playful attitude these dogs have a friendly attitude towards other dogs and pets. They even welcome strange people so long as its owner is around.
A Brief History Of The Norwich Terrier
England is the area of origin for the Norwich Terrier and the breed dates back to the 1800s. The Norwich Terrier shares an identical history with the Norfolk Terrier. The Norwich Terrier's biggest difference from its blood-brother is the ears - Norwichs have pricked-ears and the Norfolks have droopy ears.
During the early periods of these dogs, both were used quite extensively as excellent rat hunters and for fox bolting. In fact, all short-legged terriers were well respected in England. Sometime around the 1900s there was a small Trumpington Terrier that lived in a stable near Norwich.
The terrier's name was Rags and he sired many offspring, which are considered to be the official base of today's Norwich Terrier. One of the offspring, a male, made its way to the United States and was considered the first ambassador of the breed. The dog's owner was went by the name of Jones and many people to this day still refer to the Norwich Terrier as the “Jones Terrier”.
The AKC recognized the breed in 1939, but as one breed with two varieties (droopy ears and pricked ears). In 1979 they were officially known as two separate breeds and since then the Norwich Terrier has made a loving companion and a popular contestant in earthdog trials.
Upkeep Requirements For The Norwich Terrier
Any proud owner of a Norwich Terrier will tell you that this dog must have plenty of daily exercise. While they can get all of the action they need from running around the house, it is always best to allow your Norwich to freely explore the outside, running and chasing small animals to their heart's content.
The ideal living arrangement for the breed is to have access to a wide open (but safe) outside area during the day, such as a fenced-in yard, and to sleep indoors at night with the family. They can tolerate both moderately cool or warm temperatures. Grooming requirements for the Norwich Terrier's wiry coat calls for a heavy brushing about twice weekly, with a full stripping about every three to four months.
Health Concerns
The average lifespan of the Norwich Terrier is between thirteen and fifteen years. The only major health concern that runs common in the breed is CHD. Minor health issues include seizures, patellar luxation, cataracts, deafness, and cheyletiella mites. Veterinarians suggest that Norwich Terriers get specifically tested for hip and knee problems.
History
The Norwich Terrier has been around since the latter 19th century. It was a working dog located in East Anglia, England. It was bred to be a farm canine, to catch rats, and flush out foxes. It is thought that little red terriers that descended from the Irish Terrier are connected to the Norwich Terrier, along with the Trumpington Terrier, which is extinct.
Some people contend that this breed has its origin in the U.S. They say that Frank Jones actually developed the breed from mating various terrier types. He got his terrier stock from Cambridge, Norwich, and the Market Harborough, which leads by to the East Anglia dogs.
The Kennel Club of England recognized this breed as a show dog in 1932. There were two variations: prick ears and drop ears. The controversy basically focused on the prick eared and drop eared question. At first, the AKC lumped these terriers together in their stud book. The English Kennel Club separated the two types into the Norwich and Norfolk categories in 1964. The dropped ear terriers were recognized as the Norfolk Terrier and the pricked eared ones remained the Norwich Terrier. The AKC changed their recognition of these terriers in 1979.
General Looks
He is amongst the most diminutive of terriers. His legs are short, yet strong. He is hearty and nimble.
Is This Your Breed?
He is adaptable to city living or the countryside. He should get his exercise attached to the leash or in a fenced area because of his fervent hunting instincts.
Coat
He has a thick, straight, and wiry coat.
Color
The colors are tan, wheaten, black, and red.
Locomotion
The legs move in a parallel fashion. The propulsion is powerful.
Personality
The Norwich Terrier is happy, faithful, brave, affectionate, energetic, playful, and smart. Socializing this breed from a pup is recommended to avert a timid personality and to make him even tempered. The owner should be self-assured and have confidence because the Norwich Terrier can be stubborn and determined.
He is sometimes possessive about his toys and food. He needs to be around the household cat while he is young. He may be jealous of other pets. He is does well with kids that are gentle and those he knew from a pup. This breed can be friendly with strangers, but some are reticent with them. He enjoys digging and barking. He is a good watchdog.
Norwich Terrier video:
Tags: History, norwich terriers, Norwich Terrier, droopy ears
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