Mary Allen
Shoulder height: 25 – 26 cm
Weight: 5 – 7 kg
Age: 12 – 15 years
Colour: red, wheaten, black with tan or grizzle
Use: Companion dog, the family dog
The Norwich Terrier is an intelligent, lovable little terrier with a dashing temperament while being easy-going and non-belligerent. He is docile and adapts well to all life situations. Even dog beginners will have fun with the gentle little guy.
Origin and history
The history of the origin of the Norwich Terrier is identical to that of the Norfolk Terrier – both breeds were listed under one name until the 1960s. They come from the English county of Norfolk, with this breed the capital Norwich gives its name. They were originally kept on farms as rat and mouse catchers, but have also always been popular companions and family dogs.
Appearance
The distinguishing feature between Norwich and Norfolk Terriers is the ear position. The Norwich Terrier has prick ears, the Norfolk Terrier has hanging or tipped ears. Otherwise, they hardly differ from each other.
The Norwich Terrier is a typical small, short-legged terrier with a sturdy body. It has rather small, dark eyes and an expressive, inquisitive look. The ears are medium-sized, pointed, and erect. The tail is of medium length and is carried straight up.
Like its cousin, the Norwich Terrier has a wiry, hard top coat with a lot of dense undercoats. The fur on the neck is rougher and longer and forms a light mane. The coat comes in all shades of red, wheaten, black with tan, or grizzle.
Nature
The breed standard describes the Norwich Terrier as being particularly amiable, and fearless but not quarrelsome. The cheerful little terrier is extremely active and would love to be with you wherever you go. Since he is easy to train – with a little consistency – and has a very sociable nature, he is also a very uncomplicated, approachable companion.
A Norwich Terrier is also quite adaptable when it comes to attitude. It is alert but not prone to barking. It feels just as comfortable in a large family in the country as with a single person who lives in an apartment and can take the dog to work.
Of course, it needs exercise and activities like going for walks but does not demand excessive sporting activities. Much more important to him are the love and attention and closeness of his caregiver. Grooming the fur of the Norwich Terrier is also uncomplicated: the dense fur is only plucked into shape and should be trimmed once or twice a year. Then it hardly sheds.