Description:

Norfolk Terrier Puppies for Sale

Overview: The Norfolk Terrier is a high energy and feisty dog that likes to play a lot. This dog doesn't mind having other pets and even other dogs around to share in the fun. It also is friendly toward strangers. The Norfolk Terrier is a bit resistant to training. It does make an excellent watchdog, however cannot be relied upon for protection work. Its coat helps it be resistant to both the moderately cold and warm climates.

Temperament: Quite the inquisitive and curious dog, the Norfolk Terrier likes to explore, dig and just plain get into trouble. Though very amiable, it has been called a demon because of its dogged determination while hunting. It must get exercise in a safe environment as again it tends to get curious and that can lead to trouble.

History: While this dog was still in its early stages of breeding during the 19th century it was known that there were two types of ears that would come from this dog. There were those that would be pointed up for which the Norwich Terrier is known, and those that would be drop down on the side of the head, as found in the Norfolk Terrier. It was unsure and argued as to which one was authentic and which one wasn't. In the early 20th century breeders found that by crossing both ear types during breeding that it would cause ear carriage problems so breeders tend to avoid mixing the two ear types after that. Those with ears pointing up were more prominent than those with ears that dropped down and during World War II those with drop ears almost ceased to exist. This type still exists today largely because of one Miss Macfie of the Colansays as she continued to breed this type of Norfolk Terrier. With this dog being brought back it gained almost as much popularity as the pointed ears however it still didn't make it that far in show awards. Around the mid-20th century the two types of ears were separated by different breed names and became registered like that in the EKC and the AKC. Those with the dropped ears were known as the Norfolk Terrier, while those with pricked ears became known as the Norwich Terrier.

Names: There is no other name that the Norfolk Terrier is known by.

Groups: The Norfolk Terrier was formally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1979 and assigned to the Terrier Group.

Physical Characteristics: The average adult Norfolk Terrier can be 9 to 10 inches in height and can weigh 11 to 12 lb. One of the smallest Terriers in the AKC, it has a hardy expression and dropped ears. The coat on this breed is solid and straight overlaying the undercoat closely. The colors of the coat can be different shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or a grizzle. There may be dark and white marks mixed in.

Care: This dog must be exercised every day with either a good walk or just a very active and long play session. It should be kept in a safe environment as it really loves to explore and hunt. It is not wise to keep this dog outside at all times as it does need social interaction. The best coarse of action would to have it live inside and let it have access to the outdoors on a daily basis. Its coat needs to be brushed about twice per week and any dead hairs need to be removed about every three months.