Last Updated on October 29, 2022 by Pets Feed
In the large family of terriers, the Norwich terrier is the smallest species. But it was the small size, charming fox face, as well as the playful, one might say, hooligan disposition that made the representatives of this breed popular.
Initially, the Norwich Terrier was bred to hunt small rodents. In the modern world, it is practically not used as a hunting dog, mainly it is a faithful companion, a playmate. Such a pet can easily energize and optimize all family members.
| Breed name | Norwich Terrier |
| Country of origin | England |
| Weight | 4 – 5 kg |
| Height (at the withers) | 24 – 26 cm |
| Life expectancy | 14 – 16 years |
| Size | Small |
Norwich Terrier photos
Breed standard
The Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest terriers. He is stocky, his physique is compact, bony. The muscles are well developed. The coat is hard, rough, weather resistant. The muzzle of the dog resembles a fox – with characteristic raised ears. The ideal height of Norwich Terriers is 24-26 cm at the withers, the weight is 4-5 kg.
Distinctive features
- Head: The skull is rounded, broad with a pronounced stop and a flattened frontal part. The head is wide with smooth lines, visually looks larger due to the shaggy coat. The muzzle is shortened, strong wedge-shaped. The transition line from forehead to muzzle is sharp.
- Jaws: The jaws are strong, the teeth are strictly vertical, rather large and strong. The bite is correct in scissors.
- Ears: The ears are erect, medium in size with pointed tips, set high but not too wide.
- Eyes: The eyes are almond-shaped, small, slightly set back. The color of the iris is dark chestnut or black.
- Body: The body is rectangular in shape, muscular with strong bones. The neck is long, strong with a smooth transition to the shoulders. The back is short, straight with a short loin and a sloping croup. The chest is elongated, spacious with well arched ribs. Belly picked up.
- Limbs: The legs are short, straight, rather muscular and strong. The paws are round, cat-like, short with fully developed hard pads and strong nails.
- Coat: The hair root is straight, hard, stiff. On the neck, the hair is much longer, forming a necklace. The undercoat is soft and dense. Color black and tan, grayish, grizzled, wheaten, red in different shades.
Behavior and character
It is believed that small dogs are quite aggressive and nervous. The Norwich Terrier proves the opposite. With its small size, this dog is a very good-natured, cheerful, playful animal that almost never sits still. This is understandable, because terriers belong to hunting dogs, and they, as you know, have strong nerves, and anger is shown not towards people, but towards potential prey.
The Norwich is endlessly devoted to its owner, which is not typical for hunting dogs. The company of households is pleasant and desirable for this dog, but left alone, the dog will not bully, bark or howl. He will find something to do with himself, for this provide him with toys.
Bad habits of the terrier: he sticks his nose everywhere, constantly digs the soil, arranges chases for birds and small animals, in a word, shows an innate hunting instinct at the wrong time, in the wrong place.
With the children
He gets along with children. It is an ideal companion for them in all outdoor games. If the situation calls for it, the Norwich terrier will fearlessly rush to protect the child. He behaves like a huge dog. The main thing is to teach children to treat a small pet with respect and attention.
With other animals
He is friendly with animals whether it is a cat or a dog. It is not recommended to keep rodents, birds with a Norwich terrier in the same territory. At any time, a hunting dog can organize a hunt against them, forgetting the lessons of education and training.
Health
The owner should be aware that the Jones Terrier is prone to the following diseases:
- Epilepsy – Can’t be cured but can be controlled. It is accompanied by seizures with convulsions, involuntary bowel movements.
- Tracheal collapse is a disease of the respiratory tract.
- Brachycephalic syndrome.
Life expectancy
With proper care and nutrition, a Norwich Terrier can live 14-16 years.
Basic care
Caring for this little dog is not difficult:
- The hairs are combed 2 to 3 times a week.
- Pruning is done twice a year.
- The eyes are cleaned 3-4 times a week.
- The ears are cleaned 1-2 times a week.
- Nails get shorter as they grow.
- The teeth are brushed 1-2 times in 10 days.
- Do not bathe more than once in 3-4 weeks.
Important
The Norwich Terrier is ideal for keeping an apartment. The only prerequisite is the need for a daily walk of the animal.
Interesting Facts
- Because of the Norwich Terrier’s ability to hunt rats, he was nicknamed “ratler”, which means “rat hunter”.
- Common people called Norwich in a simple way – “rags”, which means “shaggy”, all because of the constantly sticking out, tousled wool.
- Students of the University of Cambridge fell in love with the little cheerful Norwegians so much that they proclaimed this dog their mascot and began to call it “Cambridge Terrier”.
- In America, representatives of this breed are also very popular, here they are nicknamed “Jones Terriers”.
- Due to their small stature, it was difficult for Norwich Terriers to move quickly through the forest, so the hunters took them with them in the saddle. The task of the ratlers was to get into the hole and drive the game out of there directly into the pack of Foxhounds and under the guns of the owners.
- “Big dog in small volume” – so they say about the fearless little Norwich Terrier.
The history of the breed
The birthplace of the Norwich Terrier is England. The breed is relatively young. Its appearance dates back to the nineteenth century. Before the species was officially declared as an independent species, there were some difficulties associated with the closest relative, the direct ancestor of the Norwich. This is a Norfolk Terrier.
The fact is that these two breeds practically do not differ from each other. They were considered one species. But a significant difference is still observed in the exterior. Norwich has pointed, erect ears, while the Norfolk has drooping ears.
In all fairness, in 1964, they were divided into two independent breeds.
During the formation of the Norwich Terrier, selection work was carried out. Its improvement was carried out mainly in the territory of the county of Norflock, namely in the city of Norwich (Norwich).
In the process of breeding, breeders crossed many types of English, Irish hunting terriers. Namely: Glen of Imaal Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Border Terrier, Dandy Dinmont Terrier. All of these breeds are distinguished by good hunting qualities, endurance, and working capacity.
As a result, we got a Norwich Terrier. He inherited from his ancestors the hunting instinct, hard work, passion, courage and, despite the small size, strength.
