Pet Guide: Norwich Terrier

This breed is one of the most minuscule working terriers. Yet, despite its size, it is strong-willed and sturdy with sensitive prick ears that sit on top of its head and a somewhat foxy expression, making it a dog with a good stuff and an enthusiastic worker. The Norwich Terrier's sinewy, weather resistant coat can be in various colors -- red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle - and requires grooming, both brushing and stripping.

The Norwich Terrier also got unique features just like any other breed. One of its distinguishing features is its round head and flat skull. This breed also has a short rectangular muzzle that runs from its head. It also has large round eyes that are entrancing and seem to express its emotions. A Norwich Terrier has a rather dumpy neck that leads however to expansive shoulders and a deep chest - an intriguing combination for such a petite dog. It also has round feet at the bottom of its short chubby legs. This breed's body is covered with medium length shaggy hair. Its face nevertheless is covered with more hair making it look cuddly and cute.

This breed is generally happy, courageous, devoted, affectionate, adjustable, and sporting, making it an ideal companion for men.

History

The Norwich Terrier stemmed off in East Anglia, England in 1880, it was initially built up and trained as a barnyard ratter. Because of its spirited and resilient nature, it was used to flush fox and other vermin from their hiding burrows during hunting and at the same time valued as a fun-loving family pet. This breed used to be clad in two ear-styles but it is only allowed to have standing ears nowadays. It was in 1964 that the other ear-style -drop eared variety - has become a separate breed popularly known as the Norfolk Terrier.

Today, a Norwich Terrier can still be seen hunting in diverse places. This dog is an active working breed and is happiest when it has a job to do like attending obedience classes, playing at home and/or joining in different dog sports. Because of this, a Norwich Terrier successfully contends in obedience and dexterity trials.

Since Norwich Terriers were bred to hunt in packs, they tend to be more outgoing and companionable than many other terrier breeds. These days, it serves first and foremost as an amusing companion dog, but can still take multitasking as it takes care (chase) of rats and other pests at the same time.

Personality and Temperament attributes

1. Playfulness

A Norwich Terrier is classified as a perpetual puppy; thus, it always begs for a game.

2. Affection

This breed is a great all around family dog since it is very affectionate and loves to show warmth and sweetness to family members, especially children.

3. Ease of training (learning rate)

A Norwich Terrier is an uncomplicated breed to train due to its eagerness to please people

4. Watchdog ability

This breed is not an ideal watchdog since it tends to be friendly with strangers and is very rarely aggressive.

5. Protection ability

Due to its strong hunting instincts and conventional terrier curiosity, this breed is able to protect its vicinity not only against vermin but also against unfamiliar people

6. Dominance

A Norwich Terrier's prevailing characteristic is its ability to amuse people through its playful and jovial nature. Another one is its aptitude in chasing out vermin from their burrows.

7. Friendliness toward dogs

Norwich Terriers do not only get along with people well, they also love other dogs and even small animals.

8. Friendliness toward other pets

This breed finds it easy to be friendly with other pets in the household; it regards every animal as its peer.

9. Friendliness toward stranger

Though it can instinctively sense dangerous people, a Norwich Terrier tends to be friendly with strangers and is seldom aggressive against them

10. Good with children

This breed loves children and shows its affectionate nature to them by playing and cuddling.

Care & Maintenance

1. Energy level

This is a very vigorous dog with a rather high-energy. It is always on the go, always running here and there especially if it sees vermin hiding on its dens.

2. Exercise needs

A Norwich Terrier is an energetic dog; it thrives on an active lifestyle and thus needs to be taken on a daily walk for exercise.

3. One owner loyalty

Though this breed tends to socialize with other familiar people, it is very loyal and devoted to its owner.

4. Cold weather

Due to its thick, shaggy hair, a Norwich Terrier has a high tolerance of a cold weather

5. Hot weather

A Norwich Terrier is characterized with a high heat tolerance due to its ability to adapt to any weather and condition.

6. Coat length

This breed's coat is hard, wiry and straight, which lies close to the body with an explicit undercoat. It also has short and smooth hair on head, ears and muzzle, except for its eyebrows and whiskers which are just slightly hirsute.

7. Shedding

A Norwich terrier sheds - not much, but a bit. Though it tends to shed more if proper grooming is not maintained.

8. Grooming

This breed does not need very much grooming at all. Brushing could be done once daily but no clipping is required.

9. Prone to health issues

A Norwich Terrier is long-lived and enduring. Some dogs however may suffer from back problems and genetic eye diseases.

10. Living environment

This breed can survive in almost all environment types with very few constraints. A perfect place for them to live however are apartments, houses, and/or country farms.

11. Barking

Because of its jovial and active nature, a Norwich Terrier has a high affinity for barking and making a noise to catch attention.

12. Drooling

This is a breed with a low drooling tendency.