norwich terrier

History of origin

The breed begins its history in Victorian England, or rather, in the county of Norfolk, when by crossing several small terriers (including Yorkshire, Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier and Norfolk) a small dog with a hard coat was bred, the task of the bark was hunting for small game. The breed was named after the capital of the county, the city of Norwich or Norwich, although initially these funny dogs were nicknamed “rags”, which can be translated as “disarranged”. Gradually, two types emerged among the new breed: one with prick ears and the other with semi-pendulous ears, and the English Norwich Terrier Club announced that it did not recognize the second variety, legitimizing only erect ears in the standard. Lop-eared dogs were identified as a separate breed – the Norfolk Terrier.

The Norwich proved to be excellent in burrow hunting, and the British liked their appearance so much that the breed quickly gained popularity. Moreover, these dogs have become a real symbol of Cambridge, since it was students who got them most often. Moreover, not only as a companion, but also as a talisman – there was a legend in the university environment that Norwich Terriers bring happiness. So the dogs got another name – Cambridge terriers.

The breed reached its second peak of popularity in America, where it received a third name – the Jones Terrier in honor of the English breeder Frank Jones, who made a significant contribution to the formation of the breed.

There are also many fans of these dogs in our country today, they are most often made as friends, but there are also those who still use the Norwich for hunting.

Breed description

The Norwich Terrier is a small dog with a stocky build. At the withers, it usually ranges between 25 and 30 cm, and the weight does not exceed 7 kg, which makes this breed very suitable for apartment keeping. The back is straight, the tail is set high, docked at 2/3 (at the request of the owner), usually stands erect. The eyes are dark, look cheerful and attentive. The ears are large, widely spaced, erect (unlike the Norfolk Tetriers, whose ears droop). The paws are rather thick, not long, which makes the dog seem a little stretched.

Solid colors: wheaten-red, gray, red, grizzly and black, white spots are highly undesirable. The coat is of medium length, hard, sticking out like a brush, forming a mustache and beard on the muzzle. Requires virtually no trimming or special care.

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Character

For the Norwich, it is simply golden. They have all the positive qualities of terriers: courage, optimism, friendliness, intelligence, but at the same time they are devoid of hyperexcitability. They get along with absolutely everyone: with children, strangers and other animals, the talent of these dogs to establish contacts and make friends can only be learned. They love members of their family very much, to which they include all domestic ones – from people to fish in an aquarium, but they need to be introduced to other animals as early as possible, otherwise, when they see, say, a guinea pig, they will most likely take it for game.

Like all terriers, Norwichs are very energetic, so they are unlikely to lie indifferently on their rug, rather, they will take part in all household chores.

They love walks and active games that they are ready to play tirelessly. At the same time, do not forget that they are still hunting dogs. In the mastery of killing rats will give a hundred points ahead of any cat.

Care and maintenance

The Norwich Terrier is a very easy to care for dog. It is small, so it does not take up much space in the house and does not require a lot of food (the main thing is that it be of high quality). His rough, brushed coat does not need any special care, it does not even need to be combed. Is it sometimes worth washing the dog – especially if he manages to get dirty on a walk. But this should not be done more than once every few months.

But what he really needs is long walks. This small body contains an inexhaustible supply of energy, so the more active the walk, the happier your four-legged friend will be.

But in general, as British sources point out, Norwich Terriers are less pampered than, for example, Yorkshire Terriers, therefore they are much more unpretentious in content.

Education and training

These cute dogs are very smart and attuned to humans, so they learn everything themselves and very quickly. However, this does not mean that they do not need to be trained. Despite their small size and touching muzzle, they have all the qualities of hunting dogs, including their autonomy and independence. So if you do not explain from childhood who is in charge in the house, your opinion will not be taken into account.

Raising a Norwich is like a big dog, teaching him all the basic skills, paying special attention to obedience. Your little friend must clearly know the command “to me”, otherwise one day you risk losing him on a walk.

And most importantly, remember that the Norwich Terrier is not a toy or a sofa dog. Treat him with respect.

Health and disease

These little terriers are naturally healthy. However, if the content is incorrect, they can also have all sorts of problems. So, often the owners begin to overfeed their dogs, slipping them an extra piece, or even candy. Obesity, on the other hand, quickly upsets the work of all internal organs – from the musculoskeletal system to the endocrine system, and, of course, reduces the dog’s life expectancy.

Norwich dogs also have diseases of the nervous system, even epilepsy.

Well, and, of course, it is necessary to vaccinate your pet in time and carry out the prevention of parasitic diseases, as well as fleas and ticks, which are very easy to miss in their thick, hard coat.

Word to the breeder

Victoria Efremova, breeder of the Fritsvit terrier kennel He says this about the breed: “The Norwich Terrier can be safely called a brownie, keeping warmth and comfort in the family. These adorable bearded little dogs fit in well with any living environment. Norwichs are very friendly, they love children and adults, they do not conflict with other animals, they always try to be in the center of any company, they love to walk, swim, play. Surprisingly comfortable dog breed for keeping in a city apartment.

In our country, the Norwich is not as popular as many other terriers, but every year more and more people choose this breed. Families with children especially love the Norwich Terrier, because even a junior schoolboy can handle the Norwich Terrier. Hair care is simple, dogs do not shed, do not smell, do not spoil furniture. Very docile and compact, Norwich can easily travel with their owners in the cabin. At the same time, dogs of this breed are not devoid of self-esteem, they are very brave, active, curious and not afraid of anything at all.

Having chosen a Norwich Terrier, you will forever fall in love with these little brave dogs. Norwich holds a place in the heart of every person who ever gets to know him.

And here is what three breeders say about these wonderful dogs at once nursery “Nevsky Paradise” Yakukhnova Tamara, Andreeva Ekaterina, Kharitonova Elena: “Charming smart face, sly look of dark penetrating eyes, sharp ears, funny tail, well-fed compact body, strong strong paws and disheveled coat – this is none other than the Norwich Terrier, and all this in its entirety does not exceed 26 cm in withers, and weighs no more than 7 kg. Norwich is one of the smallest working terriers in the world, and at the same time, Norwichs are extremely friendly, sociable and cheerful dogs. These delicate creatures almost never spoil anything at home and practically do not bark, they simply believe that a very good reason is needed for barking. After the appearance of this funny terrier in the house, the owners, as if by magic, begin to get rid of negative character traits, begin to look at the world positively, enjoy those little things and trifles that they did not notice before, and not a single, even the most inveterate pessimist, can resist the charm of Norwich who seems to have set out to lead his two-legged companions to the salvation of their souls and inevitable happiness.

And our cattery provides comprehensive assistance and support in the cultivation, care and education of our pets. With a strict choice of owners, the priority is not the money side, but responsibility and love for the animal.”

Popular questions and answers

We asked to answer questions about the maintenance of Norwich Terriers zoo engineer, veterinarian Anastasia Kalinina.