NORWICH TERRIER
APPEARANCE
The Norwich Terrier is a sturdy, robust, and compact little dog. The Norwich Terrier has a short, rough textured coat and a naturally long tail that is docked for show purposes. Their ears are triangular yet pricked upwards and they have a slender, powerful muzzle. The coat of the Norwich Terrier is hard and wiry, and the coloring can vary, including black and tan, wheaten, grizzle, or various shades of red. These small dogs weigh in at around 11-15 pounds, and reach around 8-10 inches in height.
PERSONALITY
These small but hardy dogs are courageous, remarkably intelligent and wonderfully affectionate. They can be assertive but it is not typical for them to be aggressive, quarrelsome or shy. They are energetic and thrive on an active life. These dogs can be hardy, headstrong, and determined, which means that the owner needs to be assertive and confident in order to establish leadership.
TRAINING
The Norwich Terrier is quick to learn, but sometimes has a mind of their own. They may also exhibit a stubborn streak and can be difficult to housetrain. They respond best to firm and consistent rules and guidance. They love to learn tricks given the right method of motivation for them. The Norwich does best when given obedience training. Norwich Terriers compete in Earthdog competitions, and are increasingly common in Agility and Flyball competitions.
EXERCISE
The Norwich Terrier needs at least one hour of real activity daily, such as a good walk, run, or working session. Norwich are curious, independent dogs who may become bored by routine, repetitive walks/routes; they need more than access to a backyard for their physical and mental health.
SOCIALIZATION
The Norwich Terrier can be very possessive when it comes to his food or belongings, and can be jealous of other pets. He will get along well with children that are gentle and those he has been brought up with. This breed should be introduced to cats from an early age. With strangers some Norwich Terriers will be friendly, but others may be more reserved.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Norwich will adapt to apartment living provided they are given sufficient exercise. Because a Norwich has strong hunting instincts and typical terrier curiosity, most breeders require fencing as a prerequisite to owning a Norwich puppy or adult.
GROOMING
This breed will need to be brushed about once per week to remove the dead fur from their coat. Bathing should be done once every 2 months. hard wiry coats, requires “stripping,” or pulling the oldest hairs from the coat once in the fall and once in the spring. The Norwich Terrier may prove ideal for allergy sufferers, as he is a low shedder.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Norwich Terrier is 12-16 years. For the Norwich, there are some health issues present like epilepsy, narrow tracheas, luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, mitral valve disease, and incorrect bites (how the teeth meet when the jaws are closed).
HISTORY
The breed has existed since at least the late 1800s, as working terrier of East Anglia, England. The game and hardy little dogs were useful as ratters in the stable yard, bolters of fox for the hunt, and loving family companions. Until 1964 Norfolk Terriers were also classed as Norwich Terriers, but the two were separated in the 1960s because the Norfolk Terrier has folded ears and the Norwich Terrier has erect ones. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1936.
sally on March 25th, 2010
When it is time to doc puppy and due claws . doc their tails how or what do you look look for when it comes time to doc the tail Please help Thanks