Norfolk Terrier

Temperament & Personality

The Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest members of the Terrier Group, but their personality is anything but small. They are the embodiment of the phrase "a big dog in a small package." Described in their breed standard as "game and hardy," your Norfolk is a fearless, confident, and fun-loving companion who is always up for an adventure. While they are loyal and will gladly curl up in your lap, don't mistake them for a simple lapdog; they are true terriers with a sturdy build and a working heritage.

What truly sets the Norfolk apart from many of its terrier cousins is its remarkably sociable nature. Their history includes working in packs to hunt, which required them to be cooperative and get along with other dogs. This background has fostered a more gregarious, "non-quarrelsome" disposition. While they still possess classic terrier tenacity and courage, they are known for having one of the "softest temperaments" of the group, making them an excellent choice for owners who want the terrier spirit without the typical terrier strife.

This sociable nature extends to their entire family. Norfolks are known to be particularly good with children, showing a gentle and patient side that makes them wonderful family pets. With proper early socialization, they can also live peacefully alongside other dogs and even cats. You must remember, however, that their instinct to hunt vermin is still present, so they should always be supervised around smaller pets like hamsters or guinea pigs.

Care, Living Environment, & Grooming

Caring for your Norfolk Terrier involves providing consistent, moderate exercise and committing to the unique grooming needs of their wiry coat.

Unlike some of their more high-octane relatives, the Norfolk's exercise needs are relatively moderate. Plan on providing about 30 to 60 minutes of activity each day to keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated. Daily walks, lively games of fetch, and interactive play sessions will keep them happy and well-behaved. Their intelligence and sturdy build also make them great candidates for dog sports like agility and Earthdog trials, which provide an excellent outlet for their natural instincts.

Thanks to their compact size—standing just 9 to 10 inches at the shoulder and weighing 11 to 12 pounds—Norfolk Terriers are highly adaptable to various living situations. They do very well in apartments or city homes, as long as their daily exercise needs are met. They thrive on being with their people and should live indoors as part of the family. If you have a yard, it must be securely fenced, as their terrier curiosity and instinct to dig and chase can lead them into trouble.

The most distinctive aspect of Norfolk care is their grooming. They have a hard, wiry, weather-resistant double coat that requires a special technique called hand-stripping to maintain its proper texture and color.

• Hand-Stripping: This is a painless process of pulling out the dead, blown outer hairs by hand or with a stripping knife. This allows a new, hard, colorful coat to grow in. It is typically done twice a year. You can learn to do this yourself or find a professional groomer who specializes in this service.
• Clipping vs. Stripping: You should avoid having your Norfolk's coat clipped. Clipping cuts the hair instead of removing it from the follicle, which damages the wiry texture. A clipped coat will become soft, faded in color, and will lose its protective, weather-resistant properties.
• Weekly: Brush their coat once or twice a week with a slicker brush or metal comb to remove loose hair and prevent mats.
• As Needed: Bathe only when necessary, as over-bathing can soften the harsh coat. Regular nail trims and dental care are also essential for their overall health.

Training & Socialization

Training your Norfolk Terrier is an engaging process that showcases their bright mind and occasionally stubborn will. They are highly intelligent and can be surprisingly eager to please for a terrier, making them quite trainable. They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques; keep training sessions short, fun, and upbeat, using plenty of treats and praise to keep them motivated.

While intelligent, they still possess that classic terrier independence. You will need to be patient and consistent with your commands, as they may sometimes decide their own plan is better than yours.

Capitalize on their naturally friendly disposition with early and thorough socialization. Exposing your Norfolk puppy to a wide variety of people, friendly dogs, new places, and different sounds will help them grow into the confident, well-mannered adult they are meant to be. Even with their sociable nature, it's crucial to teach a solid recall command. Their prey drive, while manageable, can still kick in at the sight of a fleeing squirrel, and you want to ensure they will come back to you.

Health Considerations

The Norfolk Terrier is a generally hardy breed with a long lifespan of 12 to 16 years. However, they are predisposed to certain genetic health conditions that you should be aware of. Choosing a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings on their breeding dogs is the best way to start with a healthy puppy.

• Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD): This is one of the most significant health concerns in the breed. It is a progressive heart condition where the mitral valve degenerates, allowing blood to leak backward. This can be detected as a heart murmur by your veterinarian and can eventually lead to congestive heart failure. Regular cardiac check-ups are essential for early detection and management.
• Patellar Luxation: A condition common in small dogs where the kneecap can slip out of place, causing lameness. It can be managed medically or, in severe cases, surgically.
• Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis and pain as the dog ages. Responsible breeders will have their dogs' hips evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP.
• Eye Conditions: Norfolks can be susceptible to a range of eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, and lens luxation. An annual eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist is recommended.
• Dental Disease: Like most small breeds, Norfolks are prone to plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to serious dental issues. Daily tooth brushing is the best prevention.

To ensure a healthy start, discuss these key health screenings with any potential breeder:

Cost of Ownership

The estimated annual cost of owning a Norfolk Terrier is around $1800. This figure can fluctuate based on your location and lifestyle choices, particularly your approach to grooming. The initial price of a well-bred puppy is often significant, and the first year will include additional costs for vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and supplies.

Here is a typical breakdown of annual expenses:

• Food: Due to their small size, food costs are modest, typically running $300 to $400 per year.
• Routine Veterinary Care: Annual exams, vaccinations, and parasite preventatives can cost between $500 and $1,000.
• Pet Insurance: Highly recommended to offset potential costs associated with hereditary conditions like MMVD. Premiums may range from $360 to $600 annually.
• Grooming: This is a major variable. If you learn to hand-strip the coat yourself, the cost is minimal. If you rely on a professional groomer, expect to pay $200 to $400 or more per year, as hand-stripping is a specialized, time-consuming service.
• Miscellaneous: Toys, treats, bedding, and other essentials will likely add $100 to $200 to your annual budget.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Charming, affectionate, and fun-loving personality
• More sociable and less quarrelsome than many other terriers
• Excellent with children and other pets (with proper socialization)
• Adaptable size, well-suited for apartment living
• Intelligent and comparatively trainable for a terrier

Cons

• Coat requires specialized hand-stripping, not simple clipping
• Retains strong terrier instincts to dig, bark, and chase
• Can have a stubborn streak, requiring patient training
• Prone to certain serious health issues like heart disease
• Can be vocal if not trained and exercised properly

Fun Facts

• The Norfolk Terrier and its close cousin, the Norwich Terrier, were considered a single breed until 1964 in England and 1979 in the U.S. An easy way to tell them apart is by their ears: the Norfolk's ears "fold" over, while the Norwich's ears are pointed like a "witch's" hat.
• The breed's ancestors were known as "Trumpington Terriers" in the late 19th century, where they were popular among Cambridge University students as enthusiastic ratters around the college grounds.
• One of the most influential figures in the breed's history was an English horseman named Frank "Roughrider" Jones. His strain of small red terriers, known as "Jones Terriers," became the foundation for the modern Norfolk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Norfolk Terriers shed a lot?

No, they are considered a low-to-moderate shedding breed. The best way to manage their coat and minimize shedding is through proper grooming, which includes weekly brushing and hand-stripping the coat twice a year to remove old, dead hair.

Are Norfolk Terriers good apartment dogs?

Yes, they are an excellent choice for apartment living. Their small size and adaptable nature allow them to thrive in smaller spaces, as long as they receive their 30 to 60 minutes of daily walks and playtime.

How much exercise does a Norfolk Terrier need?

They have moderate energy levels and require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. A combination of daily walks and active play sessions is typically sufficient to keep them happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

Can first-time owners handle a Norfolk Terrier?

Yes, the Norfolk is often considered one of the best terrier breeds for a novice owner. Their sociable, less-quarrelsome temperament makes them more manageable than many of their relatives. However, a first-time owner must be prepared to commit to consistent training and the unique grooming requirement of hand-stripping.

References

1. American Kennel Club – Norfolk Terrier
2. American Kennel Club – Norfolk Terrier Breed Standard
3. PetMD – Norfolk Terrier
4. PDSA – Norfolk Terrier Care Guide
5. American Kennel Club – 5 Facts About Norfolk Terriers
6. Dog Academy – Norfolk Terrier Breed Guide