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Norfolk Terrier

General
Other Names		Norfolk
Dog Group Kennel Club		Terrier
Breed Classification		The Norfolk Terrier is a member of the terrier group. They were originally bred for hunting fox, badger and rats; today they are companions.
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		£4-7.50 per week
Feeding Requirements		The Norfolk Terrier is an undemanding dog to feed with no special dietary requirements; they generally have a good appetite.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		The average puppy price ranges from £300 to £400.
Average Puppy Price		£300-500
Lifespan		9 - 15 years On average the Norfolk Terrier lives to about 14 years.
Average Litter Size		3 The Norfolk Terrier generally has small litters, 3 or less being the average.
General Physical Description		The Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest terriers around today. They have a wiry, hard, straight, weatherproof coat that requires minimal grooming and upkeep.
Height Min Max Bitch 25cm (10") 26cm (10") Dog 25cm (10") 26cm (10") Weight Min Max Bitch 6.5kg (14lbs) 6.5kg (14lbs) Dog 6.5kg (14lbs) 6.5kg (14lbs)
Size Category		Small
Weight Height Range		Ideally these terriers should measure 25-26cms at the withers and weigh no more than 6.5kgs.
Ailments		The Norfolk Terrier is a healthy and quite hardy breed of dog. The main concern seems to be skin related problems.
Common Ailments		Heart Murmurs Skin Problems Genetic Eye Problems
Susceptibility To Illness		Low
Other
History		The Norfolk Terrier has been around for over 100 years. The ancestors of this little dog may have included the Border Terrier and its ancestors, the Cairn Terrier and a red terrier from Ireland. During the late 1800’s they were popular with the students at Cambridge University, so much so that they became their mascot. This dog was originally known as the Norwich Terrier and was first recognised in the UK in 1932. However some of these dogs had erect pointed ears and others had ears that dropped down close to the head. In 1965 the drop eared terrier was renamed the Norfolk Terrier.
Intelligence		The Norfolk Terrier will learn quickly what is expected of it, but the training must be consistent as this terrier has a will of its own. As puppies they could try the patience of a saint at times, as they are so lively and playful.
Show Characteristics		The Norfolk Terrier should have a slightly round head with a broad skull and a strong wedge shaped muzzle. The jaws should be strong and have a regular scissor bite. The eyes should be small, oval in shape and dark with a keen expression. The ears should be medium in size, V shaped with slightly rounded tips and drop forward close to he cheek. The neck should be strong and quite long. The chest should be deep with a short back and level topline. The front legs should short, straight and powerful, the back legs should be broad, strong and muscular. The feet should be round and cat like in appearance. Tail docking is optional and if docked it should be to half its length. Tails are high set and carried erect. The coat should be hard, wiry, and straight with a thick undercoat. The hair should be longer and rougher on the neck and shoulders, and should be short and smooth on the head and ears. The colours desired are self-colours in all shades of red, wheaten, tan, grizzle or black, white is not desired.
Country Of Origin		England
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		Medium
Overall Exercise		40 - 60 minutes per day. This little terrier will adapt to life in the city but does prefer the country life. They love the outdoors and like nothing better than to be allowed to dig for hours.
Distress Caused if Left Alone		Medium
Personal Protection		Medium
Suitability As Guard Dog		Low
Risk of Sheep Worrying		Medium
Tendency to Bark		Medium
Ease of Transportation		High
Level of Aggression		Medium
Compatibility With Other Animals		Medium
Suitable For Children		Medium
General Character And Temperament		They are intelligent, lively and friendly little dogs that can be a bit wilful at times. They will get on well with older children and many elderly people seem to favour this breed. They should be socialised from an early age, particularly with cats, as they will chase them given half a chance. They are known to bark and dig a lot and therefore need adequate training and exercise.
Grooming
Coat Length		Short/Medium
Grooming Requirement		Once a week
Trimming		Occassional
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		Although the hard adult coat doesn’t appear until the puppy becomes an adolescent, grooming should be started at an early age; as this terrier can object to being restrained due to its independent streak. The coat is relatively easy to keep in good condition and will need to be hand plucked twice a year. A professional groomer or the breeder will be able to give advice on this.
Colour		They came in a variety of colours, more commonly seen in self-colours such as all shades of red, wheaten, tan, grizzle or black, some may have limited white.
Shedding		Little
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

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