The Norfolk Terrier makes an incredibly sympathetic first impression with his wire hair and funny face. It lasts just enough until the terrier discovers a cat and whizzes away following his original hunting instinct. The bright four-legged friend is a real challenge in terms of training, but at the same time infinitely lovable: a small dog with a lot of character!

Terrier with an eventful history

Terriers have a long tradition in Great Britain. As early as the Middle Ages, they kept cities and country estates free of rats and foxes. Until today’s Norfolk Terrier breed emerged, there were many crosses with similar breeds. It was not until the last century that the “Norfolk”, which differs from the Norwich Terrier with erect ears only in its bent ears, was officially introduced. For almost 100 years, the robust small dog has no longer been a hunting dog, but a popular family dog and companion dog. Their charm wraps their owners around their little finger and often helps them get over one or two pranks they afford.

Profile Norfolk Terrier

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Character of the Norfolk Terrier

In short: The Norfolk Terrier has it thick behind the ears! The little dogs are clever, cheeky and strong in character. They have a mind of their own and there is no giving up. As a Pied Piper, the breed needed great courage and self-confidence. They also bring these qualities to their coexistence with us humans. They may guard their home and their humans loudly, because some of the four-legged friends really like to bark. Opposite Family members and especially children, on the other hand, show their soft side to the little predators. They are patient roommates and love to play. Good socialization is a must for the Norfolk Terrier. However, dog schools and trainers should have experience with the typical terrier characteristics.

Education and keeping of the Norfolk Terrier

The Norfolk Terrier, bred for independence, is very intelligent and capable of learning, but does not necessarily have the greatest “will to please”. His upbringing must follow a clear line that is consistently adhered to from the day he moves in. If you are careless here, you may soon have a little whirlwind in the house, gnawing at furniture and shoes, barking constantly and digging up the garden.

You should pay special attention to the hunting instinct when training. Living together with cats and small animals can be difficult due to the original hunting instinct, but it can be achieved with early habituation. Never leave your Norfolk alone with four-legged roommates that can be reached by him. When running free, you have to expect that your terrier will take off when game is sighted. With a tow leash you protect your dog and the game from injury. It is best if your Norfolk Terrier is given a task. Dog tricks, zergel and search games suit him the most. Be careful with very active games such as ball throwing or agility. The former should always be done in a structured way, otherwise it can lead to so-called “ball addiction” and for the latter the terrier is not well suited due to its physique.

Caring for the Norfolk Terrier

The robust coat of the Norfolk Terrier has a firm top coat that must be trimmed two to three times a year. Scissors are not recommended. To keep the longer sections of hair clean and free of knots, you have to brush it thoroughly several times a week. This also reduces shedding indoors. With good care, the Norfolk Terrier can live up to 15 years. However, terriers are also in the risk group for Cushing’s syndrome, a metabolic disease in which there is an increased release of the hormone cortisol.

Also check out these smaller terrier species:

• Cairn Terrier: The Scots have a heart for terriers and bred the Cairn Terrier in addition to other breeds. The dog should be versatile, attentive, courageous and yet friendly to its own family. The fuzzy Scotsman meets all these requirements and convinces with a successful mix
•  Jack Russell Terrier: He is small, nimble and inspires with his droll nature: The Jack Russell Terrier is a charming clown and extremely smart. This should not hide the fact that the little dog needs consistent training and an experienced owner.
• Manchester Terrier: The Manchester Terrier is considered one of the most original British dog breeds. His passion and task was rat hunting. To this day, this hunting instinct is in his blood, which is why the elegant, black-brown terrier needs a very good education.
• Parson Russell Terrier: Are you looking for a sporty and cheerful dog, are you an active person, maybe with a family and children? If you also have a little dog experience, then the Parson Russell Terrier is your ideal candidate.
• Patterdale Terrier: With a Patterdale Terrier by your side, life with a dog never gets boring! The lively four-legged friends bring all their energy and joie de vivre into an active everyday life. After a long day in the fresh air and lots of exercise, they enjoy time with their family.
• Welsh Terrier: The Welsh Terrier is one of the rarest terrier breeds in the world. Its roots could go back to the Celts. In recent decades, its task has changed from hunting to companion dog. The intelligent small dogs are lovable family members.
• West Highland White Terrier: In the 1990s, the West Highland White Terrier became a fashion dog. The snow-white fuzzy head with the button eyes became a popular family companion. But hand on heart: It’s also hard not to fall in love with the Westie.
•  Yorkshire Terrier: Cute button eyes flash out from under the bow that don’t miss anything. That’s how you know the Yorkshire Terrier from TV. You could think of him as a cuddly toy, but far from it: The Yorkshire Terrier is an agile action dog with a strong character.