The Norwich Terrier is practically the same as the Norwick Terrier in size, breeding, and history, however, when it comes to appearance they are noticable differences. When the terriers were first shown, both the Norwick Terrier and the Norwick Terrier were in the same classification, however, this is no longer true. The Norwich Terrier are great travel companion because of their size, they are very easily carried in your arms, in your purse, and absolutely love to travel.
The Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest breeds of terriers which helps to give them their adorable and cuddable appeal.
Norwich Terriers can be trained to be a great show dog, work in the field by hunting for vermin, or as a sweet family member. The Norwich Terrier is a loving dog that loves every member of his family no matter what their age. He loves to play outdoors and enjoys chasing whatever he finds that might move.
The Norwich Terrier is a little charmer that everyone seems to fall in love with immediately. He does do quite well with other pets in the home including other dogs. He is not very vocal, but is alert, happy, lighthearted, playful, and ready to be a part of your family. They are known for their alertness, lighthearted, and ready to play attitude while being easy to live with, easy to train, easy to care for, and loved by everyone.
The Norwich Terrier is recognized by the Continental Kennel Club, Fédération Cynologique Internationale, American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, Kennel Club of Great Britain, Canadian Kennel Club, Australian National Kennel Club, National Kennel Club, New Zealand Kennel Club, Club Espanol de Terriers, American Pet Registry Inc., and the American Canine Registry in the Terrier classification or group.
Appearance
The Norwich is the smallest terrier breed standing at 10 inches in height and weighing around 10 to 12 pounds. You cannot only recognize the Norwich Terrier and the difference between the Norwich and the Norwich by his size and by his priced ears, which stand erect.
He has small dark, oval eyes with black rims that are set well apart. The Norwich Terriers eyes are keen, sparkling, and show intelligence. The ears are medium in size, pricked, and erect. They are set apart with pointed tips and are held upright with alert. The skull is wide with a bit of rounding as well with quite a bit of width between the ears. Lips should be tight with a scissor bite.
The coat is hard, wiry, and straight which is around 1½ to 2 inches in length and lies close to the body along with a noticeable undercoat. The hair on the neck and shoulders is longer than the rest of the coat, which is short and smooth with eyebrows and whiskers. The coat color of the Norwich Terrier is red, black and tan, wheaten, or grizzle. White markings are not accepted for show dogs.
The neck of the Norwich Terrier should be strong and blend well with the shoulders. The topline should have good width with well-sprung ribs. The tail should be docked. Shoulders are laid back with elbows close to the ribs. The feet are round with thick pads and black toenails.
Personality
The Norwich Terrier is known for his courage, activeness, affection, active, courageous, affectionate, balanced, and does not show any signs of nervousness. He may be easy to train, however, he does have a mind of his own and may not always wish to listen to training. He does love everyone especially children. However, children should not rough house with the Norwich Terrier as he can be injured.
The love to play with all kinds of toys, but can become bored if left outside with nothing to do. This can lead to digging and barking. Above all, they are loving and loyal and need plenty of attention.
Care
Apartment life is great for the Norwich Terrier, however, he will need some playtime outside. He loves taking walks in the countryside. They were originally bred to work therefore, they have plenty of energy and love being active.
When it comes to grooming, you will need to brush and comb their coat daily. However, a lot of clipping is not required. They do shed but very lightly and bathing should be done with a dry shampoo.
The undercoat is the most important hair to care for and should be brushed with a steel comb at least once a week to remove loose or dead hair and to avoid matting.
The Norwich Terriers coat should also be stripped twice per year: once in the autumn and once in spring.
As for children, the Norwich Terrier loves his family especially children. However, children should be watched carefully as rough housing could injure this small toy breed.
History
It is believed the Norwich Terrier is descendants of the working terrier of East Anglia. The cross breeding of the Cairn Terriers, the Irish Terrier, and the red terriers that were originally used by Gypsy ratters in Norwich.
During the 19th century, ancestors of the Norwich Terrier were used on grain farms and in horse stables in East Anglia to hunt rats and mice. He was also used to hunt foxes and kinds of vermin that might cause havoc to farmers.
This breed was first known as the Cantab Terrier when students at Cambridge University in England were very fond of these adorable little dogs. After this time, they were referred to as the Trumpington Terrier after a street in the area where they were developed. Then the name was changed again just before World War I. A Norwich hunter aided in introducing a short-legged terrier to the United States which he called the Jones Terrier.
The Norwich was accepted into the English Kennel Club in 1932. The American Kennel Club registered the very first Norwich Terrier in 1936. Finally, in 1964, the two varieties of Norwich Terriers were given their own classifications, the one with dropped ears known as the Norwich Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, and the Canadian Kennel Club in 1979.