Dog Breeds 101: Norfolk Terrier

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People would often describe the Norfolk Terrier as a dog that is small in size but big in personality. Fearless and loving, this dog is a wonderful companion. Norfolks are aloof towards people they don’t know but it won’t take long for them to warm up to new friends. The Norfolk Terrier was once considered to be the same breed as the Norwich Terrier until in the 1960s when they were separated. The only difference between the two is that Norfolk Terriers have pricked ears whereas Norwich Terriers have dropped or folded ears. [1] [2]

This breed is a member of the Terrier family and has a life span of 13 to 15 years. Norfolks can only grow up to 10 inches at the withers and weigh between 11 to 12 pounds. Since they are small, they can live in apartments or houses without a yard. They are also great companions for single people and their spunky nature is popular among seniors. [2]

The Norfolk Terrier was bred to hunt vermin in barns and farms near the towns of Norfolk and Norwich, England. The breed was developed by crossing Border Terriers, Cairn Terriers and Irish Terriers. Terriers were very popular in England during the 1800s because they were efficient rat hunters. One of the earliest breeders of Norfolk Terriers is a Cambridge alumnus named Jodrell Hopkins, who bred and sold the little terriers to students though back then, the Norfolks were known as Cantab Terriers or Trumpington Terriers. The breed was first recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1932 but the dogs’ ears started to become an issue. In 1964, the English Kennel Club created a breed standard separating the prick-eared and the drop-eared dogs. In 1979, the Norfolk and Norwich Terriers were accepted to the American Kennel Club as separate breeds but aside from the ears, the standard for the two breeds are similar. [2] [3]

References:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norfolk_Terrier
[2] http://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/norfolk-terrier/
[3] https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/norfolk-terrier#/slide/1

Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norfolk_Terrier#/media/File:Kofi_in_tartan_1.jpg