Norwich Terrier

History of the Norwich Terrier breed

The East Anglia region, located north of the country's capital, is considered the birthplace of dogs. Here is the county of Norfolk, in the main city of which – Norwich – and these funny creatures were first noticed. Similarity Yorkshire terriers with "Norwich" is no coincidence: the latter originated from English terriers; those, in turn, were derived from Irish and Yorkshire terriers. Speaking about the origin of the brave kids, it is impossible not to mention the Norfolk Terriers related to them. Previously, these breeds were not separated, since the only distinguishing feature of dogs was the shape of the ears.

For a long time, terriers participated in a rich breeding program along with representatives of burrowing dog breeds. At the same time, the brisk crumbs got their first name – ragsy. Translated from English, the word rag means "a piece, a flap". Probably, the reason for such an unethical name was shaggy animal hair. And indeed: if the dog's fur coat was not put in order for a long time, it fell off in sloppy pieces.

The following breed name turned out to be more presentable and glorified the animals throughout England as skilled rodent hunters. Norwich Terriers were nicknamed ratlers (from the word rat – "rat"). Despite their modest size and friendly disposition, the dogs successfully coped with the extermination of uninvited guests who raided barns and warehouses. The British increasingly wanted to get a charming hunter. With this desire, the popularization of the breed began on the territory of the country, and in the future – all over the world. In the 1880s, these terriers became the unofficial mascot of Cambridge University. The puppies made a splash among the students who lined up for a fashionable pet. So there was an unofficial name – the Cambridge terrier.

At the beginning of the XX century, dog breeder Frank Jones resumed work on the exterior of the Norwich, crossing a representative of the breed with core and Glen of Imaal terriers. Later, dogs from Market Harborough and Cambridge joined the breeding program. Among the possible progenitors of modern Norwich Terriers include and border terrier . The efforts of breeders were aimed at improving and further developing the brave breed, loved by many Englishmen.

Animal breeding turned into a success in 1932, when the history of the breed was replenished with three significant events at once. The Norwich Terrier became a participant in the dog show for the first time, and its success led to the emergence of a breed club and recognition of its standard by the Kennel Club of Great Britain. Oil was added to the fire by the relentless disputes over standing and hanging ears of representatives of seemingly the same breed. With the outbreak of World War II, the differences between the two camps subsided. The charming terriers were replaced by service dogs, and the little rat catchers were on the verge of extinction.

Since the middle of the XX century, discussions have flared up with renewed vigor, since the 1932 standard still considered hanging and standing ears as signs of the same breed. Breeders sought to separate outwardly similar dogs and thereby get rid of possible competition. The British Kennel Club did not consider these disagreements a reason for the creation of two independent breeds. In 1964, the conflict reached a climax, and the members of the club gave in. Dogs with erect ears retained the name "Norwich Terriers", but their lop-eared brethren were renamed "Norfolk Terriers".

English rat catchers began colonizing the United States since 1914, when Philadelphia athlete Robert Strawbridge returned to his homeland accompanied by a male named Willum. From this dog came the American line of Norwich Terriers. Dogs were often called Jones Terriers – after the name of the person who is considered the founder of the breed. In 1936, thanks to the dog breeders Henry Bixby and Gordon Massey, immigrants from England (with hanging and standing ears) were entered into the register of the American Kennel Club already under the official name. Following the example of British colleagues, US dog breeders divided the breed into Norwich and Norfolk Terriers in 1979. Separate clubs appeared at the beginning of the XXI century.

Although dogs are no longer used as skilled rodent exterminators, they continue to conquer the world. Shaggy babies are appreciated for their docile disposition and funny appearance – this is enough to become a welcome pet and a loyal friend for many years! The hunting qualities of animals fade into the background.

Video: Norwich Terrier

Norwich Terrier Breed Standard

Contrary to the misconception, the Norwich Terrier does not belong to decorative dog breeds, although its size is very small even in comparison with other terriers. These animals are squat and compact, but at the same time do not look clumsy. The backbone is strong, surrounded by moderately developed muscles.

Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed: males and females barely differ in size. According to the FCI standard, the height of the terrier at the withers should reach 24-26 cm, and the body weight should vary between 5-5.5 kg.

Head and skull

Most often the head seems larger than its size, and the reason for this is the "increased shagginess" of the dog. The format is typical for most terriers: the head is wide, with smooth outlines. The skull is rounded (especially in the area of the ears), the frontal part seems flattened. The occipital protuberance is moderately pronounced.

Muzzle

The muzzle of the Norwich Terrier has the shape of a wedge. The lengths of the muzzle and head (from the back of the head to the lower part of the foot) are in a ratio of 2:3. The transition between the forehead and the back of the nose is quite sharp. The lobe is painted black. Thin lips are completely pigmented, fit snugly to the jaws. Bryliness is not observed. When the mouth is closed, the teeth are not visible.

Ears

Medium size, standing. The "triangles" are located high on the crown with a significant distance between them. The ears are raised and pointed forward when the dog is excited about something. In a calm state, they are most often slightly pulled back. The tips are pointed.

Eyes

The eyes of the Norwich Terrier are relatively small, have an oval shape and a cut. Due to the anatomical structure of the skull, they are slightly recessed, which serves as a kind of protective mechanism. Dry eyelids fit tightly to the eyeballs, pigmented in dark shades. The color of the iris is dark brown or black. Animals have an interested and cheerful look.

Jaws and teeth

The jaws form a regular scissor bite. The teeth are atypically large (considering the dimensions of the Norwich), planted firmly and strictly vertically.

Neck

The length of the neck corresponds to the size of the animal. The neck itself is quite strong, the suspension and the nape are practically not pronounced.

Housing

The trunk of the Norwich Terrier is rectangular in format; it has a strong, but at the same time very flexible backbone. The chest is formed by arched ribs, rather narrow, which does not prevent the use of the dog in burrow hunting. The chest is elongated, notable for a good depth to the level of the elbows or below. The horizontal topline is formed by a short back, passing into the same loin and sloping croup. Belly and groin are matched.

Tail

The breed standard allows for moderately docked and uncooped variants. The cropped tail of the Norwich smoothly completes the top line, is notable for its medium length and high postage. In motion, it rushes perpendicular to the ground. The length of the uncapped tail is not strictly regulated. From the thick base, the tail gradually tapers to the tip. Rushes above the back line, ending it.

Forelimbs

Look less muscular compared to the rear ones. The developed shoulders are withdrawn in the direction of the shoulder blades, passing into straight forearms. The elbows are adjacent to the chest of the Norwich Terrier. Strong pasterns are characterized by a strictly vertical delivery. Paws have a rounded shape, resemble a cat's thanks to well-filled pads. They are directed forward regardless of whether the dog is in motion or not. Claws, like all burrowing breeds, are strong.

Hind limbs

Broad, with moderately developed muscles. Strong hips differ in average length, knee and hock joints have pronounced angles. The latter are located quite low, together with short metatarsals provide a strong push. Paws of medium size, rounded, "look" exclusively forward. They have cat-like voluminous pads. The claws are strong, pigmented in black or dark brown.

Manner of movement

The movements of the Norwich Terrier are characterized by a low stroke and a powerful push due to flexible joints. The dog rearranges the hind limbs "in the wake" of the front. The top line "rushes" parallel to the ground regardless of the speed that the animal develops.

Wool cover

Norwich wool has the properties inherent in the breed line: it bristles in all directions, harsh to the touch, resembles a thin wire. Around the neck, the guard hair lengthens, forming a "collar". The head is covered with smooth short hair, except for the area above the eyes and near the mouth, where "vegetation" in the form of eyebrows, mustache and beard is noticeable. The undercoat is thick.

Color

Norwich Terriers have three color options:

• reddish – from fawn to rich red;
• black with tan in reddish shades;
• "grizzly" (grayish).

Possible vices

Minor deviations from the standard are among the defects. Mostly there are:

• weak knee or hock joints;
• excessively long or twisted tail;
• long or thin-boned muzzle;
• round or bulging eyes;
• undeveloped neck muscles;
• white points of any size;
• barrel chest;
• "loose" lips;
• straight bite;
• rabbit paws;
• amble.

Disqualifying vices include:

• cowardly or aggressive behavior;
• undescended testicles (cryptorchidism);
• excessively docked tail;
• light shade of the iris;
• undershot or overshot.

Character of the Norwich Terrier

Representatives of the breed have long earned the love of dog breeders due to their benevolent nature. These brave kids know how to stand up for themselves, but rarely get into a "squabble" with their relatives. Norwich Terriers are companionable animals, and therefore need the presence of the owner. Of course, the dog will get used to the working schedule, but put up with the constant absence – no, please! The terrier will certainly start barking, so be ready to talk to dissatisfied neighbors.

"Norwich" amazingly feel the weather in the house and defuse the atmosphere in time with a funny trick. Dogs love all family members equally, but they treat the owner with special trepidation. Respect for a terrier is not easy to achieve for owners of a soft character, so the breed is suitable only for those dog breeders who will easily take the position of leader in an improvised pack. The Norwich Terrier is able to distinguish between the intonation and the mood of the owner, so it will not create trouble for a person with a rich experience of keeping dogs.

The protective qualities of the breed are still being questioned. On the one hand, small rat catchers are very vigilant and like to bark in response to an extraneous sound. On the other hand, this kind of foresight is "broken" by the friendly disposition of the animal. A terrier is more likely to happily wag its tail than rush to attack a stranger. You should not expect a frenzied property protection from a dog: some Norwich Terriers are ready to turn a blind eye to the machinations of a thief in response to a caress or an appetizing treat. Training with an experienced dog handler will correct the situation for the better, but you still can't make a great watchman out of this terrier. If protective qualities are important to you, pay attention to other breeds: risenschnauzer , doberman or boxer .

The playful mood of the Norwich Terrier is the main reason why these dogs feel comfortable in families with children. The older the child, the better: the animal will not tolerate disrespectful attitude. The pet will not bare its fangs in response to a random poke, but it will not continue the fun game with a little friend.

Representatives of the breed do not object to the four-legged neighborhood. Terriers are tolerant of dogs, but they will tolerate the company of cats only if there is no reason for jealousy. The company of decorative rodents and birds is best avoided: the hunting instincts of Norwich Terriers do not obey even the strict orders of the owner. Isolation and punishment will not have the desired effect either. The dog will launch a real hunt that will end in success – but, unfortunately, not for your little friend.

Please note: Norwich Terriers tend to exaggerate their importance. This feature is fraught with regular clashes of males with larger relatives. If the intervention of a professional dog handler does not help, it is worth resorting to extreme measures: castration (relevant for non-working males).

Representatives of the breed are distinguished by mobility. Rare walks and lack of physical activity are a direct path to damaged furniture and other destructive entertainment of the Norwich Terrier. Engage your pet in chasing a ball or frisbee, searching for hidden objects or overcoming an obstacle course. The terrier will happily splash out the accumulated energy and will not bother you with whims for the rest of the evening.

Education and training

Since Norwich terriers are able to take the position of leader in the "pack", it is important to determine the rules of behavior from the first day of the pet's appearance in the house. First, set the boundaries of the territory where the pet is allowed to be. Do you think that a bedroom or a nursery is an unsuitable place for a dog? Let the Norwich Terrier understand that a closed door is a good reason to stop at the threshold and patiently wait for the owner.

It is important to instill good manners in your pet. During the walk, stop the slightest pursuit of cats or pigeons, do not let the terrier jump on strangers (especially children). Ideally, the pet should not pay attention to passers-by: this will help to avoid accidental conflicts due to dirty paw prints on a stranger's clothes or shoes.

It is not worth hindering the dog's communication with relatives: early socialization is important for representatives of this breed. For the role of friends for your pet, you should choose only friendly dogs. At the same time, the age and sex of the animals are unimportant.

It's worth knowing: dog handlers recommend walking "Norwich" only in the company of burrowing terriers. These breeds are united by a characteristic feature – friendly nibbling on the muzzle. Other dogs may perceive the "gesture" as a threat, so be prepared to stop the fight of animals in a timely manner.

The Norwich Terrier belongs to breeds with intelligence above the average level, so it is quite easy to train. In the learning process, it is worth being consistent and patient. The dog can be stubborn, despite his desire to please the owner. Awaken your pet's interest in the new team – and the training will go like clockwork! Motivate the terrier only in positive ways: with a treat or praise. Rudeness and cruelty will forever undermine the dog's trust in your person.

The main problem of Norwich Terriers is the response to the owner's call if the animal is passionate about something. The nickname is the last thing to count on: the terrier will simply ignore it. If possible, do not stray far from your pet or regularly use a tape measure leash, especially near busy highways.

Norwich terriers often participate in competitions in freestyle, agility and other types of "dog" sports. In this case, the intervention of a professional trainer will be required. Regular training and encouragement of successfully performed tricks will make a real champion out of a pet!

Care and maintenance

In terms of maintenance, the Norwich Terrier is a universal breed. The dog feels comfortable both in an apartment and in a private house, however, it is not recommended to put it on a chain or in an aviary. In the absence of the owner, Norwich is subject to regular stress, which often results in uncontrolled behavior.

Due to excessive activity, terriers need daily walking for at least 2-2.5 hours. Dog handlers do not recommend letting the dog off the leash: under the influence of instincts and the excitement of hunting that has flared up, the Norwich Terrier can run away and get lost.

Representatives of the breed need careful care – largely because of the double coat. It must be combed 2-3 times a week in the direction of hair growth. To do this, purchase a wooden comb with long, sparse teeth. It is undesirable to use plastic brushes and combs. They electrify the animal's coat and make it difficult to remove dead hairs. During seasonal molting, the Norwich Terrier is trimmed (partially or completely). Entrust your pet to a professional groomer if you plan to participate in the exhibition.

Hygiene

Frequent water procedures are highly undesirable, although it is difficult for owners of Norwich Terriers to adhere to this recommendation. Dogs do not disdain digging in the ground or actively exploring the surroundings, so the wool gets dirty regularly. Bathe the animal only as a last resort, so as not to disrupt the natural fat balance of the skin. To remove surface dirt, use dry shampoo, rubbing it into the dog's coat and combing it thoroughly.

Important: "human" hygiene products are prohibited, because they often provoke an allergic reaction. For water treatments, purchase a pet shampoo for stiff-haired dog breeds with a low content of alkalis and acids. In the cold season, it is recommended to use conditioner balm. After bathing, do not forget to wipe the terrier's coat dry, and then dry it with a hairdryer.

Proper care of the Norwich includes a weekly inspection of the ears, especially after hunting. They must be cleaned at least once a week. Moisten the cotton wool with a special product from the pet store, alternating compositions for the prevention of otitis media and ticks. It is not necessary to penetrate into the ear canal deeper than half a centimeter. Wipe the auricle until the cotton pad is clean. Only after that it is necessary to wipe the ear dry with a lint-free cloth or a tampon.

Do not forget to examine the eyes of the Norwich Terrier. After a walk in windy weather, gently wipe them with a cotton pad soaked in warm boiled water. With purulent discharge or copious lacrimation, it is worth contacting a veterinary clinic – self-medication is strictly prohibited. Buy eye drops only on the recommendation of a specialist.

The oral cavity is the vulnerable place of most representatives of the breed. Since the teeth of the Norwich Terrier sit in the gums denser than usual, the dog needs weekly preventive cleaning. To remove the soft plaque, use zoopasta (you can stop at the options with flavoring additives). Apply the product to the toothbrush and remove the food particles with sweeping movements. Pet stores sell more compact finger tips that facilitate the procedure.

Note: bad breath from your pet most often indicates the formation of tartar. To remove it, use the services of a veterinarian.

The claws of the Norwich Terrier rarely need the attention of the owner, but it's still worth getting a special claw cutter. If the dog's "manicure" does not have time to grind off on a hard surface, cut it off as it grows. The main thing is not to touch the "living" part of the claw, where the blood vessels pass. To smooth out sharp edges and burrs, use a nail file. Choose the options with the lowest grit score: they grind their claws better.

Feeding

In the matter of feeding, Norwich Terriers are very loyal and rarely suffer from food allergies. Both industrial food and a natural menu are acceptable. A combined diet often causes digestive problems, so it is highly undesirable.

When choosing food for Norwich, choose the super premium or holistic classes with a high content of minerals and vitamins. Dry granules will slow down the formation of a soft plaque on the teeth. Wet food is better to treat puppies, pregnant or nursing bitches, as well as aged dogs.

The basis of the natural diet is meat – at least 60% of the total amount of food. Raw or boiled beef with a little fat is best. Cartilage and tendons are acceptable. Meat can be combined with boiled sea fish without bones. It is recommended to dilute the diet with offal, preferably raw heart and boiled beef liver. From porridges, give preference to buckwheat or rice, supplementing it with mashed or finely chopped raw vegetables, sometimes fruits. Daily consumption of vegetable oil will improve the condition of the skin, coat and claws of the Norwich Terrier. The portion should not be more than 1 tbsp. l .

It is forbidden to include in the natural diet:

• fatty meat (lamb or pork);
• carbohydrate-containing foods;
• river fish (in any form);
• wheat flour products;
• raw chicken meat;
• berries with pits;
• food with spices;
• legumes;
• tubular bones;
• whole milk;
• sweets.

The dog's bowl must be filled daily with fresh water – bottled or running, after infusing it for about 6-8 hours. Boiled water can provoke urolithiasis.

Health and diseases of Norwich Terriers

Representatives of the breed are distinguished by good health and resistance to colds. Proper housing conditions and a balanced diet will make your Norwich Terrier a small copy of the Terminator! Despite the excellent immunity of the dog, certain ailments are more common than others. These include epilepsy and various pathologies of the respiratory system. Often, Norwich Terriers suffer from brachycephalic syndrome, when hypertrophied soft palate prevents free breathing.

Remember: routine vaccination is the key to your pet's longevity! The first vaccination is done at the age of 2 months, followed by revaccination after 3 weeks. In six months, Norwich is vaccinated against rabies, not forgetting about the complex vaccine against parainfluenza, plague, adeno- and parvovirus. The latter implies revaccination once a year.

How to choose a puppy

You can buy a healthy baby with good heredity only in an official nursery. Ask the breeder about his successful experience of breeding Norwich Terriers, the conditions of keeping dogs, their titles and awards (if this is important). It is quite difficult to determine "by eye" the compliance of a puppy with the breed standard, so it is worth using the services of an expert. It will protect you from acquiring a culled Norwich Terrier that will not be able to participate in exhibitions.

Before meeting with puppies, it is worth getting to know their parents. A few minutes of communication will be enough for a superficial review of the shortcomings of adult dogs. If a bitch and a male show cowardice or even aggression, growl warningly and do not make contact, refuse to purchase babies from these manufacturers. It will be extremely difficult to raise compliant pets from their puppies.

Norwich Terriers are put up for sale at 7-12 weeks, when they no longer need maternal care and respond adequately to the presence of other living beings. Among all the kids, choose the most active and strong, with an excellent appetite and a desire to explore the world around you. The coat of a healthy puppy should shine, the nose should be moist, and the eyes and ears should be clean. At the age of 2-3 months, the general proportions of the body, the tail and ears, the color and structure of the coat are already noticeable in the "Norwich".

When choosing a pet, focus on the sex of the animal. Bitches can boast of a more good-natured and calm character, unlike wayward and disobedient males.

When buying a Norwich Terrier, it is important to get your hands on the accompanying documentation: a veterinary passport and medical certificates indicating deworming and vaccination. Owners of show-class dogs will need a breeding certificate, where the pedigree of the animal is indicated.

Price of Norwich Terrier

The cost of a pet is determined by its age and gender. Young individuals are more expensive than adult dogs, and males are often cheaper than bitches. Breeders are slightly inferior in price if the appearance of the Norwich Terrier shows inconsistencies with the breed standard. On average, the cost of a brave pied piper reaches $350 - $500 (depending on the characteristics of the animal). Natives of bird markets and pet stores are much cheaper, but at the same time there is a great risk of acquiring a barbosa of an unknown breed. In the case of the Norwich Terrier, this is unacceptable: every dog breeder should get to know the remarkable charm of the brave crumbs!