Welcome to the Wonderful World of Norfolk Terriers
The Norfolk Terrier Club is ready to help answer some of your questions concerning this wonderful breed. . .
This working little terrier was bred by early sportsmen for their vigor and easily adapts to go to ground routing out varmint. They are hardy and long lived, easy to keep and generally healthy. Norfolk Terriers are affectionate, loyal, fearless and gay. They will immediately become an important part of your family.
The Facts
Origin: England
Size: 9 to 10 inches at the withers, about 12 pounds
Colors: All shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle
Character: Alert, gregarious, fearless, loyal and affectionate
More facts: norfolkterrierclub.org
Who to Ask
When you have questions, there are two key people available to help. The first and most important key person is your breeder. Your breeder has a wealth of knowledge of the Norfolk Terrier and should express a willingness to help you throughout the lifetime of your dog. Your breeder should provide you with a complete medical history of your puppy as well as instructions on how to take care of your dog.
The second key person is your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will guide you through the life of your puppy, advising you on vaccinations, annual check-ups, teeth cleaning and other health related issues.
Grooming
Norfolk Terriers’ coat is “hard, wiry and straight.” It is an easy coat to maintain. A lot of Norfolk Terrier owners learn to trim and tidy up their dog’s coat. They will either hand strip their dog or clip their dog’s coat. Hand stripping is removing the dead hair by plucking the dead hair with your fingers or a stripping knife. Clipping the dog’s coat will soften the texture and its natural color will fade over time. Most breeders do not recommend clipping the adult Norfolk Terrier except when your dog reaches his senior years. The Norfolk Terrier coat is fairly dirt resistant. Bathing should be limited to controlling odor or skin problems. You will need to pay close attention to clipping your dog’s toe nails and cleaning your dog’s teeth. Brushing daily is recommended. A weekly brushing of your dog’s coat, ears and eyes to make sure they are clean is recommended.
The Norfolk Terrier Club encourages their member breeders to health test their dogs and register the results with CHIC, OFA or CERF. Club members support health research for the Norfolk Terriers through the AKC Canine Health Foundation. The Canine Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help dogs live healthier and longer lives. For more information about the ongoing research in Norfolk Terrier’s health, please go to the AKC CHF’s Web site http://www.akcchf.org or call 888-682-9696. The Norfolk Terrier Club is the official national Parent Club recognized by the American Kennel Club. The membership consists of members across the United States and abroad. The Norfolk Terrier Club sponsors performance and conformation events, holds seminars, supports research, and helps new owners learn more about our wonderful Norfolk Terriers. The Norfolk Terrier Clubs invites you to subscribe to our newsletter. You can find more information on our Web site: norfolkterrierclub.org or contact our club secretary: Beth Kravetz Norfolk Terrier Club Corresponding Secretary 30 Silkbay Place The Woodlands, TX 77382 ntcsec@norfolkterrierclub.org 302-539-4822
What to Expect & Tips
Norfolk Terriers are quick and intelligent. In the long run they respond to instruction and obey. When they don’t, they often know better; sometimes they just have an amusing way of showing it. Be patient in your search for that perfect puppy. With only about 300 dogs registered each year with the American Kennel Club, puppies are not always available on demand. In fact, one of the main concerns of responsible fanciers is to prevent the breed from becoming too popular. Although, Norfolk Terrier breeders are pleased when people take an interest, they are far more concerned with preserving the great nature and health of the dogs.
Norfolk Terriers enjoy an average life span of 13 to 15 years, often remaining active and puppy-like through the distinguished graying of old age.
It is recommended that you have your dog permanently identified with a microchip that can be registered with AKC’s Companion Animal Recovery. This program is a 24-hour toll-free hotline that helps owners locate lost dogs. For additional information concerning program, call 800-252-7894.
© 2016 Norfolk Terrier Club, all contributions and rights retained by NTC Illustrations by Heidi Martin.
(club secretary/ contact info may have changed. See club website for current contact information)
