10 Things You Didn’t Know about the Norfolk Terrier

If you’re ready to find a family dog but are wondering which breed would be the best, the Norfolk Terrier is one that we strongly recommend. If you’re already the owner of this amazing canine, then you’ll have to agree that they are among the cutest and coolest dogs on the planet. The Norfolk Terrier is a breed that is no that prevalent in the United States. They’re not rare dogs and while there are thousands of them around, people in general just don’t know enough about them. There are many little-known facts that make them really cool. We’re here to change that with 10 things that you didn’t know about them, but should.

1. Norfolk Terriers are not toy breeds

These dogs are very small in stature, but they are not a toy dog. Although they do enjoy cuddling in your lap, they can hardly be considered lap dogs and they’re not as fragile as they look. They measure between 9 to 10 inches in height at the shoulder when fully mature, but they’re sturdy and strong for their size. This isn’t a dog that is content to sit on a pillow all day and look pretty. He needs to have some fun and play time with family members.

2. They had a different nickname

The man who originally bred the first line of Norfolk Terriers was named Frank Jones, with the nickname “roughrider,” no doubt because of his reputation as an English Horseman. The breed became very popular and people associated them with Jones, often referring to them as Jones Terriers instead of Norfolk. Just to set the record straight, the breed is officially titled Norfolk Terriers.

3. Norfolk Terriers are “True Terriers”

These dogs are born with the traits and personality you’d expect to find in a true terrier. They are fearless and feisty to boot. They love to play games and go on adventures. Their coat is hard and wiry. These little dogs can remain active for hours at a time and they have a steely resolve when on a mission.

4. They are a derivative of the Norwich Terrier

Jones developed the ancestral breed of the Norfolk Terrier which was first registered with the Kennel Club of England as the Norwich Terrier. This recognition came in 1932. In 1936, the American Kennel Club made it official as well, under the same name. There is a difference between the two varieties in the Norwich breed. In 1964, the distinction was made by the Kennel Club in England that established the variety with their ears pricked up as the Norwich Terrier and those which their ears down as the Norfolk. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the distinction in 1979.

5. They were bred for work

The initial intention behind Jones breeding of the Norfolk/Norwich Terrier was to kill rats. They are small, agile and fearless. This was the perfect combination for these tunnel lovers who chase down rats on farms and in horse stables and promptly execute them. They were also created for making the foxes bolt during hunting excursions, at which they excelled. So here you have it…the perfect little work dog.

6. They’re quite versatile

Norfolk Terriers are highly prized among fox hunters and farmers who need their barns rid of rodents, but there’s much more to them than this. They have amazing personalities. These little dogs make the perfect family pet because they are tolerant and they love to get hugs and attention from their family members. They’re highly sociable and unless you’re a real rat, they’re very friendly. In fact, they prefer human companionship to that of their peers.

7. Norfolk Terriers are impressive show dogs

Dog fanciers are taken with this small but stately breed. Norfolk Terriers are beautiful dogs that under proper breeding and training, put on a very good show in the ring. They’re cute, adorable, but they are also substantial in their build.

8. They let you know when there’s an intruder

Although not a yappy breed, Norfolk Terriers are very protective over their environment. When there is a stranger on the front porch, they are duty bound to let you know. This dog will sound the alert until you give him the all-clear sign that there is no danger.

9. They are indoor dogs

The Norfolk Terrier does well when hunting out in the field or chasing down rats in the barn, even in the winter time. While their wiry coats offer them some degree of protection from the elements, they’re not dogs that should be left outside in cooler weather. They thrive when their home is inside with their families.

10. They need to give and receive affection

Norfolk Terriers have a need to be social. This means that two-way communication is required. They crave human attention and affection, but they are just as happy to give it back. If you treat them with love and respect, they’ll treat you with showers of love and kisses for the rest of their lives.

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