The Norwich Terrier
The breed
has existed since at least the late 1800s, as working terrier of East
Anglia, England. The game and hardy little dogs were useful as ratters
in the stable yard, bolters of fox for the hunt, and loving family
companions. It was the mascot of students at Cambridge University.
Small red terriers, descendants of Irish Terriers, had existed in
the area since at least the 1860s, and these might be the ancestors
of the Norwich, or it might have come from the Trumpington Terrier,
a breed that no longer exists. In its earliest history, it was also
known as the Jones Terrier and the Cantab Terrier.
Since
its earliest identification as a breed, puppies have had either drop
or prick ears, and both were allowed when the Norwich was first recognized
in the show ring in 1932 by The Kennel Club (England). Drop ears were
often cropped until it became illegal to do so. This intensified a
long-standing controversy over whether drop-eared dogs should be allowed
in the show ring and whether the primary difference was simply the
ears or whether other, deeper, personality and structural differences
marked the drop-eared variety. Starting in the 1930s, breeders increased
their efforts to distinguish the breeds.
Both
ear types continued to be allowed in the ring until The Kennel Club
recognized the drop-eared variety as a separate breed, the Norfolk
Terrier, in 1964, and the American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club,
and Canadian Kennel Club did the same in 1979.
These
terriers are one of the smallest terriers (11-12 lb, 5-5.4 kg; 9-10
inches (24-25.5 cm) at the withers), with prick ears and a double
coat, which come in red, tan, wheaten, black and tan, and grizzle.
These
small but hardy dogs are courageous, remarkably intelligent and wonderfully
affectionate. They can be assertive but it is not typical for them
to be aggressive, quarrelsome or shy. They are energetic and thrive
on an active life. They are eager to please but have definite minds
of their own. They are sensitive to scolding but 100% Terrier. They
should never be kept outside or in a kennel setting because they love
the companionship of their owners too much. Norwich are not given
to unnecessary barking but they will warn of a stranger approaching.
Norwich are good with children. If introduced to other household pets
as a puppy they generally co-habit peacefully, though caution should
be observed around rodent pets as they may be mistaken for prey.
Breed Clubs and Societies
NORWICH TERRIER CLUB. Sec. Mrs B Watkins. Tel No: 01708 473897 (evenings and weekends)
This breed of dog is a 'Vulnerable Native Breed'.
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