Information on AKC Norfolk Terrier Puppies
AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Norfolk Terrier
One of the smallest working terriers, the Norfolk Terrier is active, compact and hardy, considered to be the "perfect demon" in the field. Farmers and hunters admire the breed’s gameness, loyalty and great charm. Known for his drop ears, the Norfolk Terrier has a wiry, weather resistant coat that can be red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle.
A Look Back
A native of England, the Norfolk used to be considered the same breed as the Norwich Terrier. Comfortable working alone or in packs, it was developed as a barnyard ratter and used to bolt vermin such as fox from their dens during hunts. In 1979 the drop eared variety became known as the Norfolk Terrier and the prick eared version the Norwich Terrier. Today, the two breeds have slight differences and different breed standards.
Right Breed for You?
Energetic and spry, the Norfolk Terrier does well with other animals and families. They are known for their ability to adapt to different situations, making the breed ideal for either the city or country lifestyle. They make affectionate and loyal companions and enjoy walks and spending time with their owners. The Norfolk’s coat requires regular grooming, including brushing and stripping.
If you are considering purchasing a Norfolk Terrier puppy, learn more here.
- Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1979.
- Approximately 9-10 inches tall at the shoulder and 11-12 pounds. Females may be smaller.
- Vermin hunter.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Norfolk Terrier Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Norfolk Terrier, game and hardy, with expressive dropped ears, is one of the
smallest of the working terriers. It is active and compact, free-moving, with
good substance and bone. With its natural, weather-resistant coat and short legs,
it is a "perfect demon" in the field. This versatile, agreeable breed
can go to ground, bolt a fox and tackle or dispatch other small vermin, working
alone or with a pack. Honorable scars from wear and tear are acceptable in the
ring.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Height at the withers 9 to 10 inches at maturity. Bitches tend to be smaller
than dogs. Length of back from point of withers to base of tail should be slightly
longer than the height at the withers. Good substance and bone. Weight
11 to 12 pounds or that which is suitable for each individual dog's structure
and balance. Fit working condition is a prime consideration.
Head
Eyes small, dark and oval, with black rims. Placed well apart with
a sparkling, keen and intelligent expression. Ears neatly dropped,
small, with a break at the skull line, carried close to the cheek and not
falling lower than the outer corner of the eye. V-shaped, slightly rounded
at the tip, smooth and velvety to the touch. Skull wide, slightly rounded, with good width between the ears. Muzzle
is strong and wedge shaped. Its length is one-third less than a measurement from
the occiput to the well-defined stop. Jaw clean and strong. Tight-lipped
with a scissor bite and large teeth.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck of medium length, strong and blending into well laid back shoulders.
Level topline. Good width of chest. Ribs well sprung, chest
moderately deep. Strong loins. Tail medium docked, of sufficient
length to ensure a balanced outline. Straight, set on high, the base level with
the topline. Not a squirrel tail.
Forequarters
Well laid back shoulders. Elbows close to ribs. Short, powerful legs,
as straight as is consistent with the digging terrier. Pasterns firm. Feet
round, pads thick, with strong, black nails.
Hindquarters
Broad with strong, muscular thighs. Good turn of stifle. Hocks
well let down and straight when viewed from the rear. Feet as in front.
Coat
The protective coat is hard, wiry and straight, about 1½ to 2 inches long,
lying close to the body, with a definite undercoat. The mane on neck and shoulders
is longer and also forms a ruff at the base of the ears and the throat. Moderate
furnishings of harsh texture on legs. Hair on the head and ears is short and smooth,
except for slight eyebrows and whiskers. Some tidying is necessary to keep the
dog neat, but shaping should be heavily penalized.
Color
All shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle. Dark points permissible.
White marks are not desirable.
Gait
Should be true, low and driving. In front, the legs extend forward from the shoulder.
Good rear angulation showing great powers of propulsion. Viewed from the side,
hind legs follow in the track of the forelegs, moving smoothly from the hip and
flexing well at the stifle and hock. Topline remains level.
Temperament
Alert, gregarious, fearless and loyal. Never aggressive.
Approved October 13, 1981
Reformatted March 23, 1990
