theNorfolk Terrier

Alert, Fearless, Fun-loving
Terrier Group Terrier Group

meet theNorfolk Terrier

Did you know?

The Norfolk Terrier has drop ears.

Learn More

at aGlance

Energy & Size

medium ENERGY &
small size

AKC Dog Ranking

131st
Most Popular Breed

Personality

  • Check Alert
  • Check Fearless
  • Check Fun-loving
Alert, fearless, fun-loving, and more sociable than the usual terrier.

theBreed Standard

Embed the breed standard on your site.

  • Click the box above and use
    Cmd + C or Ctrl + C
    to add this code to your site/blog. Show off your love for the Norfolk Terrier!

Norfolk Terrier Breed Standard Illustration 01 02 03 04 05 06

  • 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.

  • 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. Skullwide, 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

A Norfolk Terrier
Learn More

theNorfolk Terriers of AKC

Add my DogAdd My Dog

Upload your favorite Norfolk Terrier photos to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #akcNorfolkTerrier.

More Photos

get involved inClubs & Events

exploreOther Breeds