theNorwich Terrier

Plucky, Loyal, Affectionate
Terrier Group Terrier Group

meet theNorwich Terrier

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The Norwich Terrier's prick ears are a distinguishing characteristic.

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at aGlance

Energy & Size

medium ENERGY &
small size

AKC Dog Ranking

97th
Most Popular Dog Breed

Personality

  • Check Affectionate
  • Check Loyal
  • Check Plucky
Plucky, loyal, and affectionate.

theBreed Standard

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Norwich Terrier Breed Standard Illustration 01 02 03 04 05 06

  • General Appearance

    The Norwich Terrier, spirited and stocky with sensitive prick ears and a slightly foxy expression, is one of the smallest working terriers. This sturdy descendent of ratting companions, eager to dispatch small vermin alone or in a pack, has good bone and substance and an almost weatherproof coat. A hardy hunt terrier-honorable scars from fair wear and tear are acceptable.

  • Head

    A slightly foxy expression. Eyes small, dark and oval shaped with black rims. Placed well apart with a bright and keen expression. Ears medium size and erect. Set well apart with pointed tips. Upright when alert. Theskull is broad and slightly rounded with good width between the ears. The muzzle is wedge shaped and strong. Its length is about one-third less than the measurement from the occiput to the well-defined stop. The jaw is clean and strong. Nose and lip pigment black. Tight-lipped with large teeth. A scissor bite.

  • Body

    Neck, Topline, Body 
    Neck of medium length, strong and blending into well laid back shoulders. Level topline. Body moderately short. Compact and deep. Good width of chest. Well-sprung ribs and short loins. Tail medium docked. The terrier's working origin requires that the tail be of sufficient length to grasp. Base level with topline; carried erect.

  • 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 with thick pads. Nails black. The feet point forward when standing or moving.

  • Coat

    Hard, wiry and straight, lying close to the body with a definite undercoat. The coat on neck and shoulders forms a protective mane. The hair on head, ears and muzzle, except for slight eyebrows and whiskers, is short and smooth. This breed should be shown with as natural a coat as possible. A minimum of tidying is permissible but shaping should be heavily penalized.

  • Hindquarters

    Broad, strong and muscular with well-turned stifles. Hocks low set and straight when viewed from the rear.Feet as in front.

A Norwich Terrier
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theNorwich Terriers of AKC

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National Breed Club

theNorwich Terrier Club of America

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