The Dog Centre - for professional dog trainers in the UK

Norwich Terrier

General Appearance

Small, low, keen dog, compact and strong with good substance and bone. Honourable scars from fair wear and tear not to be unduly penalised.

  Below Average Above Key
Likelihood to wander Low      
Protectiveness   Medium    
Destructiveness   Medium    
Quietness     High  
Good with children   Medium    
Affinity to other dogs   Medium    
Size Low      
Lifespan   Medium   Below: < 10 years
Average: > 10 years
Above: > 15 years
Location   Medium   Below: Town only
Average: Town and Country
Above: Country only

Characteristics

One of the smallest of the terriers. Lovable disposition, not quarrelsome, tremendously active with hardy constitution.

Temperament

Gay and fearless

Head and Skull

Muzzle wedge-shaped and strong. In length two-thirds of measurement from occiput to bottom of well defined stop. Slightly rounded, wide skull, good width between ears.

Eyes

Small, oval-shaped, dark, full of expression, bright and keen.

Ears

Erect, set well apart on top of skull. Medium size with pointed tips. Perfectly erect when aroused, can be laid back when not at attention.

Mouth

Tight-lipped, jaws clean and strong. Rather large, strong teeth with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck

Strong of good length, commensurate with correct overall balance, flowing into well laid shoulders.

Forequarters

Legs short, powerful and straight; elbows close to body. Pasterns firm and upright.

Body

Short back, compact with good depth. Ribcage long and well sprung with short loin. Level topline.

Hindquarters

Broad, strong and muscular, well turned stifle. Low-set hock with great propulsion.

Feet

Rounded, well padded and cat-like. Pointing straight forward standing and moving.

Tail

Docking optional. (a) Medium docked. Set high, completing perfectly level topline. Carried erect. (b) Tail of moderate length to give a general balance to dog, thick at root and tapering towards tip, as straight as possible, carried jauntily, not excessively gay, completing perfectly level topline.

Gait

Forelegs should move straight forward when travelling; hind legs follow in their track; hocks parallel and flexing to show pads.

Coat

Hard, wiry, straight, lying close to body, thick undercoat. Longer and rougher on neck forming a ruff to frame face. Hair on head and ears short and smooth, except for slight whiskers and eyebrows.

Colour

All shades of red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle. White marks or patches are undesirable.

Size

Ideal height at withers 25 cms (10 ins).

Excercise Requirements

Moderate

Grooming Needs

Moderate

Notes

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.




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