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Living
with a Norfolk Terrier
Can a Norfolk terrier be trained to stay in my
yard without a fence and to walk off leash?
Terriers are instinctive vermin hunters and, except in very controlled
circumstances, cannot be trusted off leash or in an unfenced area AT ANY
TIME!! A rabbit or squirrel is enough to send him chasing, which may
lead to being lost or hit by a car. A fenced yard (or dog run) is a
must, unless you are committed to "potty" walks multiple times a day.
Tying a terrier out in the yard is not recommended, because it leaves
him open to attacks by other dogs or theft. Nor is an "invisible" fence
recommended. Many terriers will take the shock in their determination to
hunt and don't return. An invisible fence also leaves them open to
attacks and theft. If you do not have a fenced yard, your dog should
ALWAYS be on-leash when outside.
Do Norfolk terriers shed?
Norfolk terriers have a double coat; a soft, downy undercoat and a hard
top coat. Any double-coated dog sheds, but shedding can be minimized
with proper grooming. If you want a dog that does not shed, you might
consider a Bichon Frise or any of the varieties of Poodles.
How long do
Norfolk terriers live?
12-15 years is the average lifespan.
Are Norfolk
terriers good with children?
Norfolk terriers love children. However any dog requires supervision
with children, especially when puppies are playing with younger children
under 7 or 8. This is not only for the child's safety, but the puppy's
since some young children may unintentionally harm a puppy. Never get a
dog with the intention of teaching a child responsibility. Both children
and puppies need an adult caretaker and parents need to accept this
before getting a dog. The greatest concern with children and dogs is
that children tend to leave doors and gates open, and the dog may get
out and get lost or hit by a car. Strict rules must be enforced to
insure that gates and doors are always kept closed to protect your dog.
Are Norfolk
terriers easy to train?
Any owner must make the effort to train their dog - for a terrier breed
it is even more important. Norfolk terriers are willing dogs who wish to
please, but as terriers they are independent-minded. If your ambitions
are to compete in AKC obedience trials, training becomes more
challenging, though very rewarding. Norfolk terriers respond best to
positive motivational methods using praise and treats (especially
treats!).
To breed or not to
breed?
Norfolk terriers who do not have excellent conformation and temperament
should NEVER be used for breeding. Breeding is an enormous
responsibility, costly, and often heartbreaking. Good breeders make a
life-time commitment to each and every puppy they whelp. For most of us,
it is best to leave breeding to others and simply enjoy the multitude of
pleasures available with our dogs. It is strongly suggested that puppies
or dogs that are not going to be shown be spayed or neutered. Spaying or
neutering also makes them less prone to certain afflictions associated
with their sexuality later in life; for example, mammary tumors or
prostate disease. Spayed and neutered dogs can compete in all
performance events and trials under AKC rules.
Are Norfolk
terriers healthy breeds?
Norfolk terriers are generally healthy. A good diet, proper weight,
plenty of exercise, regular grooming and routine veterinary care should
keep a Norfolk in good health. One of the reasons Norfolk terriers are
fairly healthy breeds is years of concerned, responsible breeding.
Conscientious breeders screen for mitral valve disease, patella, and CERF (eyes).
What are Norfolk
terrier's activity level?
A long walk or vigorous play within the yard for 20-30 minutes a day
will keep your Norfolk happy and fit. These terriers also enjoy various
activities such as agility, earthdog tests, tracking and obedience
classes. Above all else, your Norfolk likes being with you.
Are Norfolk
terriers good with other pets?
Generally, a Norfolk terrier should get along with other cats and dogs.
A Norfolk will view gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, birds and
other small, caged pets, as vermin to be hunted. Therefore, they cannot
be trusted around such creatures.
Do Norfolk
terriers bark a lot? dig?
Although each puppy is different, most Norfolk terriers are not yappy.
Some may bark, some not. They will keep an eye on things, and let you
know if someone is at the door or walking by. Most dogs of any breed
will bark if bored, left alone too much, or not exercised sufficiently.
With sufficient exercise, digging is not a problem with these breeds.
Accompanying your dog outside and giving positive reinforcement will
help insure proper behavior.
Are Norfolk
terriers easy to housebreak?
Norfolk terriers are very willing breeds who wish to please, making
basic housebreaking easy to train. As with any puppy, frequent trips
outdoors are in order, and puppies should always be crated or confined
in a safe area when unattended. Consistency and a routine are extremely
important in housebreaking. Your puppy should be taken out frequently
especially after eating, drinking, playing and sleeping. Accompanying
your dog outside will assure that he has done what you expected and
hasn't gotten distracted by a leaf or some other object in the
surroundings. Building a dog run (5'x5') is ideal for early morning and
late evening outings.
Should I crate
train?
YES! Crating is not cruel, most dogs see their crate as their "den". Not
only is a crate a useful housebreaking tool, but it gives your Norfolk
(both young and old) a place to call home and get away from it all.
Young puppies often need a break from zealous young owners, and as long
as you don't use the crate for punishment, crating your dog for brief
periods gives you a break as well. Additionally, a crate provides a safe
environment for a Norfolk in the house, car, hotel rooms and even
airplanes. An open crate in the house gives the dog a safe den. Even
very young children can learn to respect the dog's "bedroom".
Do Norfolk
terriers require a lot of grooming?
Norfolk terriers require regular maintenance to keep a consistently
groomed coat. They should be brushed or combed weekly. Ask a
breeder for recommendations on grooming or possible groomers in your
local area.
These terriers are usually
"stripped" twice a year. "Stripping" involves pulling out the dead outer
coat by hand or with the help of a stripping tool. Some owners choose
the natural look, doing nothing to the coat except brushing it. With
this look a Norfolk can be mistaken for a scruffy mixed breed, and the
coat will shed more as it ages.
A few pet owners opt to
have their pets clipped. Clipping is not a recommended method of
grooming since it does not remove the dead hair, but merely shortens it,
softening the texture and encouraging noticeable shedding.
What is the
difference between a Norwich and a Norfolk terrier?
Norwich and Norfolk terriers were originally one breed, called Norwich
terriers - but distinguished informally as "prick-ears" or "drop-ears".
In England in 1964, the (British) Kennel Club separated the breed into
two, with the drop-ears taking the name of Norfolk Terrier and the
prick-ears retaining the name of Norwich Terrier. Effective 1 January
1979, the American Kennel Club took the same step. |
