|
New Titles
National Specialty
Regional Specialty
Health & Genetics
Breeder/Kennel/Stud Referral
Rescue/Rehoming
Resources
FAQ - Norfolk Terriers |
|
Official Standard for the
Norfolk Terrier
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 11⁄2 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
13 October 1981
Reformatted 23 March 1990
|
|
