How to Groom a Norfolk Terrier

Norfolk Terriers are tiny, lovable animals with great personalities. Along with the Norwich Terrier, Norfolk Terriers are among the smallest of working terriers. They make good family pets and interact well with children. They are similar to foxes in appearance with a compact, strong body. They have a double coat with a wiry topcoat and a softer undercoat of medium density. They need a full grooming every 8 weeks.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Natural bristle brush
• Slicker brush
• Metal combs
• Thinning shears

1. Brush daily using a slicker brush, natural bristle brush and metal combs. The coat of the Norfolk Terrier is water-resistant and fairly easy to maintain, but regular grooming, including combing and brushing, is essential to give the dog a neat appearance.

2. Use thinning shears on areas of the coat which have become overly thick. The coat should be a uniform length, except for the neck which has a thicker mane that extends from the base of the head to the tops of the shoulders.

3. Hand strip your dog if he's a show dog. This is a highly specialized skill and is costly. Some groomers don't like putting the dog through such a long process, and others simply can't do it. If it isn't a show dog, you or the groomer can to do some grooming and styling with scissors and clippers.

4. Bathe and shampoo when necessary. Norfolk Terriers have no special needs regarding bathing products, but don't bathe too often or their skin may dry out.

Tips & Warnings

• Norfolk Terriers are very similar in appearance to the Norwich Terrier, and dog fanciers classified them as the same breed for many years.
• Breeders developed Norfolk Terriers in England to catch rats and for use in fox hunting.
• This breed has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years of age.
• These dogs can be prone to jealousy, one of the main characteristics which sets them apart from the Norwich Terrier.