How to Identify a Norfolk Terrier

The fearless Norfolk Terrier has a big dog attitude in a little dog body. Despite the dog's fearlessness, the breed should not be aggressive. Norfolk Terriers have one of the best temperaments of all the terriers. They are great family dogs and are good with children. If the pup is left outside alone for too long a period, it may dig. This breed likes to be around family. If socialized at an early age, the Norfolk Terrier tends to get along with most other pets.

Instructions

1. Look at the general appearance of the Norfolk Terrier. Its dropped ears show a lot of expression, and coupled with its free moving, compact body, shows the versatility of this breed. It works well in the field and plays well inside the home. The males are 9 to 10 inches at the withers and weighing 11 to 12 pounds. Females are a bit smaller at 8 to 9 inches at the withers and weighing 9 to 11 pounds. Since the measurement from the point of the withers to the rump is a bit longer than the height of the dog, it has a slight rectangular shape.

2. Check the head and skull. The wide skull is slightly rounded and is rather wide between the ears. The ears are held close to the cheek and are v-shaped with a bit of a rounded tip. The small, dark eyes are oval and are spaced wide apart. Along with its expressive ears, the Norfolk Terrier’s eyes help give it an intelligent expression.

3. Make sure the neck and body is proportionate with the rest of the dog. The medium length neck is strong and leads into angulated shoulders and a moderately deep chest. The elbows are kept close to the ribs. The front feet are round and have thick pads. The rear thighs are muscular. The rear feet are also round and have thick pads. The tail is docked, but not too close to the body. It is straight and sits high on the rump.

4. Pet the protective coat. It should feel hard and wiry. It is straight and 1 ½ to 2 inches long, and covers an undercoat. The Norfolk Terrier has a mane on the neck and shoulders. This hair is longer than the body hair. The coat can be any shade of red, wheat, grizzle or black and tan. There should be no white markings on the Norfolk Terrier.