Breed History
About the middle of the 19th century a man known as "Doggy" Lawrence was breeding small red terriers ( about 10 pounds in weight) which he sold mainly to Cambridge undergraduates. It is believed these dogs were the foundation of what are now known as Norwich and Norfolk Terriers. The breeding of them was also taken up by a Mr. Nichol and a Mr. Low of Norfolk, who sent some to a Mr. Jack Coke, a Master of Hounds, with whom at that time worked a "Roughrider" Jonnies. When Mr. Jonnies left Mr. Coke to join Mr. Stokes of Market Harborough, he took with him some of these terriers and continued breeding them. Some of his dogs were exported to America and hence the original name "Jones" Terrier. The "Trumpington" Terrier (from the street in Cambridge) was also another name used. In America the dog was known as Norwich Prick Ear and Norwich Drop Ear until 1979 when the AKC recognised the division of the two breeds as Norwich and Norfolk. The Norwich, with prick ears and the Norfolk, with drop ears, still are joined under one parent club.
Personality & General Appearance
The Norwich and Norfolk are the smallest of the Terrier Group; of a lovable disposition, not quarrelsome, and with a strong constitution. The body should be short and compact with straight legs and good bone. The coat hard, wiry, and straight, lying close to the body with ruff on the neck. Head, ears and muzzle should be short and smooth with slight eyebrows and whiskers. Weather resistant coats are generally maintained by tidying with fingers, brush and comb, never scissor trimmed. Colours are red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle. The tail is medium docked with the ideal weight being 11 to 12 pounds and ideal height being 10 inches at the withers. Active, with his origin as a working terrier, these breeds do require exercise. A ratter par excellence (chipmunks and squirrel included) and willing to go to ground, they can sublimate these primordial drives into bright, eager companionship that is never dull or boring. A fenced yard is desirable unless you live in the depths of the country. Even though well trained, these small hunters should be exercised on a leash unless safely away from traffic.
As a watchdog, the Norwich and Norfolk will always let you know if someone approaches your home. With training, barking ceases as you welcome in the arrival. They are not a guard dog as friendliness is a dominant characteristic.
In summary, the Norwich and Norfolk are fine family dogs, a real presence in the house, and long lived. It is not uncommon to expect from your dog 14 to 16 years of devoted companionship.
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