Norwich Terrier

Norwich Terrier is a breed of English hunting dogs, whose popularity has recently increased significantly. But this does not mean that people are completely carried away by the hunt. The fact is that these small, positive and active dogs make excellent companions. Norwich are true clots of energy, devoid of aggression and dominant nature of their ancestors - terriers. At the same time they remain successful hunters and obedient pets.

History of origin

Experts believe that the breed appeared no later than the 19th century. in Norwich (Norwich), which is located on the territory of East Anglia. Then these small-sized terriers acted as manpower - they took an active part in the hunt for burrows and exterminated rats in food storage. In addition, even then the dogs were companions.

Researchers know little about which breeds participated in the breeding. But according to popular belief, they are descendants of terriers from Ireland or trampington terriers that have now disappeared.

In 1932, the breed recognized the English Kennel Club, at the same time certain demands were made on its representatives. There were two types of dogs, and for a long time there was a debate about which one is more suitable for show career.

Since the 1930s, breeders have sought to give them as many differences as possible and as a result of painstaking work, they were recognized as separate breeds - Norforll and Norwich.

Breed description Norwich Terrier

The dog fits the general description of burrowing hunters - a squat dog of a small size, with a strong skeleton and sternum of moderate width - the most massive and strong.

Among working dogs, these terriers are the smallest representatives. Dogs weigh no more than 5.2 kg, and their height does not exceed 26 cm. During exhibitions, experts do not lower their marks if a participant has “battle marks” that arose during a hunt - damage to the ears and skin. Naturally, if the injury does not lead to the inferiority of the animal.

The standard dogs are described as follows:

1. Head due to the abundant coat seems to be more voluminous than it actually is. Like other terriers, the Norwich have a spacious cranial box with a slightly rounded apex; the forehead appears flat, it abruptly passes into the back of the nose, the muzzle to the nose lobe narrows.
2. Lips thin, tight to the jaws. The teeth are large, arranged vertically, the canines are joined by a strong lock, forming a scissors bite.
3. Nose is small, very sensitive and mobile.
4. Eyes oval, located a little deep, which is a protective element. The tint of the iris is dark brown. The doggie is always interested looks, in the look the little and positive is looked through.
5. Ears are triangular, medium size, only standing type is allowed. During work, they are in tension and heading forward, in a calm state, they can be retracted a little.
6. The body is strong, rectangular, with not too long, strong neck, neck is not expressed, there is no suspension. The chest should not be wide, it will interfere with normal work, the ribs are springy and significantly pulled back.
7. The sternum is lowered to the elbows or slightly lower. The shoulders are well developed, the back is straight, goes into the unexpressed lower back and the croup with a bevel.
8. Limbs are short, straight, thick, with elbows adjacent to the sternum and moderately long, strong hips. The forelimbs are muscular better than the hind ones.
9. Large-sized paws with strong claws and well-filled pads allow the dog to dig intensively.
10. The tail is carried at the level of the back line or slightly higher. Can be natural size or docked. In the first case, it is strong, straight, a slight bend is allowed. In the second, it can only be straight, continuing the line of the spine.

Wool quality and color

Norwich covered with thick, hard coat with a dense, abundant layer of undercoat. In the area of ​​the head, muzzle and ears, the hair is smooth, shortened, and feels like silk.

The neck and the terrier's neck is decorated with a mane-like collar and consists of a long guard hair. The muzzle of a Norwich with a small beard and thick eyebrows. Dogs may have the following colors:

• red - monophonic coat color, the color varies from light red to dark red;
• zonary - a combination of red and black shades of wool in equal proportions;
• black and tan - the main shade is a uniform black, there are reddish-brown burns on the limbs, muzzle, stomach, sternum.

Individuals of this breed should not have white wool, even small specks. The presence of marks and scars of light tone, which the dog acquired during the work.

Characteristics of little hunters

The character of Norwich has some peculiarities - they are active, purposeful, not foolish and hardy. Such a pet is a great helper in the hunt and fun, positive friend. Terrier from Norwich strongly attached to its owners, has a good-natured disposition.

Such a playful doggie can be taken in a family with children, they will surely find a common language and figure out how to spend time together. But, naturally, such an interaction will be accompanied by fussing, shouting and running around, the silence will have to be forgotten.

Puppy, getting into a new home, almost immediately enchants all of its inhabitants, literally falling in love with himself. He is not jealous, so he can live side by side with other pets.

But future owners should know in advance that Norwich is curious, active, it can be very noisy, causing chaos in the house. The dog is not averse to giving a voice - for joy or anxiety, and also to use his teeth, gnawing at everything that he likes.

Despite its modest size and fervent temper, Norwich is not without nobility and independence. He possesses strong hunting qualities, so you shouldn’t let him off the leash while walking. Chasing past the cat running past, the dog can become so carried away that it will stop being distracted by the commands.

These dogs are very alert, which makes them wonderful watchmen. Territory territory can seriously suffer from the activities of a terrier - these little terriers love to dig, and during the hunt the Norwich are able to tear the deepest burrows of rodents. Therefore, at the house, they will dig up the plot far and wide, getting great pleasure from it and spending extra energy.

Dogs are very jumping, meeting the owner, the pet will jump on him, expressing incredible joy. This behavior is considered bad form and it is desirable to wean the pet from this habit since puppyhood.

Pet education and training

If you approach the process correctly, the training of a Norwich will be quite simple. Pet inquisitive, active, if you hold classes in a playful way, then he will be interested and be so involved that he will demand to continue.

Naturally, correctly executed teams should be encouraged with snacks and praise. It is possible to punish the “disciple” only for serious misconduct, for example, if during training he decided to “hunt”.

The duration of the lesson should be at least 1 hour, but it can be extended if the dog has a desire. The ideal frequency of classes is once every 2 days. In general, a well-educated Norwich will not rush to any passing cat, bark at passers-by, or rush at a passing vehicle. He is calm, collected, not aggressive.

Care rules

Caring for such a pet is easy, but the owner will have to take into account some features. It is necessary to comb the animal weekly, more often the procedure is carried out during the molt. The dog's hair does not get dirty much, so it is bathed when necessary.

Regular trimming, during which dead hairs are plucked, is very useful for the health and appearance of a Norwich, as well as for other representatives of wire-haired breeds. It can be done independently or in salon conditions. This procedure has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, allows for better growth of new hair.

Be sure to inspect the eyes, teeth and ears of a dog, especially if the pet is involved in the hunt. An important aspect is the timely vaccination, treatment of external parasites in the spring-summer period and quarterly deworming.

All terriers, including Norwich, need physical exertion. With a pet you need to walk twice a day, play, practice. But the dog himself is able to provide himself with exercises, running and frolicking around the yard, and at home amusing himself with toys.

Attention pet requires, otherwise the interior of the house may suffer from this small, bored "hurricane."

Breed diseases

Representatives of the breed are considered strong and durable dogs, life expectancy varies from 12 to 16 years. But from the ancestors they still got some genetic diseases:

• epilepsy;
• tracheal collapse;
• hyperplasia of the soft palate.

The owner of the bitch involved in breeding should be aware that the generic activity of this breed of dogs is associated with a number of difficulties. First of all, puppies are born large, with a big head and often four-footed moms need specialist help. If the female cannot give birth on her own, she is undergoing a caesarean section.

The weak point of all short-legged dogs with an elongated body is the back, in order to avoid spinal pathologies, it is impossible to overfeed the pet. Excess weight will exert an excessive load, which will negatively affect the state of the vertebrae, heart, and gastrointestinal tract.

Often, Norwich people have eye diseases, most often it is a cataract. In addition, terriers are prone to pathologies of the respiratory system.

Mode and diet feeding

The owner can choose one of two options - feed the pet with natural food or production rations. In the second case, you should choose a quality product that does not contain artificial ingredients, flavors and other chemical additives. It is advisable to buy food in a specialized store, it should be suitable for small, wire-haired dogs.

When fed naturally, the host should create a balanced menu that includes healthy foods: lean meat, boiled offal, vegetables, rice, buckwheat porridge, dairy drinks, cottage cheese. Groats seasoned with vegetable oil, fresh chopped greens. Love Norwich and fruit.

The following food should not be given to the dog:

• tubular bones;
• pastries and pastries;
• sausages, smoked meats;
• canned food;
• fried dishes, marinades, spices.

Pet food must be fresh and of high quality. It is mandatory to introduce vitamin-mineral complexes in the feed.

Features content Norwich Terrier

A positive and sociable pet should live next to his family. Since, if the cold of the street he can move, hiding in a booth, then loneliness and lack of attention will negatively affect his character and well-being.

Norwich suitable for living in an apartment, and in his house. They fade a little, do not smell much and are pretty neat. These doggies are quickly excited, but, if required, can quickly calm down. The dog can adapt to the life rhythm of the family, organically fit into it.

Such a pet is deprived of refinement, as most representatives of decorative breeds do not have to be worn with it, protecting it from the outside world.

Photo of a Norwich Terrier

Video about norwich terrier

A serious approach to buying a pet

Norwich Terrier - expensive, so do not act rashly. First of all, it is necessary to decide for what purposes a pet is needed, its cost will depend on it:

• pet-class - this category includes puppies who do not have an exhibition career, and they are not suitable for breeding, but do not have serious vices, look like other Norwich - their mission is to be the favorites and helpers of the hunter; for such a baby will have to pay an average of 35,000 rubles;
• Breed class - the baby slightly falls short of the championship data, it can be used for offspring and hunting work; the cost of puppies in this category reaches 50,000 rubles;
• show class - the offspring with excellent data, suitable owner, who wants not only to participate with their pet in exhibition events, but also to receive positive results. Starting price - 50,000 rubles and above.

Buying a puppy is better in a nursery with a good reputation. An experienced breeder cares about the quality of offspring, discards unsuitable individuals and provides good conditions of detention. In addition, he will advise on any issues arising in the process of growing, nurturing and training the ward.

In Moscow, there are 2 kennels engaged in active breeding and selling puppies of this breed:

• "Catcher Traiv" http://www.norwich-terrier.su/contacts.html;
• Sugar Cube http://www.westies.ru/westy/index.phtml.

Norwich Terrier is a kind of dog with an original appearance and temperament. He becomes not just a pet, but a family member, loyal and affectionate. But owners will have to face with his pranks more than once, so you need to be patient.