Norwich Terrier Q & As


Here are a few questions I get asked regularly. If you have any others, pleas feel free to drop me an email!

Norwich and Norfolk terriers were originally one breed, called Norwich terriers- but distinguished informally as "prick-ears" or "drop-ears". In England in 1964, the UK Kennel Club separated the breed into two, with the drop-ears taking the name of Norfolk Terrier and the prick-ears retaining the name of Norwich Terrier. Effective 1 January 1979, the American Kennel Club took the same step. Those who have both breeds say that there are other subtle differences between Norwich and Norfolk terriers. This is often a topic of conversation when Norwich and Norfolk breeders meet. See Picture on the left!

Norwich terriers require regular maintenance to keep a consistently groomed coat. They should be brushed or combed weekly. These terriers are usually "stripped" twice a year. "Stripping" involves pulling out the dead outer coat by hand or with the help of a stripping tool. Some owners choose the natural look, doing nothing to the coat except brushing it. With this look a Norwich can be mistaken for a scruffy mixed breed, and the coat will shed more as it ages.

A few pet owners opt to have their pets clipped. Clipping is not a recommended method of grooming since it does not remove the dead hair, but merely shortens it, softening the texture and encouraging noticable shedding.

Norwich terriers are very willing breeds who wish to please, making basic housetraining easy to train. As with any puppy, frequent trips outdoors are in order, and puppies should always be crated or confined in a safe area when unattended. Consistency and a routine are extremely important in housetraining. Your puppy should be taken out frequently especially after eating, drinking, playing and sleeping. Accompanying your dog outside will assure that he has done what you expected and hasn't gotten distracted by a leaf or some other object in the surroundings. Often, if a puppy is left out alone, he will be so anxious to come in again, that he will try to finish quickly and not completely empty his bladder causing an accident shortly after returning inside.

Norwich love children. However any dog requires supervision with children, especially when puppies are playing with younger children under 7 or 8. This is not only for the child's safety, but the puppy's since some young children may unintentionally harm a puppy. Never get a dog with the intention of teaching a child responsibility. Both children and puppies need an adult caretaker and parents need to accept this before getting a dog. The greatest concern with children and dogs is that children tend to leave doors and gates open, and the dog may get out and get lost or hit by a car. Strict rules must be enforced to insure that gates and doors are always kept closed to protect your dog.