Norwich Terrier

The Norwich Terrier is one of the native breeds of England and was developed in the 1800s in the area of East Anglia.

History:

The Norwich Terrier has an interesting past. They were probably developed from crosses between Border, Cairn, and Irish and Yorkshire Terriers, and were used for hunting rats and rabbits. In the 1870s, a man called Charles "Doggy" Lawrence started a fashion amongst Cambridge undergraduates by selling them "Red Terrier" pups which after many years went on to become the Norwich Terrier. The breed became known as the Cantab Terrier, because of this association.

Like many breeds, the Cantab was decimated during the First World War, and in the early twentieth century it was revived by a trio of dedicated breeders in England. This was the first time that any sort of formal breeding program had been used on this breed. There are many claims about the exact date of origin of the breed, with people citing paintings by two artists, Dychmans and Hepper, which contain dogs of the Norwich Terrier type.

Physical characteristics:

The Norwich and Norfolk Terriers are almost indistinguishable in type and size, apart from a difference in ear set. Height: 10 - 10.25 in (25 - 26 cm). Weight: 11 - 12 lb (5 - 5.5 kg).

The Norwich has prick or erect ears that sit on the top edge of the skull. The skull itself is broad and the muzzle wedge-shaped, while the eyes and nose are both small and black. The chunky neck joins a long robust body and short muscular legs. The coat has a harsh outer layer that is short on the back, top of the head, and tail. Red in various shades is the most common coat color, although the Norwich can also be black and tan, grizzle, or wheaten. The tail is customarily docked very short.

Behavior:

The Norwich Terrier behaves very similarly to the Norfolk Terrier. This is a dog formerly used to catch rats, which is now used almost solely as a companion animal. If this dog is to be kept in the house, it may be wise to sterilize it if it is a male. This course of action will lessen the chance of it marking its territory by urinating on the furniture. The Norwich Terrier is a playful little dog with most endearing ways.