With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, often bred and used for ratting (hunting vermin) or baiting, today»s Norwich Terrier is one of the perkiest, happiest of the group. Like the Norfolk Terrier, its double, it therefore makes an ideal household companion.
From the history books (or documents of non-historians) we learn that the Norwich Terrier was found in the company of gypsies and poachers, at least two hundred years ago in East Anglia (England). Known then as the Cantab Terrier, the game and hardy breed was bred for working--on hunts, in the stable yards, and in the fields.
In 1923, the breed became known as the Norwich Terrier, a double to the small, tough hunting companion with the dropped ears.
This breed of Norwich Terrier was of two types--the drop-eared terrier and the prick-eared Norwich Terrier, both found to be (like the Norfolk) crosses between Border and Cairn Terriers. (Though Norwich and Norfolk each have been developed separately since the gypsy and Cambridge days, despite the confusion in separating and distinguishing their histories.) But despite the distinction of the ear carriage characteristic, the more important trait to consider was and is temperament.
The Norwich Terrier was a relentless worker, full of vigor and obedient and attentive to commands. And despite its «old» expression, its diminutive 11-12 pounds and 9-12 inches, this favorite of infamous pioneers and hunters was a courageous tackler of prey even larger than itself.
Today, the best characteristics of the Norwich Terrier remain, its fearlessness making for great watchdog attributes and its perkiness a much appreciated mood for families in any country or city setting.
At the same time, the Norwich Terrier is not aggressive, and makes very few demands and has very few needs. Since it is energetic, it does require a brisk daily walk, but if you are an avid sportsman, it will appreciate going along for a swim, a jaunt, or a jog. And since it has the typical hard and wiry coat, this red, wheaten, black-and-tan, or grizzled pup needs a weekly bristled brushing.
And because the Norwich terrier is innately obedient, having an endurance that will outdo most humans, it is amenable to training, to doing tricks, to showing off, and to showing you its devotion, love, and loveability. It was made to perform, and perform it will, especially with doggie rewards at the end of the long work day.
