With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, often bred and used for ratting (hunting vermin) or baiting, today»s Norfolk Terrier has a history of being one of the top ratters in the group. This skill has translated into its being an attentive, perky, and hardy household companion.
From the history books (or documents of non-historians) we learn that the Norfolk Terrier was found in the company of gypsies and poachers, at least two hundred years ago in East Anglia (England). By the 1870»s a Ballybrick Master of Foxhounds, dismayed by the loss of too many foxes, began to breed a smaller, tougher hunting companion, a terrier that would fit fox holes and drain pipes and other tight places the hounds couldn»t squeeze into.
This breed of Norfolk Terrier was the drop-eared terrier, which shares a past with the prick-eared Norwich Terrier, both found as crosses between Border and Cairn Terriers and each developing separately since the gypsy and Cambridge days (though the separate histories is not easily distinguished). But despite the distinction of the ear carriage characteristic, the more important trait was temperament.
The Norfolk Terrier was often referred to as the «fiery mite,» as it 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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.
