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Norwich Terrier

The Norwich Terrier developed in England in the late nineteenth century from a variety of working terriers. He was valued for his small size--just right for riding in a basket alongside his fox-hunting master on horseback.

After the Foxhounds had forced the fox underground, the terriers would be lifted out of the baskets by their docked tails and sent after the fox. The terriers had to be courageous and feisty against the fox.

Quick, sharp, and ever-moving, the Norwich loves his daily exercise. He likes to be in the thick of the action. What is happening, who is here, where everybody's going--these are the concerns of the Norwich. Fond of children, the Norwich makes a loyal, affectionate companion.

The Norwich Terrier's coat is double--a hard and wiry outer coat in all shades of red, wheaten, black and tan grizzle, with a softer, lighter-colored undercoat. He should be brushed once or twice a week for neatness, but never clipped or shaped.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: Spirited and stocky, with a foxy expression; eager and hardy.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--not more than 10 inches at withers. Weight--approximately 12 pounds.

Fun Facts

"Rags" was a Norwich Terrier who lived at the end of the nineteenth century. His rough, natural, sand-colored coat was the cause for his name. He became the dog that breeders tried to copy for the perfect Norwich Terrier. This uncombed look remains part of the appeal of the breed.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Breed Profile

Group: Terrier
Size: Small
Origin: England
Color: Red, Tan or Black

Quick, sharp, and ever-moving, the Norwich loves his daily exercise. He likes to be in he thick of the action. They need to be brushed once or twice a week for neatness, but never clipped or shaped.