Norwich and Norfolk Terriers
Norwich Terriers and Norfolk Terriers were developed as vermin killers in the closest region of England to Europe. In the early 1800's, there were continuous trading routes between Bruges, Belgium and Norwich, England. As ratting Terriers commonly travelled on these early trading ships, the early development of the Norwich and Norfolk Terriers was probably influenced by the Belgium breed, the rough coated Griffon Bruxellois.
Not only the shortened foreface but also common colours are shared by the Griffon and the Norwich and Norfolk Terrier. The straight legs of the Norwich and Norfolk are also typical of a breed specifically bred to kill rats.[2]
Norwich and Norfolk History
Norwich and Norfolk Terriers developed in and around Cambridge University when a breeder, Charles 'Doggie' Lawrence sold small ratting dogs to the students. Until 1964, they were the same breed when puppies with both pricked and dropped ears were born in the same litter. Then intense argument broke out between the owners of those dogs with pricked ears and owners of those whose ears were dropped or button ears.
So, the Kennel Club (UK) stepped in. Their decision was to split the breed into two based wholly on ear carriage, and call them separate names. So, Norwich and Norfolk Terriers were born.
The Norwich and Norfolk Today
Half a century later the two breed standards have remained almost identical, with only a few minor differences. There are many who still believe the Norwich and Norfolk Terriers are the same breed with different ears. Personally, I do not subscribe wholly to that theory.
Once gene pools are split, breeders select for different features. This has resulted in the two breeds having more differences than their breed standards reflect. I have observed that the Norwich is usually shorter bodied and showier than Norfolk, while Norfolk usually has a longer neck and better front than Norwich [1]. With this difference in mind, I shall discuss the two breeds together.
The head is wedge shaped, with a broad skull and so the ears are are set wide apart. The length of the skull is two thirds the length of the muzzle. These measurements are taken from the bottom of the well-defined stop. The teeth on these little terriers deserve special mention as I have seen them correctly remarkable large for the size of the dog in the Norwich Terrier, but in the Norfolk Terrier I have found some quite the reverse with some jaws so narrow, there are only 4 incisors instead of 6 in the lower jaw. As these are ratting terriers, special emphasis should be placed on retaining the correct scissor bite.
At but 10 inches (25 – 26 cms) tall, the Norwich and Norfolk Terriers are amongst the smallest of the terriers. Because of their high-set tail, although their body is described as compact one would expect them to be longer than square. The ribcage should not extend below the elbows. This ensures the front legs have no reason to be other than perfectly straight.
Although rough coated, modern coats of the Norfolk and Norwich can be tidied up for the showring, but trimming must not be excessive. They come in all shades of red, wheaten, black and tan and grizzle.
References and Further Reading
[1] Jane Harvey, "How do Cairn, Norwich and Norfolk Terriers Differ?" in National Dog, the Ringleader Way (National Dog, Menangle Park NSW) Vol 11 No 4 April 2008 supplement Page 4
[2] Jane Harvey, DVD "Terriers Then & Now" (Rangeaire Vision, Melbourne) ISBN 978-0-9804296-4-0