The Norwich Terrier is the smallest of the working terrier breed. Of all the terriers, the Norwich is the best match for the “on-the-go” owner that wants a terrier but cannot provide his pooch with constant stimulation and bountiful amounts of exercise. Norwich Terriers are best known for their affectionate attitude and their easygoing nature. Here are some things you should know about a Norwich before you go out and buy one of these comforting creatures.
- Physical Characteristics. The Norwich has a short, rough coat. It has short but strong, sturdy legs, a docked tail, and a foxlike mug. The coat is wheaten, tan, black and tan, or in some cases, red. A square head with twin pointy ears tops off the Norwich Terrier’s compact little physique. An average Norwich Terrier weighs 10-12 pounds, and sits approximately 10 inches tall.
- Disposition. The Norwich, unlike some of the other terriers, does not need constant stimulation. Norwich Terriers will dig and bark if left unattended or without anything to entertain them for long periods of time, but by and large, they let life roll off their backs. They are decent short distance runners, and will thrive if played with daily. Norwich Terriers are not the most active of terriers and when compared with the Patterdale or the Westie, might even be considered aloof. The Norwich Terrier is easy to train and likes following rules and developing habits.
- Physical Needs: Exercise. The Norwich Terrier is not a big exerciser. They like to chase balls and play with toys, and they enjoy walks on the leash. Inside, they will remain relatively inactive and calm.
- Physical Needs: Space. An apartment is an ideal place for the Norwich Terrier. Norwich Terriers do like outdoor space to dig, play, and roll around in. If you do not have a yard, a daily trip to the park or some green space is a good idea.
- Physical Needs: Food. Consult your vet for advice on the best food for your Norwich. Norwich Terriers do well with dry or wet food, or a combination of the two. Having a set time for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner is a good idea instead of having food out all the time for the pooch. Remember, terriers like routines!
- Physical Needs: Grooming. The wiry coat of the Norwich Terrier lends itself to occasional tangles-particularly the areas under the legs that can become matted with constant encounters with mud, dirt, water, and anything else on the ground. A monthly grooming and daily or bi-weekly brushes is the norm for a Norwich Terrier. The Norwich is an average shedder.
- Physical Needs: Sleeping Quarters. Norwich Terriers are inside sleepers. They tend to like dog beds (since they cannot often jump as high as their owners’ beds!) and cozy corners. Creating a perfect sleeping pad for this terrier is not difficult-a few pillows or doggie bed with a blanket will do.
- Health Considerations. Norwich Terriers are durable dogs. They, like the rest of the terrier breed, are susceptible to genetic eye conditions (glaucoma), and sometime suffer from back pains. If your Norwich Terriers overweight, it is a good idea to cut back on food to ease any stress the extra pounds are causing his back.
- Life Expectancy. The Norwich’s life expectancy is 11-13 years.
The Norwich Terrier, though raised as a working dog years and years ago, is a relatively calm canine. The Norwich gives plenty of love and attention and thrives on affection given to him by the family. A Norwich Terrier can deal with being left along during the day as long as he is given attention and rewards for his patience at the day’s end. The Norwich Terrier is the least stubborn and demanding of terriers, and for this reason, is the best terrier for an on-the-go owner.