Appearance

The Norfolk Terrier is a small, compact and sturdy dog, and one of the smallest of the Terriers. The body is short but powerful with dense bones, a deep chest, short back and level topline, short and straight front legs, and a high-set tail that can be cropped. The round head has a fox-like muzzle, folded ears, dark eyes and distinctive eyebrows and whiskers. The coat is wiry and straight with a thick undercoat, and the coloring varies but includes grizzle, black and tan, red and wheaten.

History

In the early part of the 20th century, breeders in eastern England developed a small rat-catching, fox-chasing terrier called the Norwich Terrier. For several decades, this diverse breed featured both hanging ears and pricked ears, not to mention a variety of colors and coats. In 1964, the English Kennel Club categorized the hanging ear variety as the Norfolk Terrier.