Norfolk Terrier

The ancestors of today’s Norfolk and Norwich terriers originated in England. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, breeders bred and sold small, harsh-coated, red terriers to Cambridge University students to rid their dorms of rats, and to local horsemen to work as barnyard ratters and fox bolters. The breed was officially recognized as Norwich terriers in England in 1932 and in America in 1936. Originally registered as Norwich – prick ear or drop ear, the two ear types became separate breeds in England in 1964 and in America in 1979. Prick ears retained the name Norwich, while drop ears became Norfolk terriers. In America, both breeds are represented by a single parent club: the Norwich and Norfolk Terrier Club (NNTC). Norfolk and Norwich are the smallest members of the AKC terrier group, measuring 10 inches at the withers and weighing 11-12 pounds. Ear carriage is the most obvious physical difference between the breeds. Norfolk ears are small and neatly dropped. Norwich ears are medium-sized and erect (pricked). Both breeds are exceptionally gregarious and people-oriented. Norfolk and Norwich also enjoy earthdog, agility and obedience work, and have earned many AKC titles in these events.