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General Appearance
The Norfolk Terrier, game and hardy, with expressive dropped
ears, is one of the smallest of the working terriers. It is
active and compact, free-moving, with good substance and bone.
With its natural, weather-resistant coat and short legs, it is a
"perfect demon" in the field. This versatile, agreeable
breed can go to ground, bolt a fox and tackle or dispatch other
small vermin, working alone or with a pack. Honorable scars from
wear and tear are acceptable in the ring.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Height at the withers 9 to 10 inches at maturity. Bitches tend
to be smaller than dogs. Length of back from point of withers to
base of tail should be slightly longer than the height at the
withers. Good substance and bone. Weight 11 to 12 pounds or that
which is suitable for each individual dog's structure and
balance. Fit working condition is a prime consideration.
Head
Eyes small, dark and oval, with black rims. Placed well apart
with a sparkling, keen and intelligent expression. Ears neatly
dropped, small, with a break at the skull line, carried close to
the cheek and not falling lower than the outer corner of the eye.
V-shaped, slightly rounded at the tip, smooth and velvety to the
touch.
Skull wide, slightly rounded, with good width between the ears.
Muzzle is strong and wedge shaped. Its length is one-third less
than a measurement from the occiput to the well-defined stop. Jaw
clean and strong. Tight-lipped with a scissor bite and large
teeth.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck of medium length, strong and blending into well laid back
shoulders. Level topline. Good width of chest. Ribs well sprung,
chest moderately deep. Strong loins. Tail medium docked, of
sufficient length to ensure a balanced outline. Straight, set on
high, the base level with the topline. Not a squirrel tail.
Forequarters
Well laid back shoulders. Elbows close to ribs. Short,
powerful legs, as straight as is consistent with the digging
terrier. Pasterns firm. Feet round, pads thick, with strong,
black nails.
Hindquarters
Broad with strong, muscular thighs. Good turn of stifle. Hocks
well let down and straight when viewed from the rear. Feet as in
front.
Coat
The protective coat is hard, wiry and straight, about 11/2 to
2 inches long, lying close to the body, with a definite
undercoat. The mane on neck and shoulders is longer and also
forms a ruff at the base of the ears and the throat. Moderate
furnishings of harsh texture on legs. Hair on the head and ears
is short and smooth, except for slight eyebrows and whiskers.
Some tidying is necessary to keep the dog neat, but shaping
should be heavily penalized.
Color
All shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle. Dark
points permissible. White marks are not desirable.
Gait
Should be true, low and driving. In front, the legs extend
forward from the shoulder. Good rear angulation showing great
powers of propulsion. Viewed from the side, hind legs follow in
the track of the forelegs, moving smoothly from the hip and
flexing well at the stifle and hock. Topline remains level.
Temperament
Alert, gregarious, fearless and loyal. Never aggressive.
Information from AKC
Norwich and
Norfolk Terrier Club
American Norfolk
Terrier Association
International
Norfolk Terrier Club
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