Breeder
Referral Information
Norwich and Norfolk terriers can be difficult to
acquire. Litter sizes are small. Consequently the supply
is limited. Puppies of these breeds are not easy to come
by so you will need both patience and perseverance
in your search.
Getting Started
The best way to start is to go
to dog shows and talk with breeders and see the dogs.
You can find out about dog shows in your area by looking
at the AKC's list of conformation
events. (A dog show
is technically called a "conformation" event
... how well does a dog "conform" to the
breed standard.) Once you know the date and location
of a dog show, you still need to know the times when
Norwich or Norfolk are being judged. Times are set
by the show superintendent and are made public approximately
one week before a show. You can find out the times
specific breeds are being shown by contacting the show
superintendent. Breeders are quite happy to talk to
interested members of the public before or after (especially
after!) judging of their breed has taken place. The
dog show catalog (available for purchase at the dog
show) will have contact information for all the breeders
entered at the show.
Are Norwich and Norfolk terriers expensive?
Conscientious
breeders strive to produce healthy dogs with
excellent temperaments. To determine the cost
of a Norwich or Norfolk, contact a reputable breeder.
Consequently,
each litter is a labor of love - an attempt by the
breeders of Norwich and Norfolk terriers to produce
a Norwich or Norfolk terrier that are as close to
the breed standard as possible.
Companion quality
versus show quality
Breeders cannot keep all the puppies they produce. They keep the ones they
hope will enhance their breeding program. Norfolk terrier litters have 1 to
3 puppies on average. Norwich terrier litters average 2 to 4 puppies.
Most breeders have a contract and those
contracts vary. If you purchase a Norwich or Norfolk
terrier, the breeder may require that you neuter the
dog, if you purchase a male, or spay, if you purchase
a female. The American Kennel Club registration for
ownership certificate allows for the breeder to check
off limited
registration. A limited
registration has nothing to do with beauty or conformation of the
Norwich or Norfolk terrier. The AKC limited registration
means that a dog is not going to be shown to its championship
and most breeders feel that it should not be bred.
According to AKC rules a dog neutered or spayed cannot
compete at an AKC conformation event. A spayed female
or neutered dog can compete in all performance events
and earn titles.
Older and retired
dogs
Some breeders will rehome a dog retired from the
whelping box (a female) and/or the show ring. Breeders
may do this if they own multiple dogs, believing
that this older dog has done his/her job and deserves
a great home. Norwich and Norfolk terrier breeders
most often will accept a dog they have bred
back into their home if the owner's situation has
changed and they can not maintain the dog for its
lifetime.
Helpful
Links
NNTC
Breeder Referral List
ASPCA
information on buying puppies from pet stores and information
on puppy mills
Lemon Laws (pdf)
State-by-state list of laws that protect consumers
who’ve purchased a sick animal.
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