| Official
Standard for the Norwich Terrier General
Appearance
The Norwich Terrier, spirited and stocky
with sensitive prick ears and a slightly foxy expression,
is one of the smallest working terriers. This sturdy
descendent of ratting companions, eager to dispatch
small vermin alone or in a pack, has good bone and
substance and an almost weatherproof coat. A hardy
hunt terrier-honorable scars from fair wear and tear
are acceptable. Size, Proportion, Substance
One of the
smallest of the terriers, the ideal height should
not exceed 10 inches at the withers. Distance from
the top of the withers to the ground and from the withers
to base of tail are approximately equal. Good bone
and substance. Weight approximately 12 pounds. It
should be in proportion to the individual dog's structure
and balance. Fit working condition is a prime consideration. Head
A slightly foxy expression. Eyes
small, dark and oval shaped with black rims. Placed
well apart with a bright and keen expression. Ears
medium size and erect. Set well apart with pointed
tips. Upright when alert.
The skull is broad and slightly rounded with good width
between the ears. The muzzle is wedge shaped and strong.
Its length is about one-third less than the measurement
from the occiput to the well-defined stop. The jaw
is clean and strong. Nose and lip pigment black. Tight-lipped
with large teeth. A scissor bite. Neck, Topline, Body
Neck of medium length,
strong and blending into well laid back shoulders.
Level topline. Body moderately short. Compact and deep.
Good width of chest. Well-sprung ribs and short loins.
Tail medium docked. The terrier's working origin requires
that the tail be of sufficient length to grasp. Base
level with topline; carried erect. 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 with thick pads. Nails black. The
feet point forward when standing or moving. Hindquarters
Broad, strong and muscular
with well-turned stifles. Hocks low set and straight
when viewed from the rear. Feet as in front. Coat
Hard, wiry and straight, lying
close to the body with a definite undercoat. The coat
on neck and shoulders forms a protective mane. The
hair on head, ears and muzzle, except for slight eyebrows
and whiskers, is short and smooth. This breed should
be shown with as natural a coat as possible. A minimum
of tidying is permissible but shaping should be heavily
penalized. Color
All shades of red, wheaten, black
and tan or grizzle. White marks are not desirable. Gait
The legs moving parallel, extending
forward, showing great powers of propulsion. Good rear
angulation with a true, yet driving movement. The forelegs
move freely with feet and elbows the same distance
apart, converging slightly with increased pace. Hind
legs follow in the track of the forelegs, flexing well
at the stifle and hock. The topline remains level. Temperament
Gay, fearless, loyal and
affectionate. Adaptable and sporting, they make ideal
companions. Approved 13 October 1981
Reformatted 23 March 1990 |
