Origin
The Norfolk Terrier is the smallest of all the working terrier breeds and like the Norwich Terrier they were named after the county. These charming little dogs were originally bred to hunt vermin, but over the years they have found their way into the hearts and homes of many people and for good reason. The Norfolk is not only a very sweet looking terrier, but they boast having extremely affectionate, albeit lively personalities too.
Norfolk Terriers and Norwich Terriers were considered one and the same breed during the 1800s when they were simply thought of as working farm dogs, although they were also a popular choice of companion with Cambridge university students too and eventually became their mascot. Although the actual origins of the breed remain a bit of a mystery, but it's thought that certain terriers were used to create Norfolks which includes red Cairn Terriers, Glen of Imaals and Dandie Dinmonts.
These charming little dogs have been around for well over 100 years and were originally bred to control vermin becoming known as exceptionally good "ratters". The breed was recognised by The Kennel Club in 1932 as being Norwich Terriers, but later in 1965 dogs with drop ears and dogs with upright ears were classed as separate and unique breeds in their own right with dropped eared dogs being called Norfolk Terriers. Today, Norfolks are still as popular as companions and family pets as they ever were thanks to their charming albeit often feisty, terrier natures. They have also found their way into the hearts and homes of many people in other countries of the world as well as being popular when exhibited in the show ring.
