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General Appearance
Small, low, keen dog, compact and strong, short back, good substance and bone. Honourable scars from fair wear and tear permissible.

Characteristics
One of the smallest of terriers, a ‘demon’ for its size. Lovable disposition, not quarrelsome, hardy constitution.

Temperament
Alert and fearless.

Head and Skull
Skull broad, only slightly rounded with good width between ears. Muzzle wedge-shaped and strong; length of muzzle about one-third less than measurement from occiput to bottom of well defined stop.

Eyes
Oval-shaped and deep-set, dark brown or black. Expression alert, keen and intelligent.

Ears
Medium size, V-shaped, slightly rounded at tip, dropping forward close to cheek.

Mouth
Tight-lipped, strong jaw, teeth strong and rather large; perfect scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck
Strong and of medium length.

Forequarters
Clean, well laid back shoulder blade, approximating in length to upper arm. Front legs short, powerful and straight.

Body
Compact, short back, level topline, well sprung ribs.

Hindquarters
Well muscled, good turn of stifle, hocks well let down and straight when viewed from rear; great propulsion.

Feet
Round with thick pads.

Tail
Docking of tail previously optional.
(a) Medium docked, set level with topline and carried erect.
(b) Tail of moderate length to give a general balance to the dog, thick at the root and tapering towards the tip, as straight as possible, carried jauntily, but not excessively gay.

Gait/Movement
True, low and driving. Moving straight forward from shoulder. Good rear angulation showing great powers of propulsion. Hindlegs follow track of forelegs, moving smoothly from hips. Flexing well at stifle and hock. Topline remaining level.

Coat
Hard, wiry, straight, lying close to body. Longer and rougher on neck and shoulders. Hair on head and ears short and smooth, except for slight whiskers and eyebrows. Excessive trimming undesirable.

Colour
All shades of red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle. White marks or patches undesirable but permissible.

Size
Ideal height at withers 25 cms (10 ins).

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - December 2007

Glossary of Canine Terms

Health Information

The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations.  Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.

The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.

Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available.  Individual summaries are only available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts. This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

• MIDLAND COUNTIES NORFOLK TERRIER ASSOC. Sec: Ms D Jenkins. Tel No: 01785 811288
• NORFOLK TERRIER CLUB. Sec: Ms G Simpson. Tel No: 0116 288 2881

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