Breed standards

Norfolk Terrier

Breed standards are the official guidelines that describe the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential.

Last Updated: 22 May 2009

Kennel Club, London 1994

FCI Standard No 272

Group:
Group 2 (Terriers)
History:
General:

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, dark brown or black. Expression alert, keen and intelligent.

Ear:

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 the 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:

Docked: Medium docked, set level with topline and carried erect.
Undocked: 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.

Sizes:

Ideal Height: 25 cms (10 ins) at withers.

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.

Notes:

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

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