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Dog Breeds: Norfolk Terrier

The 2003 American Kennel Club/Eukanuba National Championship Best in Show winner was a Norfolk Terrier known as Champion (Ch) Cracknor Cause Celebre. This little pup was small enough to fit into his Best in Show trophy!

Check out photos from the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in December 2003.

What distinguishes a Norfolk Terrier (in terms of breed standards) are his ears. A Norfolk Terrier has what are called “drop ears” — ears that flop or fold over — and a Norwich Terrier has “prick ears” — ears that stand straight up. Both the Norfolk and the Norwich are small, sturdy dogs with a lot of personality. They are alert, loyal, and fearless without being aggressive.

The Norfolk Terrier was bred to be a hunter — not a toy dog. His size makes him perfect for flushing foxes and other small animals from their burrows. His coat is protective — coarse, wiry, and straight, to protect him from teeth and claws while hunting. This spunky little terrier stands only nine or ten inches high at the shoulder, and weighs between ten and fifteen pounds.

The Norfolk Terrier comes from England, and was recognized in the English Kennel Club in 1932 as the Norwich Terrier with drop ears. By 1964, The Norfolk Terrier was recognized as its own distinct breed. In the United States, the Norfolk Terrier may still be remembered as the Jones Terrier — breeder Frank Jones sold many a little red terrier to American sportsmen during the 1920s. The Norwich Terrier (both prick ear and drop ear) was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936, and the Norfolk was recognized separately in 1979.

If you are looking for a dog with personality, take another look at the Norfolk Terrier. This little dog is hardy, loyal, and charming. Breeders and owners agree that this little dog is affectionate and full of personality! A Norfolk Terrier may be more of a challenge to train, but only because he has ideas of his own about what he should be doing.

Want to learn more about terriers? Here’s another breed (and another champion): the Bull Terrier.