Grooming
Norfolk Terriers have a double coat that consists of a soft and fluffy undercoat, and a hard, wiry overcoat. It’s moderately easy to maintain. These pups don’t need a regular haircut, as clipping will soften and lighten the coat and remove its natural waterproofing. But at least twice a year, in the fall and spring, Norfolk Terriers “blow their coat” (a fancy way for saying they shed in clumps) and will need to be hand stripped (when you rake through the coat with your hands or a stripping tool to get rid of loose, dead hair). If you don’t feel up to the task, a groomer can take care of this for you. As a bonus, a hand-stripped coat sheds dirt and is water-resistant, which means fewer baths for your pup. Generally, baths for this dog should be infrequent (think: once every three months) as they can easily dry out their skin.
Norfolk Terriers should be brushed at least once a week with a bristle brush to remove loose hair and dirt. While you’re at it, check their ears for debris (dirt or wax buildup), redness or swelling, and alert your veterinarian if you see anything unusual. They may recommend cleaning their ears.
Norfolk Terrier dogs are prone to dental issues; tartar build-up on the teeth can progress to an infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. To keep them healthy, regular toothbrushing is recommended. Veterinarians strongly recommend you brush your dog’s teeth every day. If your dog joins the family as a puppy, you may want to get them used to the feel of toothbrushing as you’re raising your Norfolk Terrier. Doing so will make it far easier as they grow into adulthood. If you’re still not comfortable brushing your dog’s teeth, your vet can show you how. You should also plan to have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned by your vet at least once a year.
In addition to regular brushing and good oral hygiene, pet parents should monitor their dog’s nails. They’ll probably need a trim about once a month. If you can hear their nails tapping on the floor, it’s time for a trim!
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Training
Norfolk Terriers are exceptionally bright, so they’re pretty easy to train. On the whole, new parents will find these pups are eager to learn new commands and fun tricks. But they can also be pretty obstinate, particularly during potty training. Sometimes small dogs are just harder to train; they have small bladders and need to go out more frequently, and their “must-potty-now” cues aren’t as obvious as, say, a Great Dane’s. Consistency is the key. Be sure to take your pup out about 20 minutes after every meal and reward them when they potty outside. (Be sure to use the same cue words, like “Let’s go potty,” so they start to learn what it means.)
Like most dogs, positive reinforcement, or offering rewards for good behavior, works well for a Norfolk Terrier puppy. Incentives like treats, praise and play breaks with fun toys will offer the best results. That training will come in handy when dealing with traits that may test your patience, like barking, digging and giving chase to smaller animals—all classic Norfolk Terrier behavior. Managing these issues can be a challenge, to say the least. For that reason, early socialization (aka exposure to new people, places and things) and obedience training (basic skills like sit, stay and come) are crucial. Socialization will help your dog stay calm (and quiet) in the face of new experiences, and obedience skills will help you redirect their undesirable behavior when necessary. You will never completely train these traits out of your dog, but you can help curb it.
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Diet
Norfolk Terriers don’t have any breed-specific nutritional requirements, and they’ll do quite well with most types of high-quality commercial dog food. Bear in mind, however, that throughout your dog’s life, their food should be complete and balanced, as well as appropriate to their age (puppy, adult, senior), activity level and overall health.
Pet parents of Norfolk Terriers should keep in mind that these pups are voracious eaters; they love their food and are unfortunately prone to obesity. So not only is it important to watch their calorie intake, but it’s also important to remember that, while treats make everyone happy, they can be high in calories too. Obesity can lead to health problems down the road, like osteoarthritis, high blood pressure and diabetes.
If you’re not sure what type of diet is best for your dog or you’re concerned about their weight, always consult your veterinarian. They are your greatest resource to help you pick the best food for your dog based on their individual needs.
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Exercise
Norfolk Terriers are energetic, but when it comes to exercise, they’re surprisingly low-maintenance. A brisk 30-minute walk every day should be plenty.
What’s more, these pups are extremely playful, so their exercise doesn’t have to be a boring chore. Running and walking are great, but you can also play fetch and tug-of-war to give them the exercise they need. Remember that mental stimulation counts, too, so if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can always try dog puzzles.
Take great care to keep your pup on a leash when you’re out and about—always. Norfolk Terriers have an incredibly high prey drive, so they’re essentially guaranteed to give chase if something interesting walks by—and without a leash, you won’t be able to keep them by your side and out of harm’s way.
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Environment
Norfolk Terriers are small dogs, so they can do quite well in apartments, provided you’re able to give them the exercise they need. And if you’ve got kids, all the better—though you’ll have to supervise younger children closely, to prevent them from playing too roughly with your small pup. These dogs are incredibly affectionate with their families, and they tend to do well with other dogs. Cats and smaller pets like ferrets and hamsters, however, may be a different story—Norfolk Terriers are prone to view them as prey that needs chasing.
These little guys love to mix and mingle, and they’re happiest when they’re included in the fun. They like adventures just as much as you do, so if you’re headed out for the weekend, they’ll likely jump at the chance to ride shotgun. If you take off on an adventure without them, they have no qualms expressing their annoyance, typically in the form of chewing. As you can guess, leaving them alone for hours at a time is never a good idea.
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