Grooming
Norwich Terriers have a distinctive double coat; the topcoat is hard, wiry and straight, and their undercoat is soft. When it comes to grooming a Norwich Terrier, there are two schools of thought: clipping or hand stripping.
“Team hand stripping” often argues that this process (pulling out each dead hair to make way for new growth) is the only way to maintain the integrity of these terriers’ tough, almost weatherproof coat. Hand- stripping can be a time-consuming process, however, not to mention uncomfortable for the dog if not done properly. As a parent of a Norwich Terrier, this may be something to keep in mind. Additionally, if you don’t want to do it yourself, it might be difficult to find groomers who will do it for you.
On the other hand, “team clipping” argues that clipping the hair of your Norwich Terrier hair is just fine. However, pet parents should know that clipped hair may grow back softer, and your dog may lose their hard, wiry coat. Moreover, a softer coat could lead to more shedding.
Regardless how you choose to groom the coat, Norwich Terriers should be brushed at least once a week, and baths should be limited to once every three months. (Too much bathing can irritate their skin.)
Taking care of your dog’s dental health is important as well. Ideally, you should plan to brush your dog’s teeth daily. For all pet parents, a best practice would be to get their puppy used to the feel of having their teeth brushed so the process will be easier as the dog grows into adulthood. Beyond daily brushings, it’s also important to have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned by your vet at least once a year.
Pet parents should also trim the nails of their Norwich Terrier regularly. While most dogs will wear their nails down naturally, a little parental intervention may be necessary from time to time, about once a month. If you’re not sure how often to cut your Norwich Terriers nails, just keep in mind that if you can hear them tapping on the floor, it’s time for a trim.
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Training
Norwich Terriers are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, so you should be able to train them with some speed. They have a strong work ethic and are happiest when they have a job to do, so positive reinforcement is key. If there are no vermin to chase, training is a great pinch hitter for a good day’s work.
Norwich Terriers are tough and fearless, so they’re never afraid to take charge. That kind of grit could lead to trouble down the line if you don’t establish boundaries from the get-go. For those reasons, pet parents should set the rules early and remain consistent. Establish boundaries early on, and let your Norwich Terrier know who’s the real boss in a calm, patient and confident way.
For best results, pet parents should keep training sessions interesting for their pups. About 10 minutes per session should do it. It’s important to celebrate successes and stop before either you or your pup get frustrated. When raising a Norwich Terrier puppy, keeping them engaged and dialing down the repetition and boredom are key.
As with any new puppy, early socialization—exposing your Norwich Terrier to lots of different people, places and stimuli—is key. Aim to introduce them to experiences in a positive way and to environments they will encounter regularly throughout life, like the vet’s office, the park, honking horns, passing cars and the like. Early encounters like these are critical to helping puppies become successful and versatile pets later in life.
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Diet
Norwich Terriers don’t have any specific nutritional requirements nor do they require any type of special food. Generally speaking, they’ll do well with high-quality commercial dog foods. Just be sure that you choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior).
While most dog foods come with recommendations for portion sizes, remember that each dog is different. Your Norwich Terrier’s height and weight will affect portion sizes, and their daily intake should be a direct reflection of their age, activity level and general health. Norwich pet parents also need to keep in mind that these guys are prone to obesity, so portion control is crucial. Don’t forget that treats have calories too, so you’ll have to watch how many you dole out every day. The hardest part will be trying to resist their cute faces when they ask for more. We sincerely wish you the best of luck.
If you have questions about your Norwich Terrier’s optimal nutrition, chat with your vet, who is the best person to guide you. They can help you pick the right food for your dog based on their individual needs.
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Exercise
Like most terriers, Norwich Terriers have a high energy level and therefore require daily exercise—a 15- to 20-minute walk twice a day should be plenty. The good news? These guys make wonderful workout partners whether you’re walking, jogging, running or hiking. If you’re not active yourself, playtime in the yard can easily satisfy your Norwich Terrier’s exercise needs.
In light of their origin as hunting dogs and ratters, Norwich Terriers have a good work ethic written into their DNA. Today, in the absence of a hunt, this breed will often excel in obedience and several types of dog sports, like agility, barn hunt and earthdog (a sport in which dogs hunt for underground critters—who are safely contained, so not at risk from the dogs). These activities fit the bill for the challenge and working lifestyle they crave.
Norwich Terriers are super smart and always need something to do. Whether it’s physical activity or mental stimulation, they revel in a task to keep them busy. If a brisk walk isn’t on the schedule or it’s too rainy outside to play, dog puzzles can be pretty helpful for keeping boredom at bay.
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Environment
Due to their small size, Norwich Terriers tend to do just fine in apartments or small homes. Those with a fenced yard are the best option, however, as they’ll give your pup plenty of room to run and play. If you’re taking your Norwich Terrier out for a walk, be sure to keep them on a leash and, ideally for this breed, a harness. (Terriers are prone to tracheal collapse; using a harness rather than a collar can help to prevent this.)
Their sweet and affectionate temperament makes Norwich Terriers great family dogs, and truth be told, they are never happier than when they get to spend time with their favorite people. Pet parents should take note that while Norwich Terriers are great with kids, a home with older children may be better for these guys. The Norwich Terrier breed seems to be less tolerant of the antics of toddlers, and without the proper training and socialization, your pup may mistake the exuberance of a tiny tot as a threat. So, be sure to supervise playtimes with your dog and small kids.
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