Does anyone have a Norfolk terrier?

[littlestowl]

Just wondering about RL experience with them.

I know they are relatively few and far between and am very willing to wait if I can find a breeder who would put me on their waiting list.

Have thought long and hard about getting a dog and think I’m finally in a position to do so. I do live in a city however but with access to very large/wild parks, but have noticed lots of breeders stress country homes.

Have thought about different breeds - I grew up with terriers ( not Norfolks - fox terriers, Welsh and Jack Russell) and am just a terrier girl at heart.

I have 2 DC 8 and 11. Garden. Wfh all but one day ( where could get doggy day care). I worked in a kennels as a teen ( stable girl/kennel hand) primarily labs, but did have some boarders one of which was a Norfolk which is where my love of them came from!

I lost my beloved Norfie in August, he was the most wonderful dog ever. He has left a huge hole in my heart.
He was 10 and we had him from 6 months old.
Although I am an experienced dog owner, I had no previous experience with the breed and not sure if Archie was a one off or a typical example of the breed but I can say with hand on heart he was the best dog I have ever had (I was also a dog walker for some time so have lots of experience with dogs).
We are semi rural so lots of country and beach walks but Archie was at his happiest snuggled on my lap. He was happy with a country walk but just as content with a walk around the block, as long as he wasn’t left for long (which he never was) he was happy as my shadow.
Everyone loved him, he had a kind, gentle character and was my shadow.
My kids were 4 and 6 when we got him. He was fantastic with the kids. He was great with everyone, everyone adored him.
I would love another but as you say, they are hard to come across. I have contacted a few breeders but they are out of my price range, sadly.
If you have the time to give, I personally would 100% recommend a Norfolk Terrier. Wonderful characters.

50 years experience - my dad at one time was one of the top breeders in UK and his line is carried through many of the dogs in Europe.
The line adores children to point of crying to get to them. They adore their people and love a good walk.

My Dads in general are fairly long lived one his is currently 14 and going strong.
My sister has been gifted a younger one as she has been through a difficult time - the little dog is devoted to her and just what she needed.

Oh thank you both for replying! It’s good to hear that they are as great little dogs as I thought.

I think I will try contacting some breeders.

amazing about your dad @Lonecatwithkitten.

@CaraVann - he looks such a lovely fabulous dog. Im sure you must miss him very much

@Lonecatwithkitten - if you would be Ok sharing by PM I’d love to know your dad’s line. Obviously no problem at all if not!

I had a Norfolk Terrier and she was very lovable and very happy to snuggle on us/near us but her preference would be to be out on a walk all the time if she could. She was an absolute delight with the DC. Every passing stranger was a chance to make a new friend for her.

however, she was hard to let off lead as her recall was patchy. She knew what I wanted her to do but she chose to ignore it to chase the bird/hare etc she was more interested in. She was not food motivated at all which made it difficult to crack.

And, understandably, she wouldn’t wee on pavements so I had to give her a proper grassy walk several times a day to make sure she had an opportunity to go. She could be left for a couple of hours or so without a problem, or for the occasional evening. I used to give her a big walk before we went out anywhere and then she’d be happy to snooze in her bed.

I love Norfolk terriers too but they are really difficult to find so I ended up with a Norfolk/Cairn cross.

Good things (1) he eats anything so is fairly easy to train (as long as I have treats!), (2) no separation anxiety, (3) friendly with all people and (most) dogs, (4) easy to house train (5) Calm and relaxed at home, but equally happy to play and go for walks.

More difficult things (1) recall took a long time to get reliable and is something I still work on all the time and (2) barking can be annoying in the house because it is so bloody loud it makes me jump and spill my coffee! However, he only barks at wildlife in the garden (not at the doorbell or other outdoor noises) and he only does this when he's a bit bored or when the squirrels are very active 🐿

I would still love a pure bred Norfolk because they're so adorable looking, but I'm more than happy with my loving little mongrel.

FWIW, the nicest Norfolk breeder I spoke to was based near York and would have been happy for me to visit her with a view to getting on her list. You should be able to find her on the Norfolk terrier website, but let me know if you can't and I'll try to find her details.

Good luck with your search.

My in laws have 2 Norfolk Jack Russel crosses and they are 2 wonderful dogs. They were so protective of DD and all of nieces and nephews along the way. Absolutely wonderful dogs with fantastic personalities