Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Norwich Terrier is one of the oldest English hunting breeds, originating in Norfolk County in the 19th century. These small but sturdy dogs were used for rat hunting, pursuing small game, and accompanying hunters on horseback. The breed was developed by crossing local terriers with imported dogs, resulting in a stable and consistent type. In the early 20th century, Norwich and Norfolk Terriers were considered one breed, differing only in ear carriage. They were later officially separated. The Norwich Terrier retained the character of an energetic, brave, and loyal companion, combining working qualities with an attractive appearance and cheerful temperament.
General Appearance
The Norwich Terrier is a small, sturdy, compact dog with a short body and strong muscles. Its appearance expresses energy, endurance, and confidence. The body is slightly elongated with strong limbs and a dense bone structure, ensuring stability and strength. The head is proportional to the body, with an expressive muzzle and lively eyes that reflect intelligence and curiosity. The ears are erect, medium-sized, giving the dog an alert and spirited look. The tail is of medium length, traditionally docked but may remain natural, continuing the body line harmoniously. The coat is harsh and dense, protecting the dog from harsh weather. The overall impression combines the image of a working dog and a charming companion.
Important Proportions
The Norwich Terrier must be well balanced, with height at the withers approximately equal to the body length from shoulder to tail base, forming an almost square outline. The head should be broad for the breed, with a moderately short muzzle, about one-third of the total head length. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows; ribs are well sprung but not barrel-shaped. The limbs are strong and straight with defined muscles, ensuring stability and correct movement. The tail continues the topline naturally. All proportions should give the impression of a sturdy and powerful little dog, adapted for active work and quick reactions in any environment.
Behavior and Temperament
The Norwich Terrier is cheerful, courageous, and energetic. Intelligent and inquisitive, it is always ready for action and interaction. Despite its small size, it is confident, determined, and has a natural hunting instinct. It adapts easily to family life, is loyal to its owner, friendly with children, but may be cautious with strangers. The dog enjoys attention and communication and needs regular exercise. Smart and quick to learn, it requires consistent training. The Norwich Terrier’s character combines the reliability of a companion with the enthusiasm of a working terrier, maintaining friendliness and optimism in everyday life.
Head
The head of the Norwich Terrier is compact yet proportionate to the body, showing both strength and alertness. The skull is broad, slightly rounded, of medium length, without harsh lines or coarseness. The stop is well defined but not abrupt, giving the breed a soft and harmonious expression. The muzzle is strong, wedge-shaped, slightly shortened, with a flat nasal bridge and well-developed chin. The combination of solid bone and expressive features gives the breed its typical confident look.
Foreface
The foreface is well defined and expressive. The muzzle is short but deep and strong, with well-developed jaws. The cheeks are flat and not protruding, maintaining harmony of the head. Lips are tight, dry, and close-fitting. The nose is black, large, with wide nostrils. The jaws are strong, with a regular scissor bite; teeth are strong and white. The expression of the foreface shows strength, alertness, and the typical terrier look.
Eyes
The eyes are medium-sized, oval, and set moderately deep, giving a lively and expressive appearance. The color is dark, preferably rich dark brown, matching the coat color. The expression is attentive, intelligent, full of energy and friendliness, with a spark of curiosity. Eyelids fit closely and are well pigmented, emphasizing the eye contour. Eyes should not be prominent or too small, as this disturbs the breed’s balance. Expressive eyes give the impression of a confident and cheerful dog, ready for action.
Ears
The ears are erect, small, triangular with pointed tips. They are set well apart on the skull, at eye level, creating a balanced and alert appearance. The cartilage is firm and strong; the ears point upward but are not too close together or overly spread. At rest, they remain erect, highlighting the dog’s lively temperament. Correct ear placement plays a key role in the breed’s recognizable appearance.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong, dry, and well muscled, with a smooth arch along the topline. It blends harmoniously into the shoulders, giving the head a proud and balanced carriage. The neck is powerful but not heavy, complementing the dog’s compact build. Absence of dewlap emphasizes clean lines. The proper neck structure ensures balance, agility, and freedom of movement during work and play.
Body
The body of the Norwich Terrier is compact and sturdy, nearly square in outline. The back is short, straight, and strong; the loin is powerful and slightly arched. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows; ribs are well sprung but not round. The croup is firm, short, slightly sloping, with developed muscles. The topline is level, smoothly leading to the tail base. The underline is slightly tucked up, emphasizing athletic form. The overall build gives the impression of a strong, enduring dog with correct balance and working conformation.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, thick at the base, tapering toward the tip. It is set high, continuing the topline naturally without breaks or abrupt angles. In motion, it is carried lively, upright or slightly inclined, showing the dog’s cheerful nature. When docked, sufficient length is retained for balance and proportion. The tail should not curl over the back or be carried between the legs. It completes the outline, expressing activity, confidence, and readiness for work.
Forequarters
The forelegs are strong, straight, with well-developed bone and muscle. Shoulders are long, sloping, fitting closely to the body, forming correct angulation for free movement. Forearms are straight and strong; elbows point directly backward, neither turning in nor out. Pasterns are short, strong, and slightly flexible for shock absorption. Limbs should give an impression of strength and stability, supporting easy and active motion.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are powerful and muscular, with correct angulation ensuring strong drive. Thighs are long and broad, with well-developed muscles. Stifles are well bent; hocks are low, strong, and firm. Metatarsi are short, vertical, and parallel. In motion, the hind legs move with power and coordination. Cow-hocked or overly turned-out stances are faults. Strong hindquarters contribute to balance, endurance, and efficient movement.
Feet
Feet are compact, round, cat-like, with well-arched toes. Pads are thick, firm, and pigmented, providing secure footing. Nails are short, strong, preferably dark. Forefeet are slightly larger than hind feet, typical for the breed. Correctly built feet support balance, durability, and agility. Flat or splayed feet are undesirable.
Gait and Movement
The Norwich Terrier moves with energy, freedom, and coordination. Forelegs move straight forward, with good reach; hind legs drive powerfully in line with the front. The topline remains stable, without rolling or bouncing. The gait should be springy and strong, reflecting vigor and working ability. Restricted, crossing, or unsteady movement is undesirable. The breed’s characteristic movement shows readiness for work and lively spirit.
Coat
The coat is harsh, dense, and close-lying, forming reliable protection from moisture and cold. The outer coat is straight or slightly rough to the touch; the undercoat is soft, thick, and well developed. The coat is of medium length, enough to provide protection without excess. On the neck, shoulders, and back the coat is denser; on the muzzle it forms distinct eyebrows and whiskers, enhancing expression. The color must appear natural, with no signs of artificial alteration. Too soft or long coat is a fault as it compromises type and working ability.
Color
Accepted colors include all shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, and grizzle. Small white markings on the chest are permitted but undesirable. Large white patches, spotted, or merle colors are disqualifying. Coat color should be even and rich. Pigmentation of nose, eye rims, and lips must always be black.
Size
The Norwich Terrier is a compact, small dog. Height at the withers is about 25–26 cm; weight is 5–6 kg. Males are slightly larger and more robust, females finer and lighter. The dog should remain strong, balanced, and agile, without heaviness or frailty.
Faults
Faults include any deviation from the standard that affects type or expression, such as elongated or too short body, narrow chest, weak muscles, soft or wavy coat, poor pigmentation, or improper ear or eye shape. Slight movement faults or minor bite irregularities are also considered faults.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include aggression or extreme shyness, serious bite defects (undershot, overshot), absence of more than two teeth, lack of pigmentation on the nose, blue or parti-colored eyes, hanging or semi-erect ears, absence of harsh coat or undercoat, large white markings, merle color, albinism, limb deformities, or dwarfism. Artificial alterations to appearance (such as dyeing) are strictly prohibited.
Important Notes
When judging, emphasis is placed on the dog’s balance, working ability, and typical terrier temperament. Coat quality is a key feature, ensuring protection and breed identity. Any signs of artificial grooming or color modification are faults. The Norwich Terrier must appear confident, friendly, and alert, with stable temperament and good health.
Conclusion
Within the ICCF system, the Norwich Terrier is recognized as a breed with a rich history and a unique blend of working ability and cheerful character. The standard emphasizes the preservation of key traits: compact body, harsh coat, expressive head, and lively temperament. Only dogs that fully meet the ICCF standard and hold official ICCF documents confirming their origin and breeding value are eligible for shows and breeding. Balance of structure, correct movement, and stable temperament define the breed as a reliable companion while preserving its traditional working essence.
