Norfolk Terriers

A Norfolk Terrier is a dog with its own set of talents and characteristics and if you are planning on getting one, this article should help provide you with some tips and pointers.

The Norfolk terrier is a very energetic, friendly, affectionate dog that first originated from England. They make great pets and their popularity has not waned in recent times. One of their most endearing qualities is that a Norfolk is one of the friendliest animals with other pets as well as children. They are perfect pets for children, for they're fun, harmless and warm around children. However, a Norfolk does tend to imagine smaller animals as prey. It has been noted that they were originally bred to rid barns of vermin and may still possess these natural instincts.

It is also an animal that is not aggressive but is still a very brave animal. It is a great watchdog that is courageous, alert and will bark instantly to alert the owners of anything that it perceives as a threat.

Although they can be difficult to train, as they can be stubborn, there are methods like crate training that can work well on them. Now, crate training, needs to be used humanely. It involves training the dog to stay in a crate when it is left unsupervised. One may agree or disagree with this, but the crate also tends to serve as its castle, or dog-house, or as its own sanctuary.

This helps with its needs for privacy or alone time. It also ensures the owner that their pet is safe from harm, when they're left unsupervised. Traveling would also be easier. The Norfolk is a very self-confident dog but is still hurt by the lack of human presence and it should be aware the human presence is not always available 24/7.

This is also a dog that doesn't shed its fur and is good for people with allergies, or 'obsessive-compulsives' who can't bear the sight of fur all over the place. However, this is a dog that has a double coat, with wiry hair that needs to be professionally groomed at least twice a year. This dog needs its coat to be trimmed every once in a while, to encourage the growth of a fresher, newer, weather-resistant coat. It is advisable to brush their coat often, to prevent matting, and to even shampoo it occasionally.

When it comes to its living environment, a Norfolk is most at home within a fenced yard with enough space for it to frolic around and enjoy satisfying its yearning for activity. This is a terrier that, like most terriers, despises boredom and needs to be kept active in order to be kept happy. They are also considered to be a very healthy breed with a life expectancy of twelve to sixteen years.