Norwich Terrier

Small, low, keen dog, compact and strong with good substance and bone. Honourable scars from fair wear and tear not to be unduly penalised.

One of the smallest of the terriers. Lovable disposition, not quarrelsome, tremendously active with hardy constitution.

Gay and fearless.

Muzzle wedge-shaped and strong. In length two-thirds of measurement from occiput to bottom of well defined stop. Slightly rounded, wide skull, good width between ears.

Relatively small, oval shaped, dark, full of expression, bright and keen.

Erect, set well apart on top of skull. Medium size with pointed tips. Perfectly erect when aroused, can be laid back when not at attention.

Tight lipped, jaws clean and strong. Rather large, strong teeth with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Strong of good length, commensurate with correct overall balance, flowing into well laid shoulders.

Legs short, powerful and straight; elbows close to body. Pasterns firm and upright.

Short back, compact with good depth. Rib cage long and well sprung with short loin. Level topline.

Broad, strong and muscular, well turned stifle. Low set hock with great propulsion.

Rounded, well padded and cat-like. Pointing straight forward standing and moving.

Docked: Medium docked. Set high, completing perfectly level topline. Carried erect.
Undocked: Tail of moderate length to give a general balance to dog, thick at root and tapering towards tip, as straight as possible, carried jauntily, not excessively gay, completing perfectly level topline.

Fore legs should move straight forward when travelling; hind legs follow in their track; hocks parallel and flexing to show pads.

Hard, wiry, straight, lying close to body, thick undercoat. Longer and rougher on neck forming a ruff to frame face. Hair on head and ears short and smooth, except for slight whiskers and eyebrows.

All shades of red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle. White marks or patches are undesirable.

Ideal height: 25 cms (10 ins) at withers.

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.