Let me share with you something that may very well surprise you. The plucky Norwich Terrier, this lively and affectionate breed often mistaken for a big dog in a smaller body, was once a feisty hunter. Yes, you heard that right! They aren’t your ordinary lap dogs — they have a history of bravely wrestling rodents on British farms in the 19th century. And with courage, energy, and friendliness as their distinctive traits, they’re not just another pretty face in the canine world. Now, an important question arises. Is a Norwich Terrier difficult to handle? Let’s jump into this fascinating topic.
Before we go any further, let’s take a moment to get a clearer idea of this breed. Norwich Terriers are small dogs that originated from the United Kingdom. They stand about 10 inches high and weigh around 12 pounds which makes them excellent for all types of living environments, from city apartments to suburban homes to country estates. They feature thick, wiry, weather-resistant coats that are reddish, black and tan, or even grizzle (a mix of dark and light fur), along with perky ears and expressive round eyes. They are known to be robustly healthy and can live up to 15 years or beyond.
Now, to the question you’ve all been waiting for: is a Norwich Terrier a challenging breed? Well, the answer is not quite black and white. It largely depends on what you consider “difficult”. But don’t worry, we’ll delve into that right away!
1. Training an Independent Thinker
Norwich Terriers are intelligent and independent. While that can make them fun and lively companions, it could also mean that they will follow their instincts at times, rather than your directions. Say for instance, you call your Norwich while he’s following an intriguing scent. There’s a fair chance he might suddenly suffer a case of ‘selective hearing loss.’
It doesn’t mean they’re impossible to train. On the contrary, Norwich Terriers can master a variety of commands and even excel in agility courses, with their innate love for exercise and games. Consistent, positive reinforcement techniques work best for this breed. Frequent treats and praises can transform that independent spirit into a badge of honor. So, while training Norwich Terriers create a challenge of its own, it also provides an opportunity to bond and communicate with your dog in meaningful ways.
2. Relentless Energy and Enthusiasm
Got a lot of toys piled up in a corner? That’s perfect for Norwich Terriers who are always up for a game, or ten! Remember, they were bred to hunt, and they’ve inherited that high energy. So, they want to stay active and don’t enjoy spending long hours lazing on the couch. Regular walks, playtime or even dog sports like agility training can help channel their energy into something constructive. But if neglected, they might turn that energy into digging around your garden or chasing after other pets. Hence, if you have a laid-back lifestyle, a Norwich Terrier might be quite a handful for you.
3. Dealing with the barks
Being historically farm dogs, Norwich’s are, instinctually, excellent watch dogs. This means they have a tendency to bark at anything they perceive as a threat. This might include the mailman, a fallen leaf, or a roaming squirrel. While this could potentially be a source of annoyance to you (and possibly your neighbors), remember, every bark has a reason. Training can help to moderate this behavior. The use of commands like “Quiet” or “Enough,” coupled with rewards when the command is complied with, can work wonders in minimizing unnecessary barking.
Now that you have a better understanding of the potential challenges in raising a Norwich Terrier, let’s touch upon the numerous joy-of-owning aspects of this breed.
Norwich Terriers come loaded with personality and charm. They form a close bond with their family – both two and four-legged members. They can blend well with kids if they’re raised together. Sharing a playful vibe, they can become your child’s best friend and bodyguard in no time!
These dogs are incredibly adaptable. They can be as happy in a city apartment as they are in a country landscape, or on a farm. And if you enjoy traveling, you’ll hardly find a better canine companion than this portable pooch who loves new sights and smells.
Most importantly, Norwich Terriers are eager to please those they love. If you can navigate the training challenges, you’ll find a loyal and loving friend in a Norwich Terrier who’ll make you laugh, keep you active, and warm your heart at every step of the way.
In conclusion, whether you’ll find a Norwich Terrier difficult to handle or not depends largely on your perspective, patience, and lifestyle. Proper training, ample exercise, and lots of love can turn any challenges into meaningful opportunities for connection, allowing you to fully enjoy this iconic breed’s spirit and charm.
