|
Prior to 1986 I had mostly herding breeds. My forty years with these working dogs in no way prepared me for life with terriers.
The personality traits of dogs are determined in la rge part by the purpose for which the dogs' breed was originally developed. Herding, working, and sporting breeds were bred to work closely with their people, respond to commands, and look to their owner for direction and approval. We are accustomed to thinking of dogs as good companions, willing and eager to please us and respond to commands.
Terriers were bred to work independently of their owners, to run in packs and hunt down and kill vermon. As a result, terriers are prone to moments of "instinct takeover" and can become totally involved in pursuing things that move quickly, squeal or squawk. They may become quite deaf to the owners commands if a squirrel or a moving cat is more compelling. I have had several Norfolks consider Pomeranians or Chihuahuas as prey.
They will also tear up the ground to get to a preys' burrow. This is what they do by instinct and nature. They can turn a garden into a wasteland if you are not watchful.
Norfolks love their people. They are devoted and loyal and when trained with patient firmness, they will generally become compliant pets but training will not overcome an inherent, fearless and inquisitive nature. Norfolks are “charmingly courageous.” They seem to be unaware of their size and have no qualms about showing off their tough guy attitude for another dog. I have had Norfolks growl at an Akita or a Rottweiler-as quickly as a dog of their own size. Mostly these big guys find it amazing or amusing, but...........it is our job to protect these little guys from themselves.
Norfolks do get along happily  with other dogs, but unless it is one dog with the same size and attitude, it is best to make sure they are supervised. It is generally safest to keep a terrier with one other dog only, and preferably of the opposite sex when you are not in attendance. Again, these guys can start things they can’t finish.
In relation to children, Norfolks can be fun loving and affectionate, but it is good  to keep in mind they will be terriers still. They view young children as litter mates. This means that unlike many breeds who will protect children and defer to them, terriers MAY snap if they are hurt by a child. It means for your children under six “your peanut butter sandwich is my peanut butter sandwich if I can get it away from you and I bet I can!" Another consideration is that children are easily distracted. If your children, or their friends or neighbors leave a door or gate ajar, your Norfolk will joyfully take advantage of the opportunity for an excursion. Since they often have more courage than good sense this could be a problem
Perhaps, as Norfolk owners, it is our  love and appreciation of these great little dogs that makes us forget or overlook the less easy aspects of living with them. I am writing this article because I am concerned with the books and articles that people read in their researching for the right dog,that lead them to call me to say that they understand that Norfolk Terriers are the “perfect” dog for their family. There are no perfect dogs, but if you have the time and patience, they are truly great and rewarding dogs.... their bright loving nature, their never ending good cheer, their independence, and their uncanny capacity for intimacy with humans have charmed me and changed my life. They may do the same for you. ... but fasten your seatbelts. These terriers can be a wild ride.
Norfolks require attentiveness, consistency, love and wits to match their own. They thrive as members of the family, not as a yard or kennel dog. If they are ignored or neglected, they will find a way to let you know. A bored dog will become a trouble maker. Norfolks are truly wonderful "big dogs in a small package"- but they are not perfect and they are not trouble free. Are they worth the trouble? All Norfolk lovers think they are.
|
