FCI Norwich Terrier Breed Standard

FCI-Standard No 272 /01.12.1997/ GB

ORIGIN : Great Britain

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 24.06.1987.

UTILIZATION : Terrier.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 3 Terriers. Section 2 Small sized Terriers. Without working trial.

GENERAL APPEARANCE

One of the smallest of terriers. Small, low, keen dog, compact and strong, short back, good substance and bone. Honourable scars from fair wear and tear permissible.

BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT

A « demon » for its size. Lovable disposition, not quarrelsome, hardy constitution; alert and fearless.

HEAD

CRANIAL REGION:
Skull : Broad, only slightly rounded with good width between ears.
Stop : Well defined.

FACIAL REGION :
Muzzle : Wedge-shaped and strong; length of muzzle about one-third less than measurement from occiput to bottom of stop.
Lips : Tight lipped.
Jaws/Teeth : Strong jaw, teeth strong and rather large; perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Eyes : Oval-shaped and deep set, dark brown or black. Expression alert, keen and intelligent.
Ears : Medium size, V-shaped, slightly rounded at tip, dropping forward close to cheek.

NECK

Strong and of medium length.

BODY

Compact, short back, level topline, well sprung ribs.

TAIL

Docking of tails optional. (a) Medium docked, set level with topline and carried erect. (b) Tail of moderate length to give a general balance to the dog, thick at the root and tapering towards the tip, as straight as possible, carried jauntily, but not excessively gay.

LIMBS

FOREQUARTERS : Clean. Front legs short, powerful and straight.
Shoulder-blade : Well laid back, approximating in length to upper arm.

HINDQUARTERS : Well muscled.
Stifle : Good turn.
Hocks : Well let down and straight when viewed from rear; great propulsion.

FEET : Round with thick pads.

GAIT / MOVEMENT

True, low and driving. Moving straight forward from shoulder. Good rear angulation showing great powers of propulsion. Hindlegs follow track of forelegs, moving smoothly from hips. Flexing well at stifle and hock. Topline remaining level.

COAT

HAIR : Hard, wiry, straight, lying close to body. Longer and rougher on neck and shoulders. Hair on head and ears short and smooth, except for slight whiskers and eyebrows. Excessive trimming undesirable.

COLOUR : All shades of red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle. White marks or patches undesirable but permissible.

SIZE

Ideal height at withers 25-26 cm (10 ins).

FAULTS

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.

Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.

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