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Two little terriers which have never shared the popularity of some of their terrier cousins are the Norfolk and Norwich, however both have a devoted but small band of fanciers.
The most obvious difference between the two breeds is the Norfolk Terrier's drop ear and the Norwich Terrier's erect ear. Until 1964 they were not recognised as two separate breeds.
These little terriers had their origins at Cambridge University in England during the mid to late 19th Century when the 'sport' of ratting was a fad amongst the undergraduates.
By the turn of the century the breed had become established in the Norwich area, although there was quite a diversity in size and colour as well as ear carriage.
From their beginning as ratters, the little terriers were further used to bolt foxes from their dens and are game and hardy dogs.
Like all terriers it has an independent nature but is reasonably obedient. Its happy go-lucky personality and gregarious nature is jealously maintained by breeders, and to keep personality a priority the parent breed club in England encourages members to participate in obedience classes and racing competitions, as well as the conformation showring. Both these terriers are short legged and sturdy with a hard and wiry coat which almost forms a mane over the shoulders and neck. The coat on the head, ears and muzzle is short and smooth except for slight eyebrows and whiskers.
The allowable colours are all shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle and the size is between 25 - 26 cms. Both breeds require a minimum of grooming.
Described in the breed standards as 'perfect demons' they are nonetheless not quarrelsome but of a lovable disposition, although keeping either breed with another dog of the same sex is not advisable.