Wildwood Norwich Terriers

The Truth About Breeding

2010-07-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

Many breeders have different reasons for breeding. The biggest question that needs to be answered is, are we part of the problem of pet overpopulation? If we produce puppies, sell them to loving homes as a spayed/neutered pet, and offer to take back the dog at any time in it's life, we are not part of the problems of pet overpopulation.

If we sell puppies on full registration to a show or breeding home, we have to ensure that we are selling the puppy to a responsible home. Are we sure beyond a doubt that the puppy will not end up in a puppy mill? When considering a breeder home, we have to ensure that they have the same goals. Do they abide by the breeder's code of ethics and do they have goals beyond selling puppies? Some breeders only sell to show homes. But I believe there are breeders that can make a positive impact on the breed without showing. When a breeder fully understands improving health and quality of breeding lines, they are still making a positive impact, whether they are obtaining titles on all their dogs or not.

Show breeders want you to believe that only through showing, are the lines conforming to breed standard and the best quality. But three times in the last year, I have seen dogs that have excellent champion pedigrees and the dogs themselves had horrible bites and were not show quality. If the premises were true, then their bloodlines would be much better quality than those without as nice of a pedigree.

My point is, that just obtaining titles does not make a breeder. Just breeding does not make a breeder. A breeder has to have a comprehensive set of goals and an understanding of the big picture to make a great breeder. I want the whole picture in myself and I am constantly striving to improve, to learn, and to grow as a person and as a breeder.

There are greater goals than making money. I have talked to people who's goal was to make money and they weren't afraid to admit it. But I think they'll find disappointment when they have complications with breeding and whelping. My bigger fear is that the dogs will suffer if a breeder cuts corners to make a profit. This is usually what happens when someone has money as a primary goal.

A breeder has to make their budget balance unless they are independently wealthy. But most ethical breeders reinvest their profits into their dogs, improving facilities, showing, or purchasing additional breeding lines. Breeding is an expensive hobby but a few litters a year will balance the budget and if you're lucky and don't have as many complications in a year, you may make a profit. But you can count on the profit being gone with the next complication or replacement of dog supplies or facilities.

Showing is one of the biggest expenses and some may skip showing to skip the costs. But I will tell you up front that I skip showing right now because of the negative politics. I am very sensitive and I love breeding for the good feelings. I avoid negativity in life and in breeding. I plan to show and am supportive of showing, but every time I get close to stepping up, something is said or done that hurts my feelings and I retreat to my happy world that I have created for myself. Life is too short to be caught up in who has what bloodline, who beat who in the ring, or who is talking about who. I want to enjoy my dogs, and the families I meet through the dogs. When I am depressed and struggling, I can hold a puppy or sit and watch the dogs play and all feels right in the world again. There are heart breaking moments too, but in the end......it's rewarding to see the smiles on the family that you send a new puppy home with.

I breed because I love dogs first of all. Norwich Terriers are the cutest little dogs. Have you ever heard that puppies are cute but then they grow up? Norwich Terriers never seem to grow up, they just get cuter! I love photography and taking pictures of my dogs is very rewarding. I enjoy a typey Norwich, grooming them, and trying to get a beautiful photo that shows them off. My second love is the social aspect of breeding. I get emails from people all over the states, sometimes just asking a question or introducing themselves as a Norwich lover. I love the relationships that you build with a puppy owner. They send updates or stories about the dogs and you know that you have done a good job. You've made someone happy! Even with questions or concerns that a family may have, you are support to them, someone to lean on even if you don't have all the answers.

I am an OB nurse and although I haven't worked since my youngest son was born, I tell people I'm still working....at home! LOL Breeding is much like nursing. I care for the adults, ensuring they are healthy. With AI there is technical medical knowledge needed, and I enjoy the medical aspect of reproduction. I monitor their pregnancy, and assist them in whelping. This is the most stressful time because I don't have contraction and fetal monitoring like I would with a human. But I can monitor the puppies in the birth canal and we still have to make the call when we need a vet's assistance. As the puppies are safely delivered, I monitor the Mama's postpartum. We watch for infection, that the puppies are properly latching and "breastfeeding". We monitor the growth of the puppies. I am their nurse as I educate the new family about caring for their new family member. And finally, I send the baby home with their new family and I'm an educator as they adapt to their new family member.

By understanding who I am, one can understand why I am a breeder. This is the truth about breeding and the truth about me. I am eager to find other breeders with the same commitment and heart. Sometimes I wonder if I will find any, because the Norwich world is so small and so political. A breeder once told me, you have no friends in the show world. They're your competition. The only friends you may have are those with a different breed. I hope that isn't true. I honestly believe that in order to improve a breed, it has to be on a large scale and breeders have to work together. Breeders can benefit each other if they would just accept working together and not against each other.

I believe in honesty, integrity, community, and ethical breeding. Despite the negativity and politics, I finally realized that if someone doesn't like it, it can't hurt me if I stay true to myself.

Household Hazards to Norwich Dogs and Puppies

2010-02-28T08:33:00.000-08:00

Norwich Terrier puppies and dogs are like children, in that they can find things to get hurt on. "Puppy Proof" your home, and watch for potential hazards continually. Here's a partial list of things which are potentially dangerous to your pet:
Aluminum Foil
When ingested, aluminum foil can cut a dog's intestines, causing internal bleeding, and in some cases, even death.
Plastic Food Wrap
Plastic food wrap can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Some dogs will eat the plastic wrapping when there are food remnants left coating its surface.
Anti-Freeze
If ingested, anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) is often lethal -- even in very small quantities. Because many dogs and cats like its sweet taste, there are an enormous number of animal fatalities each year from animals drinking anti-freeze. Poisoning from anti-freeze is considered a serious medical emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
Poisonous Plants
Dogs (and cats) can become extremely ill or even die from eating poisonous plants. Keep all unknown types of plants and any plants suspected of being poisonous out of reach of your pet, and/or spray with Bitter Apple (for plants).
Christmas Tree Ornaments
When ingested by a dog (or cat), tinsel may cause obstruction of the intestines, and the tinsel's sharp edges can even cut the intestines. Symptoms may include: decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness and weight loss. Treatment usually requires surgery.
Bones
Bones from steak, veal, pork, turkey or chicken, as well as ribs, can be hazardous to your dog and are not recommended.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains Theobromine which is toxic to dogs. Even an ounce or two of chocolate can be lethal to a small dog (10 lbs. or less). Larger quantities of chocolate can poison or even kill a medium or large dog. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures. During the holidays chocolate is often accessible to curious dogs, and in some cases, people unknowingly poison their dogs by offering them chocolate as a treat.
Corn Cobs
Many dogs have suffered and, in some cases, died after eating corn-on-the-cob, when the corn cob caused partial or complete intestinal obstruction. Never allow your dog access to corn cobs.
Bloat
Bloat (gastric torsion & stomach distension) is a serious life-threatening emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. Bloat is relatively common among large and deep-chested breeds, such as Basset Hounds, Dobermans, German Shepherds and Great Danes. Many experts believe that a feeding a large meal within 2 hours of exercise or severe stress may trigger this emergency. Eating quickly, changes in diet, and gas-producing foods may also contribute to this serious condition. Symptoms of Bloat include: unsuccessful retching, pacing, panting, drooling, an enlarged stomach/torso, and/or signs of distress.
Electrocution
Electrical cords can be fatal if chewed on by a dog (or cat). Whenever possible, keep electrical cords out of reach.
Candles
Nothing makes a room nicer than a great scented candle. But beware of wagging tails, or pets which may knock a burning candle over. Not only can they be burned and injured, but could cause a devastating fire.
Hypothermia
When a dog's internal temperature drops below 96 degrees F (by being exposed to cold weather for long periods, or getting both wet and cold), there is a serious risk to the dog's safety. Small and short-haired dogs should wear sweaters or coats when taken for walks during cold winter weather. Any sign that a dog is very cold -- such as shivering -- should signal the owner to bring the dog indoors immediately.
Ice-Melting Chemicals and Salt
Ice-melting chemicals and salt placed across sidewalks and roads can cause severe burning to your dog's footpads. Whenever possible, avoid walking your dog through these substances, and wash off his footpads when you return home.

New Puppy Supplies

2010-02-28T08:18:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick list of supplies to obtain before bringing your puppy home.

Adjustable Collar & Lead- ask your breeder the size of your puppy’s neck, Norwich puppies are usually 6-7”, toy breeds should wear harnesses rather than collars for leading, since they have fragile tracheas
Food & Water Bowls- stainless is preferred by some, but when washed and kept sanitary, crocks and plastic are ok too, match your décor!
Food- ask your Norwich Terrier breeder what brand they use, feed a premium puppy formula until 1yr of age
Crate- large enough for the puppy to stand and turn around comfortably (24-30" long for the adult Norwich Terrier), but not so large that they can potty on one end and sleep on the other, wire crates with a divider that can be moved as puppy grows works very well
Crate bedding- washable towels or waterproof liner, if puppy repeatedly soils their crate remove the bedding so that they are uncomfortably wet to encouraged them to hold it
Training Treats- small and easy to keep in your pocket for rewarding your puppy
Chew Treats- for teething puppies
Shampoo- dog shampoo only, never use human shampoo, they have a different ph balance
Between Bath Spray- handy to freshen up between baths
Puppy play pen and/or puppy gates- offer an appropriate play area to protect your carpets and keep your puppy safe
Potty accident clean up supplies- a carpet cleaner/ sanitizer to clean up accidents
Booster Car Seat, harness, or crate for safe travel in the car- appropriately restrain your puppy during travel
Dog Bed- used not only for comfortable sleeping outside of the crate, but for training purposes
Toys- appropriate for age and breed size, too small of toys for your breed is a choking hazard, puppies need comfort toys, chew toys, and things that are interesting and stimulate them
ID tag- all dogs and puppies should wear an ID tag with your contact information
Sweater, Jacket, or Coat- for cold or wet weather, dogs and puppies acclimated to indoor temperatures need protected from weather
Soft Sided Carrier/hand bag- handy for small dog breeds and puppies, used for airline travel or carrying in public
Books on Training- don’t wait for puppy classes to start training, learn how to crate train and start your puppy’s training before bringing them home

Grizzle color in the Norwich Terrier is not Brindle

2009-09-11T07:40:00.001-07:00

I received a comment that my “explanation of grizzle color was not correct”. I would like to clarify a few points. My posting on my blog is presented to my puppy customers and the lay person in order to differentiate the grizzle vs the brindle colored puppy that is often fraudulently or ignorantly presented by puppy mills and sellers. My concern to those looking for a puppy is that they are scammed by those selling Cairn/Cairn crosses that present the brindle gene. The point of my posting is that the Norwich breed does not display the color brindle. My posting was not intended to be a genetic educational post, nor do I claim to be an expert in canine color genetics. The posting was in fact, to assist the lay person in identifying grizzle vs brindle patterns. I have found a particular website very helpful which I offered a link, so one may see more examples and descriptions of coat color in the Norwich Terrier. “Grizzles in your breed seem to be saddlebacks too, but with that gene which turns black saddle into grizzle one. It has been suggested that it might be another A locus allele, but some breeding data suggests that it isn't, but it is in another locus. Liisa Sarakantu” Another Website: “SADDLE PATTERN The saddle pattern gene restricts dark pigment (eumelanin) to the dog's back. The rest of the coat is red. Sometimes the black saddle can have interspersed red hairs. This occurs in some terrier breeds and is known as grizzle.” The point is that canine color genetics is not a complete science yet. There is a lot of information available and yet a lot more undiscovered at this time. In the Norwich terrier, regardless of what allele or modifying gene we’re discussing, we just need to realize that a Norwich grizzle is not the same as brindle. As a breeder, I am in a constant state of learning. If a person has documented information on a subject, please email me and I’d love to discuss it with you and explore information. But I will not accept anonymous, critical, and unconstructive comments through my blog. I will not participate in unprofessional and negative interactions that are counterproductive to the thirst for knowledge and learning.

The Norwich Terrier Breed

2009-06-07T19:28:00.000-07:00

Have you asked yourself why it's so hard to find a Norwich Terrier puppy, and why they are so pricey? The Norwich Terrier is one of the hardest breeds to breed. They are prone to more complications, and are harder to get pregnant. I've had a terrible time settling Calli, our AKC champion. It breaks my heart because she's so adorable! I want puppies from her so badly! We'll keep trying and see how it goes. I feel terrible for the families waiting for a puppy, but thankfully they understand that we're only working with nature.

We are moving to a new home this fall, so we'll be making do until we have a new play yard built for the Norwich. We hope to have a litter by Morgan this fall, but if things are too hectic with moving and/or building a new home, we may have to postpone litters until next summer. The updates will be here or on the puppies page.

When reading about the statistics of the puppies born in the US, it's amazing that anyone can find a puppy. Compared to 60,000 Golden Retrievers registered in the US per year, only 800 Norwich Terriers are registered. This is amazing! As I watch for more lines to add to my breeding program in the future, I'm amazed at all the faux Norwich advertised that are brindle in color, or have black points. I pointed it out to one breeder in a friendly way, and she said she had the papers as Norwich. But people! That doesn't mean they aren't forgeries, fraudulent, and you're propetuating the problem!!! Does anyone else care that they aren't even a breed they're advertised to be!? Some may be ignorant, but I've educated myself in my short time as a breeder and I think some choose to turn 1 cheek and they don't want to try to better the breed. It's very lonely and difficult to find consciencous breeders that aren't more interested in their own motives.

Does anyone just really love the TRUE Norwich Terrier breed and want to breed healthy puppies with good temperment and conformation for the purpose of loving them, and not just for the sake of titles? Please contact me if you do! I want to meet some loving Norwich Terrier friends who live by the golden rule!

Norwich Terrier Colors

2008-10-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

It's disappointing to see so many Norwich mixes and faux Norwich Terriers advertised online. Many are APRI registered rather than AKC. I'm amazed at how many don't even resemble Norwich, and it doesn't take a professional to figure out why. The acceptable colors in the Norwich Terrier are all shades of red, wheaten, black & tan, blue & tan, and grizzle. Red is simple, ranging from a light puppy born without pigment called a Pink, to deeper reds. Wheaten is a lighter tan color. Black & Tan are born with the markings as seen in the doberman, but the head and legs turn red as they mature, leaving the saddle back pattern seen in adulthood. Blue & Tan are more gray in color with the same markings. Grizzle is the most misunderstood color and is what many "breeders" are either taking advantage of buyers that don't know the difference, or they are misinformed themselves. I'm seeing many "Norwich" advertised online as grizzle that have the brindle gene. Norwich Terriers do not come in brindle, the Cairn Terrier does. The brindle gene causes a striping pattern in the undercoat seen at birth, as in this photo of brindle Cairn Terrier puppies. Brindle adult Cairn Terriers can vary from lighter brindle to very dark almost black brindles. The striping pattern can be seen in the undercoat and the top coat is more evenly mixed. The Norwich Terrier grizzle will be born with a lighter variation of the black & tan markings like a doberman. As adults they will have a light saddle back with a mixture of red & black hairs. It can become confusing when looking at adult Norwich because some of the black & tan's saddle fades enough that they look like a grizzle saddle back. But there is one thing that is not confusing, and anyone can tell the difference, the Norwich should NOT look like a brindle Cairn! To see many examples of Norwich Terrier color, visit this link http://www.norwich.ch/Colors/Summary.html It's an excellent example of colors from birth to adulthood. Please don't be fooled by sellers who either fraudulently sell Cairns as Norwich for inflated prices, or who are so misinformed that they believe their brindle is a Norwich. Simply having papers does not mean that they are accurate or even reputable registries.

Purchase from Ethical Reputable Breeders

2008-09-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

So you've decided the Norwich Terrier breed fits what you are looking for, and you're committed to a new addition despite the hard work, sleepless nights, chewed up furniture, potty training, etc. You've begun reading up on obedience training, crate training, and are ready to look for a new addition. Consider if a puppy or adult would work best for your family. By skipping the puppy stages, sometimes an adult is easier to house train and accept as a new addition. The Norwich breed adapts well so rescue or retired breeding adults make wonderful companions. Breeders often have healthy adults ready for retirement at 4-6 yrs of age, which makes a mature companion with many good years left to offer. Expect to pay $1000-1500 for an adult adoption fee. This fee assists adoption agencies and ensures that someone can't profit from the adoption of adults. It isn't as much about the money as it is intended to ensure that a responsible buyer is serious about the commitment. Free or "cheap" dogs are subject to scammers who pretend to be a good home and then sell the animal for lab experimentation or profit. If a puppy is what you are looking for, ensure that you purchase a puppy from an ethical reputable breeder. Ethics involve the code of ethics for breeders. There is purpose and intent in their breeding program, to increase quality and health of the breed. They health test their dogs and breed the healthiest individuals they can. They are very familiar with their lines, where they came from, and where they are going. Health disorders are tracked from the dogs they are breeding, the lines they come from, and the offspring they produce. They provide quality care to the adults and puppies, ensure that the puppies go to quality forever homes, and are responsible to the lives of the puppies and dogs they produce. Reputable breeders mean that they have a history of providing good quality care, and good customer service. They will have happy customers and quality references including a veterinarian that they work very closely with. A reputable breeder doesn't have to have a 20yr history, everyone has to start sometime. But a reputable breeder is knowledgable, educates, is a good communicator, and their top priority is the quality placement of their animals. They should be well aware of the health disorders within the breed. They should educate the buyer about the breed, and assist families in making good decisions about purchasing a Norwich Terrier. The breed is not meant for everyone and the key to a successful match is to understand the expectations of the buyer. Reputable breeders often have waiting lists and you should expect to pay $2000-4000 depending on the puppy.When inquiring with a breeder, be prepared with your list of questions and first offer information about yourself, what you are looking for, and what your expectations are in adopting a new family member. Do you have children or what is your life stage? Do you work outside the home and if you do, are you able to drop in at home to let the puppy out mid-day? What is your experience with dogs? What breeds have you had previously and was it successful? Are you prepared to attend obedience classes and offer quality time to your new addition? Take time to talk with the breeder and expect a reputable breeder to be involved in this process. If they only push the sale of a puppy without educating or understanding the home you will provide, they are not the right breeder for you.

Much of the information you will read states that reputable breeders show to championship and that you should only purchase puppies from show breeders. However, I know several good breeders who may show from one time to another, or maybe not at all, and they are excellent breeders. They are breeding not to win titles, but for the love of the breed and the love of placing puppies in forever homes. They are honest and have beautiful dogs from reputable lines. I personally believe these breeders are ideal for a long term relationship and someone that you can connect with and feel comfortable working with. I've been made to feel inadequate and like the breeder didn't have time for me, and I certainly don't want anyone else to go through that. So if they show great! If they don't, ask more questions such as how do they judge their dogs against the AKC standard? You might find that they are an excellent breeder with strong goals and attributes to back up the reason they don't show. Simply winning titles doesn't equate honesty, integrity, or top quality lines. There are good and bad breeders in all realms.

How do you find a reputable ethical breeder? The Norwich & Norfolk club is a start, but keep in mind that this is a list of club members only. They are part of a group of people who are members because of who they know and not what they are. There are many reputable breeders who do not live close enough, or who do not want to particpate in "Club" activities. These breeders may have a circle of reputable breeders who are still great breeders but just happen to not be club members. Many of the classifieds are full of back yard breeders (breeders who only breed 1 male and 1 female pet and aren't knowledgable or have a breeding program). Scammers also steal photos from breeders and pose as a seller on those sites. The Norwich Terrier is ridden with many "fakes". Scammers crop the tails of Cairn Terriers and sell them as Norwich. You can find multiple brindle "Norwich" available and yet brindle is not even an accepted color in the breed! There is a difference in brindle vs the accepted color of grizzle! These are not AKC registered puppies and they are simply not Norwich Terriers. Bargain puppies are no bargain! Research sites that have standing breeder ads and not just single puppy ads. Puppy Dog Web.com is paid advertising for breeders. Breeders.net is a site that allows you to search for puppies by breed and zip code, to find a breeder nearest you. The American Kennel Club AKC.org has breeder classifieds, but the ads are taken out upon a litter being born, and I never use their ads because most of my puppies are already sold at that point in time (expect breeders to have a waiting list). Once you find a breeder that you like, investigate the timeline for puppy availability. Sometimes there will be a puppy available, other times you may have to wait several months. Even planned litters are sometimes changed by nature, so be flexible and understanding of what breeders can't control. If they don't have puppies available, ask if they have friends who may have puppies available. Ethical reputable breeders often know other breeders or have friends that they would recommend. Although they will not tell you the horror stories about a particular kennel or talk about other breeders, if someone were to approach me and say they were looking at a particular kennel, and ask if that would be a good one, I may discretely tell them to keep looking.

Breeder Check List

2008-09-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a checklist to keep in mind when shopping for a good breeder.

Puppies are born on premises
Breeder does not sell to brokers or retail shops
Facilities are clean and well kept
Puppies have been handled, and introduced to children and other dogs
Breeder interviews you and offers information on the breed to ensure a good match
Puppy comes with limited registration as a pet, and is to be spayed/neutered
Breeder promises to take the dog back (not return your money) if you can't keep it
Breeder provides a 3 day money back guarantee, and a 1-2yr health guarantee by contract
Breeder raises no more than 2-3 breeds, it's difficult to be competent in more breeds
Breeder's primary concern is finding a good home for the puppy or dog rather than making a sale
Breeder was happy to answer questions and makes you feel comfortable asking for advice
Breeder is familiar with and abides by breeder's Code of Ethics

Risk for Contagious Disease

2008-09-19T07:41:00.006-07:00

Norwich Terrier puppies receive passive immunity from their mother's milk. The antibodies present in the mother's milk help protect puppies from disease and infections for the first few weeks of life. We administer their first vaccination at 5 1/2 wks, so that we may give a 2nd at 8 1/2 wks, before going home. Since the first vaccination is not as effective in contributing to the puppy's primary immunity due to maternal antibodies, the 2nd vaccination is much more effective in building the puppy's primary immune response. The primary immunity is the puppy's own "real" immunity. It is imperative upon taking puppies home after 8-9 wks, that you avoid exposure to strange dogs or areas where dogs frequent such as rest areas, gas stations, dog parks, etc. Puppies should be vaccinated every 3-4 wks until 15-16 weeks of age, and then should receive the rabies vaccine after 12 weeks of age. We recommend waiting until after the 3rd vaccination at 11-12 wks to start puppy obedience classes. Our policy has come about due to sending a puppy home at 8wks with only 1 vaccination, the puppy contracted Parvo after going home, and died within a week. Puppies are much better protected after 2 vaccinations and this is why we now ship puppies after they are 9wks of age, to allow for an immune response from their 2nd vaccine. We use Fort Dodge vaccines against parvo, distemper, adenovirus type II, and parainfluenza. All vets do things differently, but this is my policy formed along with my veterinarian for my dogs and geographic location. Ask your veterinarian about their recommendations based on your geographic location. Some diseases are more prevalent in areas of the country, and your puppy may require additional protection. For example our adults are vaccinated against leptospirosis since it is prevalent in our area.

The Norwich Terrier is prone to vaccine reactions, so it's imperative to ensure your veterinarian is aware of Rabies Vaccine Induced Ischemic Dermatopathy (RVI-ID). Some Norwich have a reaction to the adjuvant ingredient which triggers an auto-immune response. Symptoms may be sores or lesions in the ear, darkening of the ear pigmentation, sores on the tail or feet, dark lumps on the skin, or a lump at the injection site. Symptoms may appear immediately after the rabies vaccination, or may take days or months to be noticable. Allergic reactions to vaccine adjuvants may appear as itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and need to be treated immediately. It may be helpful to administer Benadryl before vaccinating your Norwich Terrier. Here's an excellent article: http://www.norwichtales.com/coda/rvi_id.html

Obedience Training

2008-09-19T07:41:00.005-07:00

Obedience training is a necessity with the Norwich Terrier to establish dominance and control. A disciplined, well behaved dog is going to be rewarding for you and your family. Dominating dogs can develop behavior problems such as growling, nipping, and biting to exert control of you, children, and strangers. The foundation of training, is to pair a verbal command with a behavior, and immediately reward the correct behavior. Key commands are 'sit', 'drop' (down), 'stay', and 'in your bed', in addition to walking on a lead, quietly riding in a restraining system in the car, etc. To establish dominance, they need household rules and limits such as staying off the furniture unless invited, sleeping in their crate or bed (not with you) and you should incorporate commands in their daily life. The Norwich is very intelligent and needs consistent obedience. There are a variety of training books and online information available. Training should start upon bringing your puppy home and I recommend that all families attend puppy obedience classes.

Potty Training Your Norwich Terrier

2008-09-19T07:41:00.004-07:00

Potty training your Norwich Terrier: As a den animal, puppies will not soil the area that they consider their den if given the opportunity to go elsewhere. Our Norwich Terrier puppies use the doggie door and potty outside according to their instincts to keep their den clean. When they come to your home, they have to learn that the crate is their den and slowly expand the den area to include the rest of the house. Do not leave your puppy unattended, and return them to their crate when not actively watching them. This reduces the opportunity for accidents and increases successful potty trips. The most important part of training, is forming a schedule and sticking to it. Offer your puppy frequent opportunities to go potty, using the same spot in the yard and the same command. Offer potty trips first thing of the day, after eating, anytime they come out of the crate, and last thing of the day. Praise their success and offer play time in the house after successful trips. Tip: Bring your puppy back inside directly after going so they realize what the purpose of going outside was. Ignore them until they go, praise them upon success! Potty training is a process and the time it takes varies for each individual. We recommend a small crate for the puppy in training or a 24-30" wire crate with a divider that the puppy can grow into.

Norwich Terrier Nutrition

2008-09-19T07:41:00.003-07:00

I’ve read about dog nutrition and what brands to recommend to my Norwich Terrier puppy customers. I’ve spoke to my veterinarian, read and researched various diets, including RAW diets, and nothing seemed to make more sense than what I already recommended. It wasn’t until recently when I read 2 articles that were congruent, both scoring beneficial brands of dog foods, and I began searching for a more holistic dog food with quality ingredients.
I knew from previous research that a dog’s diet should contain mainly protein and carbohydrates, with added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In looking at a dog food, read the first 3 ingredients, which should contain quality proteins. Corn, wheat, gluten, and soy are generally inferior sources of protein. They are often difficult to digest and to use by the body. They can also cause GI problems. Meat and bone meal can contain an unknown quantity of bone, which is an inferior protein, as well as by-products. Preservatives can be harmful, as well as artificial dyes. Look for powerful health promoting ingredients such as probiotics, antioxidants, chelated minerals, and vegetables.

With this information I found that several foods had been scored by starting with 10 points and deducting 1 point for each unfavorable ingredient or lack of health- promoting ingredients. The scoring for brands that I recommended was as follows: Science Diet: 4, Iams: 5, and Eukanuba: 4. This shocked me as I recommend these premium foods and yet they only scored 4-5 out of 10! The article was published by a holistic food company, so I thought they had published results in their favor to boost their own sales. I continued searching.

Another article scored multiple brands of foods on a scale of 100.
How to grade your dog's food: Start with a grade of 100: 1) For every listing of 'by-product', subtract 10 points 2) For every non-specific animal source ('meat' or 'poultry', meat, meal or fat) reference, subtract 10 points 3) If the food contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, subtract 10 points 4) For every grain 'mill run' or non-specific grain source, subtract 5 points 5) If the same grain ingredient is used 2 or more times in the first five ingredients (i.e. 'ground brown rice', 'brewers rice', 'rice flour' are all the same grain), subtract 5 points 6) If the protein sources are not meat meal and there are less than 2 meats in the top 3 ingredients, subtract 3 points 7) If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points 8 ) If it contains ground corn or whole grain corn, subtract 3 points 9) If corn is listed in the top 5 ingredients, subtract 2 more points 10) If the food contains any animal fat other than fish oil, subtract 2 points 11) If lamb is the only animal protein source (unless your dog is allergic to other protein sources), subtract 2 points 12) If it contains soy or soybeans, subtract 2 points 13) If it contains wheat (unless you know that your dog isnt allergic to wheat), subtract 2 points 14) If it contains beef (unless you know that your dog isnt allergic to beef), subtract 1 point 15) If it contains salt, subtract 1 point Extra Credit: 1) If any of the meat sources are organic, add 5 points 2) If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or nutritionist, add 5 points 3) If the food is baked not extruded, add 5 points 4) If the food contains probiotics, add 3 points 5) If the food contains fruit, add 3 points 6) If the food contains vegetables (NOT corn or other grains), add 3 points 7) If the animal sources are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, add 2 points 8 ) If the food contains barley, add 2 points 9) If the food contains flax seed oil (not just the seeds), add 2 points 10) If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point 11) If the food contains sunflower oil, add 1 point 12) For every different specific animal protein source (other than the first one; count 'chicken' and 'chicken meal' as only one protein source, but 'chicken' and '' as 2 different sources), add 1 point 13) If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point 14) If the vegetables have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1 point
94-100 = A 86-93 = B 78-85 = C 70-77 = D
Alpo Prime Cuts / Score 81 C Canidae / Score 112 A Chicken Soup Senior / Score 115 A Diamond Maintenance / Score 64 F Diamond Lamb Meal & Rice / Score 92 B Diamond Large Breed 60 Formula / Score 99 A Diamond Performance / Score 85 C Eukanuba Adult / Score 81 C Eukanuba Puppy / Score 79 C Iams Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Premium / Score 73 D Innova Dog / Score 114 A Innova Evo / Score 114 A Innova Large Breed Puppy / Score 122 A Nature’s Recipe / Score 100 A Nature’s Recipe Healthy Skin Venison and Rice / Score 116 A Nature’s Variety Raw Instinct / Score 122 A Nutra Nuggets Super Premium Lamb Meal and Rice / Score 81 C Nutrience Junior Medium Breed Puppy / Score 101 A Nutrisource Lamb and Rice / Score 87 B Nutro Max Adult / Score 93 B Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Rice / Score 98 A Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy / Score 87 B Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Wheat Free / Score 86 B Nutro Natural Choice Senior / Score 95 A Nutro Ultra Adult / Score 104 A Purina Benful / Score 17 F Purina Dog / Score 62 F Purina Come-n-Get It / Score 16 F Purina One Large Breed Puppy / Score 62 F Royal Canin Boxer / Score 103 A Royal Canin Bulldog / Score 100 A Royal Canin Natural Blend Adult / Score 106 A Science Diet Advanced Protein Senior 7 / Score 63 F Science Diet for Large Breed Puppies / Score 69 F
(partial list, less common brands ommitted)

I’ve been the most impressed with Canidae dog food which scores A 112. The Life Stages formula is appropriate for Norwich puppies, adults, working, and seniors. Its ingredients are human grade with essential vitamins and minerals and mixed tocopherols as natural preservatives. Its holistic and herbal formula has 4 meat meals in the first 7 ingredients: chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. The other 2 ingredients in the first 7 are brown rice and white rice. If your dog is sensitive to different meats they also offer single meat formulas. What I like in the life stages formula is that it contains 10 skin and coat conditioners, balanced Omega 6 and 3 Fatty Acids and is also contains guaranteed digestive enzymes.

The next recommendation that I make is whatever you feed your Norwich Terrier, make it convenient. I’ve searched to find that Canidae is only offered through boutiques and select stores. Visit the Canidae website for a store locator.

Breeders Code of Ethics

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An Ethical Breeder Does the Following:
1. Breeds with the intent of improving the breed. Does not breed with the goal of making a profit. The costs & sales have to balance each other but if done ethically, breeding is not “profitable” if labor & expenses are accounted for. Puppy mills make profits by providing a lack in care, facilities, and mass producing in unhealthy conditions.
2. Chooses breeding adults based on health, disposition, and confirmation guided by the breed standard. Breeding pairs are matched based on these characteristics to make the next generation better.
3. An expert in the breed. Is knowledgeable about the health defects of the breed, the history, proper care, characteristics, etc. Provides health care screening and testing as appropriate for the breed.
4. Only breeds 1-3 breeds, is an expert in each, and does not cross breed. Very few crosses have meaningful purpose, such as Labradoodles to create a hypoallergenic service dog. “Designer Dog Breeds” are irresponsible and only contribute to pet overpopulation because many crosses lack the goal of ethical breeding- “to improve the breed”.
5. Provides safe, sanitary, and appropriate facilities, maximizing the healthy conditions, offering exercise, entertainment, and comfort of the dogs and puppies.
6. Dogs are kept clean and appropriately groomed.
7. Feeds premium quality food and maintains appropriate weight and condition of the dogs and puppies.
8. Provides one on one care to a whelping bitch, ensuring the safe delivery of the puppies. Monitors her before, during, and after whelping for abnormalities or complications.
9. Minimizes her stress and protects the health of the puppies for the first few weeks after whelping by not allowing public visitation.
10. Appropriately socializes puppies to loving touch and developmentally appropriate interaction at appropriate ages.
11. Does not wean and remove puppies from their mother before 6 weeks of age, and does not adopt puppies to families until at least 8 weeks of age. Although human socialization is very important at 4-8 weeks of age, even more important is dog socialization by their mother and litter mates. Human socialization is most important at 8-16 weeks of age.
12. Places puppies and dogs in forever homes appropriate for that puppy or adult. Screens prospective buyers to ensure that the breed is what they are looking for and that they are able to provide a proper home for a dog and for the breed in particular.
13. Is responsible for each puppy for its lifetime and is willing to keep any puppy that is unable to find a proper home. This includes assisting buyers in finding the dog a home if they are unable to keep it for it’s lifetime, or finding foster care for the dog until appropriate placement is found.
14. Gives appropriate, and at least standard, health care guided by a licensed veterinarian. Willing to take extra initiative to care for an individual dog or puppy, despite extra costs involved. Considers life quality and acts responsibly in the humane end of life care for a dog or puppy.
15. Keeps accurate and detailed records of the medical care, pedigree, and registry information according to the registering association’s guidelines. DNA samples are collected and registered according to the guidelines of the registering association. Dogs and puppies are appropriately identified, preferably by microchip implantation.
16. Offers puppy health guarantees. Appropriate guarantees are a money back guarantee shortly after purchase. This allows the buyer to ensure the puppy is healthy and free of communicable disease. A congenital or hereditary defect guarantee should also be offered for at least 1 year.
17. Retired breeding adults are never placed in shelters or euthanized if they are appropriate for a pet home. They should be placed in an appropriate, quality, forever pet home or provided foster care until that home is found.
18. Never sells to brokers, pet stores, or preferably not to back yard breeders. Educates buyers about the risks involved in buying from these sources, and educates the public about why back yard breeding is not ideal or appropriate.
19. Sells puppies with limited registration with a spay/neuter contract unless the puppy is sold to another ethical, reputable breeder.
20. Networks with other ethical reputable breeders and/or is a member of an association supporting their breed.
21. Shows fairness, integrity, honesty, and respect in all aspects of their personal and professional life. Good communication is imperative for good customer service, veterinarian support & interaction, etc.

Why are Norwich So Expensive?

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There are few numbers and a high demand. Compared to 60,000 Golden's registered each year, there are only approximately 800 Norwich Terriers registered per year. Norwich Terriers have small litters and can have higher incidence of complications, making them difficult to breed. Waiting lists may be long with reputable breeders. Fraudulent sellers have taken Cairn Terriers, cropped their tail, and sold them online as Norwich for the inflated prices. Norwich Terriers do not come in brindle like a Cairn! Beware of any breeder who is selling dark colored, brindle "Norwich". For the approved colors in the breed, click here. Quality Norwich are $2000-4000 for pets. The bargain Norwich on the internet are no bargain! Ensure you are purchasing DNA verified AKC registered puppies from a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders sell AKC pets with limited registration to forever pet homes. They are knowledgable, health test their dogs, and want to know that you can provide the ideal home for their puppies. They will ask you questions about you, your family, and the home you can provide before making puppies available. By only working with reputable breeders, you'll have a longer lived more quality family companion that will resemble the breed.

The Norwich Terrier

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General Appearance: The Norwich Terrier, spirited and stocky with sensitive prick ears and a slightly foxy expression, is one of the smallest working terriers. This sturdy descendent of ratting companions, eager to dispatch small vermin alone or in a pack, has good bone and substance and an almost weatherproof coat. A hardy hunt terrier-honorable scars from fair wear and tear are acceptable. Size, Proportion, Substance

One of the smallest of the terriers, the ideal height should not exceed 10 inches at the withers. Distance from the top of the withers to the ground and from the withers to base of tail are approximately equal. Good bone and substance. Weight approximately 12 pounds. It should be in proportion to the individual dog's structure and balance. Fit working condition is a prime consideration. Head: A slightly foxy expression. Eyes small, dark and oval shaped with black rims. Placed well apart with a bright and keen expression. Ears medium size and erect. Set well apart with pointed tips. Upright when alert.The skull is broad and slightly rounded with good width between the ears. The muzzle is wedge shaped and strong. Its length is about one-third less than the measurement from the occiput to the well-defined stop. The jaw is clean and strong. Nose and lip pigment black. Tight-lipped with large teeth. A scissor bite. Neck, Topline, Body Neck of medium length, strong and blending into well laid back shoulders. Level topline. Body moderately short. Compact and deep. Good width of chest. Well-sprung ribs and short loins. Tail medium docked. The terrier's working origin requires that the tail be of sufficient length to grasp. Base level with topline; carried erect. Forequarters: Well laid back shoulders. Elbows close to ribs. Short, powerful legs, as straight as is consistent with the digging terrier. Pasterns firm. Feet round with thick pads. Nails black. The feet point forward when standing or moving. Hindquarters Broad, strong and muscular with well-turned stifles. Hocks low set and straight when viewed from the rear. Feet as in front. Coat Hard, wiry and straight, lying close to the body with a definite undercoat. The coat on neck and shoulders forms a protective mane. The hair on head, ears and muzzle, except for slight eyebrows and whiskers, is short and smooth. This breed should be shown with as natural a coat as possible. A minimum of tidying is permissible but shaping should be heavily penalized. ColorAll shades of red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle. White marks are not desirable. Gait: The legs moving parallel, extending forward, showing great powers of propulsion. Good rear angulation with a true, yet driving movement. The forelegs move freely with feet and elbows the same distance apart, converging slightly with increased pace. Hind legs follow in the track of the forelegs, flexing well at the stifle and hock. The topline remains level. Temperament: Gay, fearless, loyal and affectionate. Adaptable and sporting, they make ideal companions.
-AKC.org