Page 20 - ShowSight Presents - The Norfolk Terrier
P. 20
“THE EYE SHOULD BE DARK,
EXPRESSIVE, AND INQUISITIVE.
Light eyes or eyes that are too large or too small give a foreign expression.”
are ready for a more detailed examination on the table. First check the overall out- line, then approach the dog head on with confidence. I always examine the head first checking proportion, ear placement, width of skull, eyes, and expression. After the dog is used to my hands on his head I check the bite. Some Norfolks are put off by someone first diving in to check their teeth. They should have good width of back skull and a strong muzzle slight- ly shorter then the back skull. The ears are set fairly wide and point downward towards the outside corner of the eye. Try to avoid dogs with long ears shaped like a Sealyham or ones that are hanging down toward their cheek.
The eye should be dark, expressive, and inquisitive. Light eyes or eyes that are too large or too small give a foreign expression. If their eyes are too small they can have a mean or hard bitten look that is not typical and too large an eye will give a soulful look which is also foreign for a Norfolk. A dark medium eye full of mischief is ideal.
When you start your examination of the body, you should be impressed that
this is a small dog of good substance- nothing toyish about it. Check for shoul- der placement upper arm and feel his front legs for substance are they strong and straight or just groomed to look so. Check his feet are they well padded or flat footed. You will find as you judge Norwich and Norfolks that Norfolk feet are not usually as well arched or rounded as Norwiches. But they should never be flat footed. The neck should fit cleanly into well placed shoulders that have good layback. The back is short, strong, and level with a high set tail. And as terrier people like to say “there should be a lot of dog behind the tail”. A weak topline and low tail set are not characteristic. Norfolks are generally slightly longer cast than their cousin the Norwich. This does not mean they are a long dog and extra length should be in the rib cage and not the loin.
Since Norfolks are a coated breed, grooming plays an important role in their appearance. You must feel for good bone, good shoulder layback, and good turn of stifle. Don’t be fooled by someone’s
grooming prowess. Be sure to check for coat texture and density. A harsh double coat is a must.
When the time comes to move the dog individually make sure he moves away on strong hind quarters with good propul- sion. Short strong hocks should move par- allel and demonsrate good drive. The front coming back should be true with no sign of weaving or being out at the elbow. On the last go around from the side, check again for balance of movement. Does he have good reach AND drive and does of he move all of one piece.
After you have gone over your class if you are still undecided have a couple of your favorites out to stand on their own. I do not advise sparing per se as norfolks are pack dogs and should not be quarrelsome. They should however be alert and fearless. Seeing a terrier standing on his own mak- ing the most of himself is a wonderful sight.
I hope I have been able to help you understand the breed I have loved and have been involved with for so many years and that you enjoy judging this wonderful breed for all it has to offer.
“Don’t be fooled by someone’s grooming prowess.
BE SURE TO CHECK FOR COAT TEXTURE AND DENSITY. A HARSH DOUBLE COAT IS A MUST.”
