JUDGING THE NORFOLK TERRIER by LOUISE LEONE
N orfolk Terrier judges and breeders hold the key to future of the Norfolk Terrier. Judges and breeders share the responsibility to help guide the Nor- folk Terriers’ future. Judges must evaluate characteristics and have an understanding of breed type when making their decision. Th e judge must have a thorough under- standing of canine anatomy and movement and most importantly Norfolk Terriers. Judges must have the ability to evaluate the whole dog and not get caught up on one fault of the dog. You start evaluating dogs as they enter the ring. Norfolk Terriers have a distinctive outline di ff erent from any other terrier. At this point as you are looking at the dog’s outline you should be saying to yourself, “Now, that is a Norfolk Terrier!” Overall balance and proportion is what to look for in the Norfolk Terrier. Th e next thing to
look at is the head and expression, proper ear set, dark oval shaped eyes and that hint of mischief that says, ‘Look at me’. Norfolk Terriers are slightly o ff square, he is about 9 to 10 inches tall and weighs approximately 12 pounds. He should have good bone without being course and have good substance. His height and weight are less important than structure, balance and fit working condition. Th e Norfolk chest should fill your hand. Th e upper arm should sit directly under the withers. His shoulders must be well laid back giv- ing a moderate length of neck. He must have low hocks that are set behind the tail to allow great propulsion from the rear. If this is correct the stifle will naturally have a good bend. After your first impression of the dogs on the ground, move them around the ring to see their topline, length of neck, tail set and carriage. Th e topline should
be level as the dog moves. After you assess the dog on the go around you are ready for table examination. Check overall outline first, approach the dog from the front of the table with confidence. Examine the head checking proportion, ear placement, width of skull, eyes, expression and bite. You should be looking for expressive eyes that are wide set, small, dark and oval . Th e ears are V-shaped, wide set on a slightly rounded skull and point to the corner of the eye. Th e length of the muzzle is one- third the length of the head from the tip of the nose to the occiput. Norfolk Terriers have scissor bite with strong, large teeth set in a wedge-shaped muzzle. As you start your examination of the body you should remember that this is a small terrier of good substance and there is nothing toyish about the Norfolk. Th e Norfolk is a balanced dog with well sprung ribs, a broad chest and short loin. His neck
156 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , M AY 2015
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