Please read the information below. If you are interested in an Itsy Bitsy Norwich Terrier, email us your answers to the questions below this information.

 

How much do they cost?

 

You will find that Norwich Terriers are rather hard to find since they have small litters and have high incidence of complications in the whelping box. The prices vary but they usually start around $5000 and go up from there depending on where and from whom you find one. You will most likely have to travel to obtain one so you can add that to the cost as well.

 

Can a Norwich Terrier be trained to stay in a yard without a fence and to walk off leash?

 

Terriers are instinctively vermin hunters and except in very controlled circumstances, cannot be trusted off leash or in an unfenced yard at any time. A rabbit or squirrel is enough to send them chasing, which may lead to being lost or hit by a car. A fenced yard (or dog run) is a must, unless you are committed to "potty" walks multiple times a day. No dog should ever be tied out because it leaves him open to attacks by other dogs, theft, or injury. An" invisible " fence is not recommended. Many terriers will take the shock in their determination to hunt and don't return. An invisible fence also leaves them open to attacks and theft from the outside. If you do not have a fenced yard your dog should always be on-leash when outside.

 

Are Norwich Terriers easy to train?

 

All owners must make the effort to train their dog- for a terrier breed it is even more important. Norwich are willing dogs who wish to please, but as terriers they are independent-minded. If your ambitions are to compete in AKC obedience trials, training becomes more challenging, though very rewarding. Norwich respond best to positive motivational methods using praise and treats. A Norwich will always want to be with you so take advantage of this.

 

Are Norwich Terriers easy to housebreak?

 

Norwich Terriers are a very willing breed who wish to please, making basic housebreaking easy if you make a concentrated effort early. As with any puppy, frequent trips outdoors are in order, and puppies should always be crated or confined in a safe area when unattended. Consistency and a routine are extremely important in housebreaking. Your puppy should be taken out frequently especially after eating, drinking, playing and sleeping. Accompanying your dog outside will assure that he has done what you expected and hasn't gotten distracted by a leaf or some other object in the surroundings. Often, if a puppy is left out alone, he will be so anxious to come in again, that he will try to finish quickly and not completely empty his bladder causing an accident shortly after returning inside.

 

Should we crate train?

 

Crating is not cruel; most dogs see their crate as their "den". Not only is a crate a useful housebreaking tool, but it gives your Norwich a place to call home and get away from it all. Young puppies often need a break from zealous young owners, and as long as you do not use the crate for punishment, crating your dog for brief periods gives you a break as well. Additionally, a crate provides a safe environment for a Norwich in the house, car hotel and even airplanes. An open crate in the house gives the dog a safe den. Even very young children can learn to respect the dog's bedroom.

 

Do Norwich Terriers shed?

 

Norwich terriers have a double coat; a soft, downy undercoat and a hard top coat. Any double-coated dog sheds, but shedding can be minimized with proper grooming and brushing/combing.

 

Do Norwich Terriers require a lot of grooming?

 

Norwich terriers require regular maintenance to keep a consistently groomed coat. They should be brushed or combed weekly. These terriers are usually "stripped" twice a year. "Stripping" involves pulling out the dead outer coat by hand or with the help of a stripping tool. Some owners choose the natural look, doing nothing to the coat except brushing it. With this look a Norwich can be mistaken for a scruffy mixed breed, and the coat will shed more as it ages. A few pet owners opt to have their pets clipped.