Plummer Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison

It was in the 1880s that a working terrier was developed in eastern England. The Norfolk Terrier was developed by crossing local terrier-like dogs with the Irish Terrier breed as well as small red terriers.

Known first as the Cantab Terrier and then later as the Trumpington Terrier, the name changed further but in 1932, the Norwich was accepted into the English Kennel Club and the first written standard was created.

The Norfolk Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1979. It has gained recognition as an independent breed but is a variety of the Norwich Terrier, distinguished from it by having floppy ears and not erect ears. Both the Norfolk- and Norwich are the smallest of the working terriers.

This purebred dog was developed by Dr David Brian Plummer in the UK. The whole idea for developing the dog was for it to be an all-purpose dog that could also hunt down vermin.

Developed in the 1960s, the Plummer Terrier combines Jack Russell Terrier, Beagle, and red Fell Terrier blood. Later on, a Bull Terrier was brought in too. This created some problems and certain characteristics were selectively bred out of the Plummer.

Today, as a working terrier, the dog is versatile and has many uses. He may not be recognized by any major organizations, but there is at least a well-established Plummer Terrier club in the UK.

The Norfolk Terrier is a small purebred dog, standing at 23 to 25cm in height and weighing roughly between 4.5kg and 6kg. The dog has a wire-haired coat which can be in different colors such as wheaten, red, black and grey or grizzle.

The hair on his head and ears is shorter and smoother and he has longer whiskers and eyebrows. The chest is deep, the front legs are short and straight and the tail has always been docked to half its length but left long these days. The tail is set high and carried erect.

Temperament:

Norfolks are feisty, fearless dogs with an independent streak. They’re gentle though, and when it comes to being a companion dog, they get on well with children and other pets. They thrive on their human family’s companionship and wouldn’t do well at all if they were constantly left outside.

They’re not yappy dogs but will bark occasionally so he can sound the alarm if strangers approach.

This little dog is able to live in the city or the countryside, but just because he is little, you can’t neglect his exercise needs. He will most certainly need to be exercised every day and taken for walks as he is an energetic, lively dog. He is intelligent too and easy to train and socialize, turning him into such an obedient, pleasurable pet.

The Plummer Terrier is a small, working terrier standing at between 28 and 36cm both male and female and weighing between 5 and 8kg.

The ears of the dog are high set and are fairly short, being floppy. The Plummer Terrier has a white and red/orangey coat which is short. He is an average shedder.

The tail would traditionally be docked, giving him an attractive, compact look, but these days the tail tends to be left long. The eyes are almond-shaped, dark brown and alert.

Temperament:

Your Plummer Terrier is active, hardy and adaptable, making it that he can settle down into life in the city or in the countryside. They will however, require regular exercise.

They’re the kind of dogs which are at home inside or outside. They’re very intelligent and can easily be trained and socialized. They’re also loving and loyal towards their human family. He is good with kids too and is playful and energetic around them, giving as good as he gets. His alert, intelligent nature makes him a good watchdog.

Fearless and brave, the Norfolk Terrier promises to be a wonderful companion.

They're social, loving dogs and want to be part of the household. He is lively and active too and wants to be included in your walks and your games. He loves nothing more than to be running across a field after a ball.

They’re such amicable pets that they make great dogs for first-time dog owners. Let him into your heart and your home – he makes such a splendid pet – that once you’ve had one, you’ll realize you can never be without such a wonderful pet and companion again.

Your Plummer Terrier promises to be a great companion and family pet, getting on well with children.

They’re intelligent too, so they’re easy to train. Being low maintenance and being a healthy breed too, the Plummer Terrier has got everything that people want from a canine friend - love, devotion, action, low maintenance, health and a wonderfully companionable nature.

The life expectancy of your Norfolk Terrier is 8 to 14 years, but there are some who have received excellent care and who have reached 17 years of age.

Just as with any other dog, they are prone to common dog illnesses, and these can include dental issues and mitral valve disease. They also are prone to hip dysplasia, and according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) they are known for problematic hips.

These feisty little dogs are known to be a robust, healthy breed and with good care can reach between 12 and 15 years of age, and maybe older.

Some common dog diseases that your Plummer Terrier might succumb too, but which is highly unlikely.

Infectious Diseases:

Distemper and parvovirus are two example of these infectious diseases. Parvovirus is deadly and can be picked up through contact with the feces of an infected dog. Your dog will be vomiting, won’t want to eat and will no doubt also have bloody diarrhea.

Distemper is transmitted through contact with an infected dog’s urine or blood. Symptoms include difficulty with breathing, fever and diarrhea. There are vaccines available for the prevention of these life-threatening diseases.

Lower Urinary Tract Problems:

This disease can be debilitating for your pet and can include incontinence and bacterial infections. You’ll find your pet trying to urinate frequently but producing small drops of urine. Don’t hesitate – get your pet to the vet immediately.

Dental Disease:

You have to be careful with dental disease because many people think it affects just the teeth but it is linked to problems with the heart, kidneys and to diabetes. To prevent dental problems, look inside your dog’s mouth regularly and get him to a vet or professional dog groomer to attend to the tooth.

Grooming:

The Norfolk Terrier’s hard, wiry, straight coat requires being hand stripped about twice a year by hand or with a stripping knife. The paws will also need to be trimmed.

It is recommended to keep the hair short around the anus for hygienic purposes and the tail itself will need to be stripped.

The Norfolk doesn’t shed his coat naturally, and the hair keeps growing, making the dog uncomfortable and ungroomed looking. The dog will certainly need to have his hair kept away from around the eyes.

If you don’t want to strip your dog, there are people who take their dogs to professional groomers, but then this professional grooming makes it that the texture of the dog’s coat changes from wiry to soft.

Small dogs are prone to dental problems, so check your dog’s teeth regularly. A bad tooth can play havoc with your dogs general health.

Diet:

As with any other dog, the Norfolk Terrier will do well on high-quality kibble, specially formulated for small dog breeds. For a tasty treat, boil some chicken and vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach in a pot, chop them up and add to his kibble with some brown rice and pasta. A tiny bit of raw meat added in occasionally is all this little dog needs to stay healthy and content.

Don’t ‘treat’ him by giving him chocolates, chips and peanuts. You will upset his stomach. Dogs do best on simply, healthy, tasty diets such as mentioned above. Make sure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water. 

Exercise:

He is an active, energetic little dog and loves nothing more than to be darting after a ball, going for long walks with you or jumping into a pool. He’s happiest when active and busy with his beloved family members.

Grooming:

With his short coat and being a moderate shedder, you’ll just have to give your Plummer a good brush twice a week to keep the coat free of loose hairs and dust.

Diet:

Always aim to give your dogs the best food there is. Dogs are just like people when it comes to food – nutritious, quality food helps towards good health and longevity. Apart from a good quality commercially manufactured food, give him some homemade food as a treat too. Simple, tasty food is best appreciated by dogs. They don’t want spicy, exotic foods that can upset their stomachs.

They love boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and healthy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. You can add this into the dry kibble occasionally as a treat, and also some raw meat from time to time. Your pet will be healthy and happy with such a diet. Make sure he always has a bowl of cool, fresh water within reach.