Why Norwich Tales?

THE TALE OF NORWICH TALES

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This website was created for those who love Norwich Terriers, whether or not you have one. I wish to emphasize that I am not a breeder, handler, or expert in the field of dogs. I am just a dog lover who thinks this breed is very special and I have been fortunate to share my life with a Norwich Terrier since 1998. The purpose of this award-winning site is to share the experience that I've gained in researching the breed, finding the right breeder, and finally bringing home my little friends. My aim is to provide general breed information, give our readers a good understanding of what it's like to live with a Norwich Terrier, and help you determine if a Norwich Terrier is right for you. Bringing a companion animal into your life is a long-term commitment and something not to be taken lightly. Last but not least I enjoy sharing my pictures and stories with those of you who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of your Norwich Terrier.

I first became interested in the Norwich Terrier when I saw Ch. Chidley Willum the Conqueror win Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1994. My husband and I had been looking for a small companion dog and the Norwich Terrier seemed to have so many of the attributes we were looking for: small, sturdy, and spunky. From that moment, I decided I would learn all that I could about this charming breed.

Baby Nigel about 4 months old

I started my research by reading what I could find about the breed and by attending dog shows. It was at the Detroit Kennel Club Dog Show that we met Nigel's breeders. They were very friendly, willing to answer questions, excited about the breed, and allowed me to interact and handle their dogs after they had finished showing them. I began seeing them at other Michigan shows and our conversations continued. After more research, thought and discussion about the breed's characteristics, grooming needs, training, and general health, and also having spent more time with more Norwich Terriers, we decided that this was the breed for us, but living in a condo at that time did not allow us to have a dog. Also we had just started a new business, so we simply had to wait until the time was right to bring a dog into our lives, and so the hard part began - the waiting. 4 long years and a new house later, we brought Nigel home. It was a long, difficult wait but he was definitely worth it!

Nigel welcomes Divot to her new home

Several years later I found myself wanting another Norwich. I started talking to people who had two Norwich, and they all agreed that one is great, but two can be even more fun. I had remained in contact with Nigel's breeders over the years, sending photos and updates so I called and talked this over with them. One breeder had an 11-month-old boy that she was thinking of placing because he wasn't working out in the show ring. I went to see him, and while he was adorable, we just didn't see personality as the right fit with Nigel's personality so we waited. A few weeks later, I spoke to the other breeder and she told us about a little girl that she was looking to place. Her name was Divot. We took Nigel with us to meet Divot and she was sweet, beautiful, and so loving and very importantly, she and Nigel were good together. No immediate playing but no tension either, which is a good sign. We were smitten with Divot and we all agreed that she was a good fit for our home.

-Barbara Huffman
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Meet Nigel and Divot!

NIGEL

Nigel is our boy. He came to live with us in June of 1998 when he was 13 weeks old. As of this writing (November 2007) he is 9-1/2 years old. His birthday is March 30. He is a red/wheaten and a big healthy boy. He has a very independent nature and like most terriers, he is very intelligent and can be a little stubborn. He is a "thinker" and can be very manipulative to get what he wants which to me, is part of his charm. He loves people, especially children and has many human friends due to his outgoing personality. He doesn't seem to care much for other dogs but loves Divot and loves people. Nigel is not a typical terrier, as he prefers to leave the hunting and digging up to someone else.

DIVOT

Divot is our girl. She is a petite black and tan, who came to live with us in June of 2001 as a three year old. As of this writing (November 2007), she is just over 9 years old. Her birthday is July 22. She was being shown for awhile but her breeder decided to place her in a home to be someone's beloved pet and we were the fortunate ones to get her! Divot is not as independent as Nigel and she often just sits or lays around watching me and follows me everywhere waiting to see what we're going to do next. Of the two dogs however, sweet little Divot has the terrier's high prey drive and lives for the day she catches a critter off guard!

I have experienced puppy-hood with Nigel and I have experienced incorporating a young adult dog into my home with Divot. Puppy-hood is filled with silliness and laughter but it has its difficult moments too. Incorporating Divot into our lives was much easier. I would not hesitate to adopt the right adult Norwich or hesitate to encourage anyone else to do so if the right opportunity presents itself. Divot bonded to me very quickly, has always been willing to please, and came to us beautifully leash trained to boot! Norwich Terriers tend to love the one they're with so they are highly adaptable to a new home and pack leader. They seem to like "their own kind" and it's obvious that Nigel and Divot truly enjoy each other's company, preferring each other to any other dogs. In fact in the past several years Nigel and Divot have become rather snobbish. Neither one wants to play with any other dogs anymore - only each other! When other dogs come to visit, Nigel and Divot will for the most part simply ignore them, even when these other dogs are Norwich. Apparently they are their own pack and they are not allowing new members at this time!