The Norfolk Terrier is a small-sized breed with a shaggy, wiry coat that's one of its signature features. Overall grooming for dogs of this breed will require a moderate amount of work, and will include occasional stripping of the coat (a requirement for show dogs).
See below for further details on brushing bathing, and stripping the Norfolk Terrier coat.
These dogs have wiry, shaggy, medium-length coats that, while shedding little, need to be stripped several times per year--so overall, Norfolk Terrier grooming requires moderate work. They'll need to be brushed a couple of times per week to keep the coats from getting out of control; baths are only required when necessary; and they'll need to be fully stripped twice per year (around the time they "blow" their summer and winter coats), along with some "maintenance" stripping every 2-3 months.
Use a slicker brush or a metal comb to brush these dogs. First wet the coat with mist from a spray bottle, then starting at the shoulders, use the typical line brushing technique, moving in the direction of hair growth. It's a good idea when brushing to also trim excess hair around the eyes and anus if needed, to help the dog see better and to avoid the hair around the anus from getting soiled when the dog defecates.
Norfolk Terriers shouldn't be bathed too frequently, as doing so rids the coat of its natural water-resistant oils--so only bathe your Norfolk if it becomes especially dirty or stinky. To bathe: these dogs are small enough to be bathed in the kitchen sink. First give the coat a thorough brushing, then wet the coat completely. Be sure to use canine shampoo, as the kind made for humans can irritate the dog's skin. Apply a quarter-sized amount of shampoo to the dog's back, then lather well, working downward as you go. (And don't forget the legs and underbelly!) Use a washcloth to clean the head, ears, and face; rinse completely, towel-dry, then give the coat another quick brush-through to make it look healthy and clean.
Norfolks can be stripped either at home or by a professional groomer. (For detailed instructions, see the Plucking & Stripping section of this page.) Owners are encouraged to learn how to strip their Norfolks themselves, but at least one trip to the groomer is recommended; the groomer can demonstrate the proper stripping method, and provide tips on how to groom a Norfolk Terrier in general.
Stripping your Norfolk Terrier (or any dog, for that matter) isn't the monumental task one might think. Yes, it's time-consuming--the process can take up to two hours, even for small breeds--but it's actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it!
Norfolks will need complete stripping twice a year, in the midst of their shedding of their coats; the stripping helps the "coat-blowing" process along. In between these major strips, owners can "roll" the coats by plucking longer, unkempt hairs--which only takes a few minutes. Norfolk Terriers should never be clipped, as doing so will dramatically change the texture, appearance, and usefulness of the wiry coat.
TOOLS NEEDED:
To strip your Norfolk: first give the dog a thorough brushing, then starting at the shoulders, go over the entire body section by section, using your thumb and forefinger to pull on a small section of hair. If a hair is dead, it should come out easily. (And don't worry--this doesn't hurt the dog unless you yank on the hair!) Once the body is done, use thinning shears to thin the hair on the legs and tail, then go over those areas bit by bit with the stripping knife. Next trim the longer hair around the eyes with scissors, then go over the head with the knife. Finish with another brushing to remove any hairs you missed.
The Norfolk Terrier Club of Great Britain provides step-by-step instructions, with photos, on Norfolk Terrier stripping.
See the complete guide on how to care for Norfolk Terriers.
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