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Norfolk Spaniel Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Norfolk Spaniel so you can get to know the breed more.

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OriginUnited Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Norfolk Spaniel known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Shropshire Spaniel
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Norfolk Spaniel? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Norfolk Spaniel Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Norfolk Spaniel? Learn how big the Norfolk Spaniel breed typically grows.
Medium
Weight Statistics
How much does a Norfolk Spaniel weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Norfolk Spaniel breed.
30-50 pounds (13-23 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Norfolk Spaniel?
40 pounds (18 kg)
Height
How tall is the Norfolk Spaniel? Norfolk Spaniel height:
16-19 inches (41-48 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Norfolk Spaniel?
17.5 inches (44.5 cm)

Norfolk Spaniel Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Norfolk Spaniel puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Norfolk Spaniel costs.
Unavailable
Unfortunately the Norfolk Spaniel is an extinct dog breed, so there isn’t any available price range or breeder in the world for purchasing this breed.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Norfolk Spaniel? How many Norfolk Spaniel are there in the world?
Unavailable: This dog breed, unfortunately, is no longer available, it may even be extinct.

Norfolk Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Norfolk Spaniel? Discover the Norfolk Spaniel's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Norfolk Spaniel dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Norfolk Spaniel is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Norfolk Spaniel? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's trainability and response to training methods.
A slightly harder to train than average. Norfolk Spaniel dogs aren't famous for their trainability. This breed needs more time and repetition to obey. It's challenging to teach them new commands, but not impossible.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Norfolk Spaniel as a watchdog? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's alertness and guarding instincts.
Norfolk Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Norfolk Spaniel dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Norfolk Spaniel protective of its territory? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's guarding instincts and behavior.
Norfolk Spaniel dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Norfolk Spaniel Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Norfolk Spaniel have? Learn about characteristic Norfolk Spaniel temperament and behavior traits.
AffectionateLoyalHunting
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Norfolk Spaniel sensitivity:
Sensitive: Norfolk Spaniel dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Norfolk Spaniel a good family dog?
High: Norfolk Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Shropshire Spaniel need? Norfolk Spaniel social needs:
Norfolk Spaniel dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Norfolk Spaniel to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Norfolk Spaniel roam?
Norfolk Spaniel dogs are not the biggest explorers. They have low wanderlust potential. Low chance of escaping from home with this breed.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Norfolk Spaniel have high prey drive?
Norfolk Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Norfolk Spaniel dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Norfolk Spaniel Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Norfolk Spaniel bark a lot? Learn about typical Norfolk Spaniel vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average: The Norfolk Spaniel barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Norfolk Spaniel? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Norfolk Spaniel breed.
The Norfolk Spaniel is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Norfolk Spaniel live in an apartment? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's suitability for apartment living.
Apartment-friendly dog the Norfolk Spaniel breed. It is best if you have a small garden where it can occasionally go out to do its business, but this is not important at all. You can exercise him enough with a walk or two a day, so he's comfortable in an apartment.

Norfolk Spaniel Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Norfolk Spaniel to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's flexibility to new situations.
Norfolk Spaniel dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Norfolk Spaniel be left alone? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's tolerance to solitude.
Norfolk Spaniel dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Norfolk Spaniel Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Norfolk Spaniel biting potential? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Norfolk Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Norfolk Spaniel mouthy? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's tendency to use mouth during play.
Norfolk Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Norfolk Spaniel dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Norfolk Spaniel bite? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Norfolk Spaniel bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Norfolk Spaniel measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Norfolk Spaniel is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Norfolk Spaniel bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Norfolk Spaniel bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Norfolk Spaniel puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Norfolk Spaniel, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Norfolk Spaniel bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Norfolk Spaniel can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Norfolk Spaniel Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Norfolk Spaniel live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Norfolk Spaniel breed.
11-13 years
The average lifespan of Norfolk Spaniel: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Norfolk Spaniel handle different weather? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's climate adaptability.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Norfolk Spaniel can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Norfolk Spaniel? Discover typical conditions affecting the Norfolk Spaniel breed.
The Norfolk Spaniel is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Norfolk Spaniel need vet visits? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Norfolk Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Norfolk Spaniel Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Norfolk Spaniel? Understand daily activity needs of the Norfolk Spaniel breed.
Norfolk Spaniel dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Norfolk Spaniel need? How much exercise do Norfolk Spaniel dogs require per day?

Do Norfolk Spaniel dogs need a lot of exercises?

Norfolk Spaniel dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Norfolk Spaniel breed need?
Norfolk Spaniel dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Norfolk Spaniel Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Norfolk Spaniel prone to weight gain? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Norfolk Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Norfolk Spaniel weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Norfolk Spaniel need daily? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's feeding requirements.
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Norfolk Spaniel Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Norfolk Spaniel hypoallergenic? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Norfolk Spaniel dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Norfolk Spaniel come in? Discover all possible Norfolk Spaniel color variations.
White & Black
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Norfolk Spaniel need? Learn about Norfolk Spaniel coat maintenance requirements.
Easy to groom: The Norfolk Spaniel doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Norfolk Spaniel is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Norfolk Spaniel drool a lot? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's drooling habits.
The Norfolk Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Norfolk Spaniel could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Norfolk Spaniel.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Norfolk Spaniel smell bad? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Norfolk Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Norfolk Spaniel have? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's fur characteristics.
Feathered
Bathing Needs
How often does a Norfolk Spaniel need baths? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's bathing requirements.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do Norfolk Spaniel dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Shropshire Spaniel? Do Norfolk Spaniel dogs shed a lot?
Norfolk Spaniel dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Norfolk Spaniel Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Norfolk Spaniel good with children? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's behavior around kids of different ages.
Norfolk Spaniel dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Norfolk Spaniel get along with other pets? Discover the Norfolk Spaniel's compatibility with other animals.
Norfolk Spaniel dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Norfolk Spaniel temperament with other people:
Norfolk Spaniel dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Norfolk Spaniel dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Norfolk Spaniel breed live with a cat?
Norfolk Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Norfolk Spaniel good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Norfolk Spaniel dogs get along with other dogs?
Norfolk Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Norfolk Spaniel can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Norfolk Spaniel breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Norfolk Spaniel breed suitable for first-time owners?
No
Norfolk Spaniel dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Are Norfolk Spaniel dogs good office canines? Do Norfolk Spaniel dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Norfolk Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Norfolk Spaniel dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Shropshire Spaniel temperament with senior people? Are Norfolk Spaniel dogs good for elderly owners?
Norfolk Spaniels are usually recommended for elderly people.

Norfolk Spaniel As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Norfolk Spaniel be a service dog? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Norfolk Spaniel is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Norfolk Spaniel good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Norfolk Spaniel is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Norfolk Spaniel good at detection work? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Norfolk Spaniel is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Norfolk Spaniel do search and rescue? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Norfolk Spaniel is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Norfolk Spaniel good on boats? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Norfolk Spaniel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Norfolk Spaniel pull carts? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Norfolk Spaniel is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Norfolk Spaniel used in military service? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Norfolk Spaniel Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Norfolk Spaniel usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
4-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Norfolk Spaniel pregnant? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Norfolk Spaniel: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Norfolk Spaniel have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Norfolk Spaniel Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Norfolk Spaniel in? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Norfolk Spaniel in? Learn about the Norfolk Spaniel's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Norfolk Spaniel Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Norfolk Spaniel dogs have great intelligence.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Apartment-friendly dog the Norfolk Spaniel breed.
  • Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The Norfolk Spaniel doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Norfolk Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Rating: Norfolk Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Norfolk Spaniel dogs are not the biggest explorers.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Norfolk Spaniel dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Norfolk Spaniel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Norfolk Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Norfolk Spaniels are usually recommended for elderly people.
Cons
  • Training Difficulty: A slightly harder to train than average.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Norfolk Spaniel dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Obesity Tendency: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Norfolk Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Norfolk Spaniel dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Norfolk Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Norfolk Spaniel dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.

Norfolk Spaniel History

Originally the Norfolk Spaniel was bred by an unspecified Duke of Norfolk with the intention of using the dogs as a bird and gun dog, capable of chasing birds out of their nests on the ground and in water. This breed is possibly Europe’s oldest gun dog and is known to be the most similar to other Spaniel breeds. The breed is the ancestor of the small to medium size, longer coated Spaniels. Since the Norfolk Spaniel had been around longer than records were taken about dogs, there is not much specific information to know about them.

The name Spaniel translates to “Spanish”, because of which, many experts originate the breed from Spain, yet this theory is false, for the reason that spaniels were famous long before Spain even formed a kingdom. Since 1066 spaniels had been around France and England.

In the 18th century, spaniels were separated into three categories: toy, water, and land spaniels. They placed the Norfolk Spaniel within the Springer Spaniel into the land spaniel category. By the mid-1800s the breed was considered to be the most common breed in England. In 1855 The Spaniel Club was formed, and they gave a breed standard for the Norfolk Spaniel, recognizing it as an independent type of spaniel. By the end of the 1890s, the breed had become widespread across the English counties. Its history was questionable, so it had inspired several writers to delve deeper into the authenticity of the dog’s origin. One of the writers was Rawdon Briggs Lee who thought that the breed was not a purebred and that it has ever been indigenous to Norfolk. Moreover, his theory got backed up by F. H. F. Mercer, stating that the Norfolk Spaniel’s signature liver and white colors are just a result of breeding different colored spaniels with each other.

In 1902, The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom designated Norfolk Spaniels under English Springer Spaniel, regarding the fact that the two breed’s only difference is that the Norfolk Spaniel is more likely to have a white-liver colored coat.

There is still much debate about whether the Norfolk Spaniel should be separated as a unique breed, even the existence of the breed is questionable. It is concluded that the breed had gone extinct before World War I., albeit some believe that they are exactly the same as English Springer Spaniels.

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