Norfolk Terrier

A very cute Norfolk Terrier standing in a yard with flowers.

Norfolk Terrier: The Charismatic and Lively Companion

The Norfolk Terrier is a small and spirited terrier breed known for its friendly personality, sturdy build, and fearless nature. Originally developed in England for hunting rats and small vermin, the Norfolk Terrier combines determination and alertness with an affectionate and adaptable temperament that makes it both an effective working dog and a loyal family companion. These energetic and curious dogs thrive with owners who can provide regular exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training, as Norfolk Terriers enjoy staying active and involved in daily family life. Unlike some terrier breeds, they are typically highly social and affectionate with people while still retaining the confidence and prey drive expected of a true terrier. With their wiry coat, expressive face, and cheerful personality, the Norfolk Terrier is an excellent choice for individuals or families seeking a compact companion dog with plenty of charm and energy.


⭐ 3 Things You May Not Know About the Norfolk Terrier

  1. The Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest working terrier breeds but was developed to be fearless while hunting rats and foxes.
  2. Norfolk Terriers and Norwich Terriers were once considered the same breed until they were officially separated based primarily on ear type.
  3. The breed became popular among students at Cambridge University during the late 19th century because of its lively personality and rat-hunting ability.

Overview

  • AKC Height: 9-10 inches
  • AKC Weight: 11-12 pounds
  • Colors: Red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle
  • Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
  • Group: Terrier Group

🐾 Quick Facts About the Norfolk Terrier

  • Energy Level: Moderate to High — Norfolk Terriers are active little dogs that enjoy play, walks, and outdoor activity.
  • Grooming Needs: Moderate — Their wiry coat benefits from regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping.
  • Good With Kids: Yes — Norfolk Terriers are generally affectionate, playful, and friendly with families and children.
  • Trainability: Moderate — Intelligent but independent, they respond best to patient and consistent training.
  • Barking Level: Moderate — Norfolk Terriers may bark to alert their family or express excitement and curiosity.

Jump to Section


History & Origin

The Norfolk Terrier originated in England, where it was developed as a small but fearless working terrier used for hunting rats, foxes, and other vermin in farms and stables. The breed traces its roots to East Anglia, particularly around Norfolk and Norwich, where farmers and horse owners valued compact terriers capable of controlling pests while remaining lively and adaptable companions.

Early Norfolk and Norwich Terriers were considered part of the same breed and were often referred to simply as Norwich Terriers. The main distinction eventually became ear type, with the Norfolk Terrier developing drop ears while the Norwich Terrier retained upright ears. Over time, breeders established them as separate breeds while preserving their shared working heritage and spirited personality.

These small terriers became especially popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries among students at Cambridge University, who appreciated the breed’s cheerful nature and excellent ratting ability. Their compact size, courage, and affectionate temperament helped them transition easily from working terriers into beloved companion dogs.

Despite their small stature, Norfolk Terriers retained the determination, confidence, and prey drive common among working terrier breeds. Their wiry weather-resistant coat and sturdy build helped them handle rough farm conditions and outdoor activity.

Modern Norfolk Terriers still retain many characteristics shaped by centuries of vermin-hunting work. Their intelligence, curiosity, confidence, and lively personality reflect generations of selective breeding for agility and determination. Beneath the breed’s small size and friendly expression remains a spirited and highly capable English working terrier deeply connected to Britain’s farming and sporting traditions.


Breed Traits & Personality

The Norfolk Terrier is a small working terrier known for its wiry coat, compact athletic build, and distinctive folded ears. Originally developed in England for hunting vermin and working alongside farmers and foxhunters, the breed combines courage, agility, endurance, and affectionate temperament with classic terrier determination in a small sturdy package.

The breed possesses a compact muscular frame with moderate bone structure, deep chest, strong shoulders, and sturdy hindquarters designed for agility and endurance. The Norfolk Terrier should appear balanced, strong, and naturally athletic without becoming coarse or fragile.

One of the breed’s most recognizable features is its dropped ears, which distinguish it from the closely related Norwich Terrier that has erect ears.

The head is broad and slightly rounded with a strong muzzle, dark oval-shaped eyes, and highly alert intelligent expression. The breed’s face often conveys curiosity, confidence, and cheerful attentiveness.

The ears are small, V-shaped, and neatly folded forward close to the cheeks, contributing greatly to the breed’s warm and expressive appearance.

The coat is dense, harsh, and wiry on the outer layer with a softer undercoat beneath. The weather-resistant texture historically protected the breed during outdoor work and rough terrain activity.

Coat colors commonly include red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle shades.

The tail is carried confidently and contributes to the breed’s lively alert posture. Movement should appear smooth, agile, and highly coordinated with excellent balance and energy.

The Norfolk Terrier’s compact flexible structure allows efficient movement through tight spaces and rough terrain while maintaining stamina and agility.

Although small and charming in appearance, the breed remains fundamentally a determined working terrier with impressive toughness and endurance.

Overall, the Norfolk Terrier projects athleticism, intelligence, confidence, and classic terrier character through its wiry coat and cheerful expression.

For a broader comparison of how this breed’s size compares to others, see our Dog Size & Weight Guide.


Temperament & Personality

The Norfolk Terrier is known for being affectionate, energetic, intelligent, and highly social. This breed forms strong emotional bonds with its family while maintaining the lively spirited personality associated with traditional working terriers.

With family members, Norfolk Terriers are typically loving, playful, and emotionally connected. Many individuals enjoy close companionship and actively participating in daily household routines and activities.

The breed is generally outgoing and socially friendly with both familiar people and strangers when properly socialized.

Norfolk Terriers are energetic and mentally active dogs that enjoy exploration, interactive play, and mentally engaging activities.

Because of their terrier heritage, many individuals possess strong curiosity, determination, and environmental awareness.

The breed is intelligent and capable of learning quickly, although occasional stubbornness and independence may appear during training sessions.

Early socialization is especially important for encouraging balanced behavior around unfamiliar people, animals, sounds, and environments.

Compared to some terrier breeds, Norfolk Terriers are often considered somewhat more adaptable and socially cooperative while still retaining classic terrier confidence.

The breed is emotionally sensitive and generally responds best to calm consistent leadership and positive interaction rather than harsh correction.

Because of their active social temperament, Norfolk Terriers generally do not thrive when isolated for long periods without companionship or stimulation.

In the right home, the Norfolk Terrier becomes a loyal, entertaining, emotionally connected companion with lively personality and classic terrier charm.

For a broader overview of personality differences between breed groups, visit our Dog Breed Temperament Guide.


Exercise & Training Needs

The Norfolk Terrier is a highly active and intelligent breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain physically healthy and behaviorally balanced.

Daily walks, interactive play sessions, obedience exercises, agility, scent games, and mentally demanding activities help satisfy the breed’s physical and emotional needs.

Because of the breed’s intelligence and energetic terrier nature, mental stimulation is especially important. Puzzle toys, trick training, earthdog activities, and varied routines help prevent boredom and frustration-related behaviors.

Training is generally rewarding because Norfolk Terriers are intelligent eager learners, although their independent personality may require patience and consistency.

Positive reinforcement methods using praise, treats, encouragement, and engaging sessions usually produce the best long-term results. The breed responds best to relationship-based training rather than harsh correction.

Early socialization is essential for encouraging confidence around unfamiliar people, animals, sounds, and environments.

Reliable recall training and impulse control are especially important because many Norfolk Terriers possess strong prey drive and environmental curiosity.

The breed often excels in canine sports and activities including agility, obedience, rally, scent work, earthdog trials, and advanced trick training.

Norfolk Terriers generally adapt very well to apartment living and smaller homes provided exercise and companionship needs are consistently met.

Although energetic during activity, many well-exercised individuals settle calmly indoors once physical and emotional needs have been properly satisfied.

For owners seeking an intelligent, affectionate terrier with lively personality and manageable size, the Norfolk Terrier can become an exceptionally rewarding companion.

Learn more on our Dog Training Page.


Grooming Requirements

The Norfolk Terrier has moderate grooming requirements due to its dense wiry coat and active outdoor lifestyle.

The harsh double coat should be brushed several times per week using slicker brushes, stripping combs, and grooming tools designed for wire-coated breeds to remove loose hair and maintain healthy coat condition.

Many Norfolk Terriers benefit from regular hand-stripping or professional grooming to preserve proper coat texture and maintain the breed’s traditional appearance.

The breed sheds relatively lightly compared to many other dogs, although dead hair must still be removed regularly through brushing or stripping.

Bathing is generally needed only periodically because the wiry coat naturally resists dirt relatively well. Overbathing should be avoided because it may soften the coat texture and reduce weather resistance.

Routine grooming should also include nail trimming, dental care, ear cleaning, and inspection of the skin and coat for irritation or debris.

Because the breed is highly active outdoors, owners should regularly inspect paw pads, nails, and coat condition following strenuous activity or rough-terrain exploration.

The weather-resistant coat provides excellent protection during outdoor work while still allowing flexibility and athletic movement.

Regular dental hygiene is especially important because smaller breeds may be prone to dental issues throughout life.

Regular grooming sessions also provide valuable opportunities to monitor skin health, coat quality, and overall physical condition throughout life.

With proper grooming, exercise, preventive care, and regular maintenance, the Norfolk Terrier maintains its healthy coat, athletic condition, and spirited terrier vitality throughout its life.

Learn more on our Dog Grooming Page.


Health Overview & Testing

The Norfolk Terrier is an intelligent, spirited, and highly affectionate small terrier breed known for its compact build, dropped ears, and cheerful personality. Originally developed in England for fox bolting and vermin control, the Norfolk Terrier is generally considered a hardy and long-lived breed, but like many active terriers, it can still be prone to several inherited and structural health concerns. Understanding common Norfolk Terrier health problems and recommended breeder health testing can help puppy buyers make more informed decisions when selecting a healthy puppy. Because this breed combines athletic movement, strong prey drive, compact structure, and energetic personality, maintaining healthy joints, eye health, mobility, dental wellness, and overall body condition is especially important throughout the dog’s life.

Health issues sometimes seen in Norfolk Terriers may include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, mitral valve disease, allergies, cataracts, and age-related arthritis. Some individuals may also develop dental disease, obesity-related orthopedic stress, tracheal weakness, or hereditary eye concerns later in life. Because the breed is naturally active and agile, maintaining proper body condition and regular conditioning is especially important for supporting long-term orthopedic wellness and mobility. While not every Norfolk Terrier will develop these conditions, understanding the breed’s health tendencies allows owners to make better long-term decisions regarding breeding, exercise, grooming, nutrition, and preventive veterinary care.


Health Testing & Responsible Breeding

Responsible Norfolk Terrier breeders should perform appropriate health screenings before breeding in order to reduce the likelihood of inherited conditions being passed to future generations. Many puppy buyers are encouraged to ask about health testing, but they are often unsure which evaluations are most important for this breed. In the Norfolk Terrier, careful attention to orthopedic, cardiac, eye, and overall structural health is especially valuable.

Buyers should ask whether the sire and dam have completed patella evaluations, hip evaluations when appropriate, cardiac testing, and ophthalmologist-performed eye examinations. Responsible breeders may also discuss orthopedic longevity, temperament stability, working soundness, coat quality, and overall lifespan within their bloodlines. Some breeders may additionally monitor for hereditary immune-related or neurological concerns depending on pedigree history.

Unlike some breeds selected primarily for appearance alone, responsible Norfolk Terrier breeding programs often place strong emphasis on athletic soundness, stable temperament, and working ability because the breed was developed for physically demanding vermin-control work. Ethical breeders understand that preserving the Norfolk Terrier involves much more than maintaining coat texture or appearance — it also includes protecting healthy movement, emotional stability, sensory wellness, and long-term vitality.

Before Norfolk Terrier puppies are placed into new homes, they should receive a complete veterinary wellness examination that evaluates the heart, eyes, joints, bite alignment, parasite status, overall structure, and general physical development. Because active terrier breeds place stress on developing bones and joints during growth, proper nutrition and carefully managed exercise during puppyhood are especially important. Puppies should also leave with age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming records, feeding guidance, and recommendations for safe socialization, grooming, and physical conditioning during development.

A responsible Norfolk Terrier breeder should willingly provide documentation of completed health clearances and openly discuss inherited health concerns affecting the breed. Puppy buyers should be cautious of breeders who avoid health discussions, refuse to provide testing information, or claim their dogs are completely free of health problems. Ethical breeding focuses on reducing inherited risk through careful selection, health screening, pedigree knowledge, and lifelong breeder support rather than making unrealistic promises.


Preventive Care & Long-Term Wellness

Maintaining healthy body condition and regular exercise is especially important for the Norfolk Terrier because this breed is naturally energetic, athletic, and mentally active. Without sufficient physical activity and mental stimulation, some individuals may become vocal, stubborn, destructive, or emotionally frustrated. Regular exercise helps support cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, coordination, joint stability, and emotional well-being throughout life.

The Norfolk Terrier is also an intelligent and highly interactive breed that benefits from regular mental stimulation and structured interaction. Walks, obedience games, puzzle toys, scent activities, agility exercises, and interactive play all contribute to emotional balance and long-term wellness.

The breed’s wiry coat requires regular brushing and grooming maintenance, including periodic hand-stripping or trimming, to help maintain healthy skin and coat condition. Grooming sessions also provide an excellent opportunity to monitor for parasites, lumps, skin irritation, coat-quality changes, or developing health concerns.

Because smaller terrier breeds may be somewhat prone to dental disease over time, regular tooth brushing and routine veterinary dental care are especially important throughout life.

Routine veterinary examinations throughout adulthood and senior years remain important for monitoring mobility, orthopedic wellness, cardiac function, eye condition, dental health, and overall quality of life. Early detection of developing health concerns often allows for more successful long-term management and improved outcomes.


Lifespan & Senior Norfolk Terrier Care

The Norfolk Terrier often lives approximately 12 to 16 years when responsibly bred and properly cared for, although some individuals may live longer. Senior Norfolk Terriers may gradually develop arthritis, reduced stamina, hearing decline, vision changes, dental disease, muscle loss, or decreased mobility as they age. Some older dogs may also become more prone to orthopedic stiffness or sensory decline during the senior years.

As Norfolk Terriers enter their senior years, many owners focus on maintaining moderate low-impact exercise, healthy weight management, supportive bedding, dental care, joint support, and routine wellness evaluations. Because the breed often remains mentally active and emotionally connected throughout life, continued companionship and interaction remain especially important even during old age.

With attentive care, preventive veterinary support, responsible breeding, and a healthy lifestyle, many Norfolk Terriers continue to thrive as energetic, affectionate, and highly devoted companions throughout their lives.


Is This Breed Right for You?

The Norfolk Terrier is an intelligent, energetic, and highly affectionate terrier breed known for its cheerful personality, compact size, and strong bond with its family. Originally developed for vermin control and companionship, the Norfolk Terrier thrives when given exercise, companionship, structure, and opportunities to stay mentally and physically engaged.

While affectionate and entertaining, the Norfolk Terrier is not the ideal fit for every household. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:

✔ Ideal for:

  • Active owners who enjoy walking and interactive play
  • Families seeking a lively and intelligent companion
  • People able to provide regular exercise and mental stimulation
  • Owners interested in obedience, tricks, or canine activities
  • Homes willing to provide companionship and structure

❌ Not Ideal for:

  • People unable to provide regular exercise and engagement
  • Homes where the dog will frequently be isolated or inactive
  • Owners seeking a calm or low-drive companion
  • People unprepared for terrier independence and prey drive
  • Homes unwilling to provide training and supervision

Finding a Responsible Breeder or Rescue

If you’re interested in bringing a dog of this breed into your home, consider adopting from a rescue organization or finding a reputable breeder.

Find a Reliable Rescue:

Read our page about how to adopt from a reliable dog rescue.

Find reliable rescues through our Dog Rescue Directory.

Find a Responsible Breeder:

Read our information page about buying a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder.

Find responsible breeders through our Dog Breeders Directory.


Puppy Considerations

Norfolk Terrier puppies are playful, curious, and highly energetic from an early age. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are extremely important to help puppies develop confidence, emotional stability, and appropriate behavior.

Because these puppies mature into active and highly alert terriers, early structure and healthy outlets for their energy are especially important. Their intelligence, curiosity, and prey drive often become obvious very early in development.

Puppies benefit from:

  • Early socialization with people, dogs, sounds, and environments
  • Positive reinforcement training and structured routines
  • Daily exercise and mentally stimulating activities
  • Confidence-building exercises and interactive play
  • Regular grooming handling and coat-care routines

Because Norfolk Terrier puppies are highly intelligent and independent, calm leadership and consistent training are especially important during development.


Living With a Norfolk Terrier

Living with a Norfolk Terrier is often rewarding for owners who appreciate energetic, intelligent, and highly interactive companion dogs. These dogs generally form strong bonds with their families and often enjoy participating in active household routines.

The Norfolk Terrier requires regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and emotionally balanced. Many enjoy walks, obedience games, puzzle toys, scent activities, agility exercises, and interactive play with their families.

This breed generally does best in homes where it receives companionship, structure, training, and opportunities to stay mentally occupied. Without enough engagement or exercise, boredom may lead to excessive barking, digging, stubbornness, or emotional frustration.

Although affectionate and social with family members, Norfolk Terriers may naturally be somewhat bold and highly curious. Early socialization and responsible ownership are important for helping the breed develop into a confident and manageable adult.

Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important for supporting mobility, muscle condition, orthopedic wellness, dental health, and overall quality of life. Routine veterinary care, exercise, training, grooming, and companionship all contribute to helping the breed thrive.


Final Thoughts…

The Norfolk Terrier is an affectionate, intelligent, and deeply loyal terrier breed that thrives with owners who appreciate active companionship and lively interaction. Their cheerful personality, adaptability, and devotion make them wonderful companions in the right homes.

With proper exercise, preventive care, socialization, training, grooming, dental care, and companionship, the Norfolk Terrier can become a deeply rewarding and highly devoted lifelong companion.

Are you considering adding a Norfolk Terrier to your family?


🐶 Norfolk Terriers FAQs


How long do Norfolk Terriers live?

Norfolk Terriers typically have a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. With proper nutrition, routine veterinary care, and regular activity, many live long, healthy lives.

This breed is generally hardy but may be prone to certain inherited conditions such as joint issues and eye disorders. Regular health checkups help support long-term wellbeing.

What is the Norfolk Terrier temperament like?

Norfolk Terriers are known for being friendly, confident, and outgoing. They are among the most sociable of the terrier breeds and tend to enjoy interaction with people.

They are alert and curious without being overly sharp or aggressive. Early socialization helps reinforce their naturally balanced temperament.

Are Norfolk Terriers good family dogs?

Yes, Norfolk Terriers can be excellent family dogs. They are typically affectionate and tolerant, making them well suited to family life.

They do well with children when interactions are supervised and respectful. Consistent routines and engagement help them thrive in a family environment.

Do Norfolk Terriers shed a lot?

Norfolk Terriers are low to moderate shedders. Their wiry coat sheds minimally compared to many other breeds.

Regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping or trimming help maintain coat health and texture. Grooming needs are moderate and manageable.

Are Norfolk Terriers easy to train?

Norfolk Terriers are intelligent and generally eager to learn, though they can be independent at times. Training works best when it is consistent and positive.

Positive reinforcement and early training help develop good manners and focus. Short, engaging sessions are most effective.


Similar Breeds You Might Like

If you’re interested in the Norfolk Terrier, you may also enjoy learning about these similar terrier breeds:

  • Norwich Terrier – A closely related breed known for a lively, affectionate personality.
  • Cairn Terrier – A sturdy terrier valued for curiosity, confidence, and adaptability.
  • Border Terrier – A friendly, adaptable terrier known for strong family bonds.

🐾 Lisa’s Picks for Norfolk Terriers

As someone who has worked with dogs for over 50 years—including more than 20 years helping with housebreaking and everyday care—I’m often asked for product recommendations. I’ve found that a few simple items can make a big difference in a dog’s comfort and daily routine.

If you have a Norfolk Terrier or are planning to bring one into your home, these products and tips can help support your journey together.

🛏️ 1. Dog Beds

👉 My Tip:  Waterproof Bed Protection (My Personal Favorite Trick)

One thing I personally do is use twin-size waterproof mattress covers over larger dog beds. They’re easy to wash, protect the bed beneath, and save money long-term—especially helpful for puppies, seniors, or heavy shedders. You can find different colors and patterns that fit your decor.

For tiny dog beds, you can use waterproof pillow covers that fit over the beds to protect them and save money long-term.

I use the same idea around the house, too. Washable, waterproof couch covers are a simple way to protect furniture from dirt, shedding, and accidents—especially helpful with puppies, seniors, or dogs that love the couch.

Orthopedic Foam Dog Beds:
A high-quality orthopedic bed is one of the best investments you can make for your dog. I recommend these for every breed, once they are out of the chewing stage, especially as they age. They provide joint support, improve comfort, and help dogs truly rest.

Tough Dog Beds for Dogs That Chew:
If your dog tends to chew or destroy their bedding, a standard plush bed may not last long. In these cases, I recommend tough, chew-resistant dog beds made with reinforced materials.
These are designed to hold up better against digging, scratching, and chewing, and can save you from constantly replacing beds. While no bed is completely indestructible, choosing a more durable option can make a big difference.

Puppies need Simple Washable Bedding:
For young puppies that are still learning house training, I often suggest starting with simple, washable blankets instead of an expensive dog bed.
Thick towels, fleece throws, or washable pads work very well during this stage. They’re easy to clean, quick to replace, and help protect your main dog beds until your puppy is more reliable. Once house training is more consistent, you can transition to a more permanent, supportive bed.

✂️ 2. Proper Grooming Tools for the Norfolk Terrier Coat

Norfolk Terriers have a harsh, wiry double coat with a softer undercoat, so using the right grooming tools helps maintain the coat’s texture and overall appearance.

A gentle slicker brush works well for regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent tangles, while a metal comb helps with detail work around the beard, legs, and furnishings. Occasional hand-stripping is often recommended to help maintain the coat’s proper harsh texture and natural color, although clipping may be used for easier maintenance in pet homes.

Regular grooming helps keep the coat healthy, tidy, and true to the breed’s classic terrier appearance.

Regular brushing:

  • Helps remove loose hair
  • Maintains coat texture
  • Keeps the coat healthy

🦴 3. Treats (Great for All Dogs)

  • Jerky Treats for Dogs: Almost all dogs love soft, easy-to-break NATURAL jerky treats. They’re perfect for rewarding good behavior without overfeeding. Soft jerky treats provide protein and are easy to chew.

  • Tiny Treats for Small Dogs
    For small dogs, I recommend using very tiny, NATURAL training treats that are soft and easy to chew. This lets you reward often without overfeeding.
  • Stronger Chew Treats for Larger Dogs
    Dogs that enjoy a more robust chewing experience will benefit from stronger chew treats. Some larger dogs may still go through them quickly, while others will take more time—so it often depends on the individual dog.

👉 My Tip: Check Ingredient Labels

I always recommend checking the ingredient label when choosing treats at the store. Dogs don’t need added sugar or artificial ingredients, and some treats can upset their stomach or cause diarrhea. Look for all-natural ingredient labels, and single ingredient or few ingredient labels are preferred.

It’s important to note that even among the same breed, some dogs enjoy chewing more than others, and many have preferences for certain types of chews. If you notice bleeding gums during chewing, it’s a good idea to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out any dental issues.

🧠 4. Enrichment Toys for Mental Stimulation

Norfolk Terriers are active, so giving them something to do is important.

An enrichment toy can help:

  • Prevent boredom
  • Reduce unwanted behaviors
  • Keep their mind engaged

When choosing an enrichment toy, think about your dog’s personality and needs. Some dogs love puzzle toys and mental challenges, while others are happier with something they can chew or carry around.

🐕 5. Safe, Comfortable Harness, Collar & Leash

From my experience, choosing the right walking gear can make a big difference in both safety and control. Some harnesses and collars are designed to help prevent dogs from slipping out, which is especially important for strong or easily startled dogs, and those are the types I personally recommend for safety.

Harness: A quality, comfortable properly fitted harness can make walks more comfortable and easier to manage—especially for dogs that tend to pull or get excited outdoors. If you have a dog that tries to wiggle out of their harness, search for an “escape proof” harness that has an extra strap towards the back.

Collar: I use and prefer safety martingale collars, as they can help prevent dogs from backing out of their collar while still being more gentle than traditional collars when used correctly.

Leash: Choose a lightweight leash for small dogs and a sturdier, heavier leash for larger dogs to ensure good control. Nylon leashes are strong and long-lasting. Some leashes also include a comfortable padded handle.

👉 My Tip: Avoid Retractable Leashes

I don’t recommend retractable leashes, as they can break and tangle easily and create safety issues and tripping hazards.

💡 Lisa’s Tip:

You don’t need a lot of products to care for a dog well… just the right ones. Focus on comfort, consistency, and routine, and you’ll make life easier for both you and your dog.


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Written by Lisa Puskas — Author and founder of Dog-Breeds.net with 50+ years of hands-on experience raising, showing, and training dogs. She is dedicated to preserving dog breeds, educating responsible ownership, and supporting rescue organizations by helping improve long-term adoption success.