Norfolk Terrier Old English Sheepdog Mix

The Norfolk Terrier Old English Sheepdog Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Norfolk Terrier and the Old English Sheepdog. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Norfolk Terrier is known for being fearless, happy, and spirited. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Norfolk Terrier or the Old English Sheepdog? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Norfolk Terrier Old English Sheepdog Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Norfolk Terrier Old English Sheepdog Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Norfolk Terrier Old English Sheepdog Mix puppies for sale.

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Norfolk Terrier Old English Sheepdog Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Norfolk Terrier History

The Norfolk Terrier, like most smaller terrier breeds, was initially bred to hunt and kill vermin in barns. She is also known as the Cantab and Trumpington Terrier. They were bred and developed near the towns of Norfolk and Norwich in England in the early nineteenth century. As previously stated they were there to become a general farm dog and hunter of vermin. It was of course created by the crossing of many different terrier breeds. A few decades later, students at Cambridge University started to use them to help with their rat problems. They made their way to America in the early 20th century and were referred to as Jones Terriers due to the breeder who helped create them. In 1979, the Norfolk and Norwich Terriers were recognized as separate breeds by the American Kennel Club.

Old English Sheepdog History

The Old English Sheepdog comes from a breed of dog that originates in England. Names that are now obsolete for this breed include Shepherd’s Dog and Bob-Tailed Sheep-Dog.

The Old English Sheepdog was historically a drover which means it helped farmers drive cattle and sheep to the market. Today, they are more of companion dog than anything. They make great family pets are adaptable, intelligent, and very easy-going.

All around, the Old English Sheepdog is friendly; and although they are larger dogs, they would be as happy in an apartment as in a home. As long as they are with family, they would do well in most environments. Being not only kid and stranger-friendly, they are also dog-friendly.

The exact origin of an Old English Sheepdog is not known. There were dogs there were similar to the Old English Sheepdog, but there were no records that were kept. There is a small dog that looks similar to an Old English Sheepdog in a painting by Gainsborough in 1771 that many believe could be an earlier type of Old English Sheepdog. Then in the early 19th Century there was a dog called a Smithfield or Cotswold Cor that could have been an ancestor as well. The Bearded Collie is agreed to be among the original stock that was used in creating todays breed. Some think the Russian Owtchar was part of the ancestor list as well.

When the Old English Sheepdog was called the Shepherd’s Dog, it was first exhibited in 1873 in Birmingham, England. The breed was exposed to the United States in the 1880s, and by the 20th Century, the breed has been bred by five of the ten wealthiest American families.

Norfolk Terrier Old English Sheepdog Mix Size and Weight

Norfolk Terrier
Height: 9 - 10 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 11 - 12 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Old English Sheepdog
Height: 20 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 60 - 100 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years

Norfolk Terrier Old English Sheepdog Mix Personality

The Norfolk Terrier and the Old English Sheepdog are both loyal and affectionate. They are also very charming, so watch out! This dog will require a good training regimen as they can get excited. They are very loyal to their family. One of the best things you can do for any breed is to socialize it as much as possible. Please use positive reinforcement, it goes a long way! She should be rather affectionate and love being with you, she can also be stubborn so keep that in mind.

Norfolk Terrier Old English Sheepdog Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Norfolk Terrier mixed with the Old English Sheepdog might be prone to joint dysplasia, mitrovalve disease, patellar luxation, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Norfolk Terrier Old English Sheepdog Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Norfolk Terrier Old English Sheepdog Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Norfolk Terrier Links

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