12-15 lbs
10-13"
Unknown
The Norjack is an uncommon designer dog, an intentional mix between two small, spirited terrier breeds; the Norfolk Terrier and the Parson Jack Russell Terrier. Both of the parent breeds are fairly young breeds, both less than two centuries in development. The Parson Jack Russell was developed first in the 19th century as a fox hunting dog, meant to bring a fox to ground and hold it until the hunters arrived, while the Norfolk Terrier was developed in the 20th century from an efficient rat hunter that originated in the urban areas around Cambridge University. This crossbreed is an intelligent but sometimes challenging canine and it may require a great deal of socialization, training, and attention for this dog to reach their full potential.
The Norjack is a hybrid dog, an intentional cross between two small but feisty terriers, the Norfolk Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier, known more commonly as the Parson Jack Russell Terrier or even just the Jack Russell. The Parson Russell Terrier gets its name from the man who founded the breed, Parson John “Jack” Russell. The Parson was an avid fox hunter and a breeder of foxhounds who was inspired to develop the breed by the dog of a milkman. He spotted the small, mostly white female with the milkman in 1819 and bought her right then and there, giving her the name of “Trump”, and he used her as a basis for a breed that had long enough legs to keep up with the fox but was also small enough to follow it to ground if needed. This spirited canine was bred with the intent to chase but not kill the fox, leaving that up to the hunter. It is important to note that although the only dog recognized by the American and United Kingdom Kennel Clubs is the Parson Russell Terrier, there are also Jack Russell Terrier Clubs in both England and in the United States that favor a less consistent canine which may have infusions of Corgi or Dachshund genetics in its background, giving it shorter legs and a longer back, as well as differences in temperament and health. The Norfolk Terrier is a much younger breed than the Parson Russell Terrier, an offshoot of the Norwich Terrier breed, which was developed in the early 20th century from a small ratting terrier that was so widely employed to kill rats on Trumpington street near Cambridge University that it was known as the Trumpington Terrier, and a smooth haired white Terrier female with prick ears known only as “Ninety”. Until recently the Norwich Terrier came in a prick-eared and a folded ear variety, however, the variety that had the folded ears were renamed the Norfolk Terrier and were first recognized as a separate breed by the English, Canadian, and American Kennel Clubs just in the last half of the 20th century.
Like most working terrier types, the Norjack dog is a sturdily built but compact animal with strong bones and powerful legs, however, the two parent breeds are quite different in structure and appearance and these little hybrid terriers can vary quite a bit from dog to dog. Those that lean towards the Norfolk Terrier genetics are likely to have longer backs and straighter tails than those with the Parson Jack Russell’s heritage, while those that favor the Parson Russell will have longer legs and narrower chests. The shape and structure of the head and the facial areas can differ quite a bit as the Norjack can inherit qualities from either the Norfolk Terrier, with a broad, slightly rounded head and shortened, wedge-shaped muzzle, or from the Parson Jack Russell which possesses a flatter skull shape that is wide at the back but narrower towards the front with a longer more rectangular muzzle than that of the Norfolk. The Norjack should consistently have dark eyes that can be either oval or almond in shape, and small V-shaped ears that drop forward, the rounded tips hanging near the cheekbones. The double layer coat of the Norjack is inherited from both parent breeds and in most cases this will be comprised of a soft, very dense undercoat with a protective coat made up of straight, wiry hairs, a coat that is common to both the Norfolk Terrier and the broken-coated variety of the Parson Russell Terrier, however, the Norjack may occassionally inherit a smooth, glossy coat from the smooth-coated Parson Russell Terrier.
These little canines don’t generally need baths more than two or three times a year, providing that they are thoroughly brushed on a regular basis, and bathing these dogs too frequently can even strip them of essential natural oils, leaving their skin and coat dry and brittle. The Norjack requires weekly brushing to help distribute their natural oils to their coat, to remove dirt and debris, and to control shedding. In addition to the weekly brushing, the wiry coated variety of this dog may require hand stripping two to three times a year, and may even require the occasional use of thinning shears and trimming scissors to keep it neat and tidy.
Terriers, in general, were developed to be independent, tenacious, and ready for anything, and these traits are definitely present in the Norjack crossbreed. They are happiest when they are in the thick of the activity and can be very demanding if they feel they are being left out of things. These dogs are good companions for older children as their enthusiasm for life and play can appear endless, but some may become possessive, jealous, and even nippy with babies and toddlers. With the inclusion of the Norfolk Terrier, this hybrid is likely to be somewhat less aggressive towards other animals, but they are still generally quite feisty and can be bossy towards other cats and dogs in the household. They may be reserved towards strangers, but early positive socialization will typically help prevent any undue anxiety about strangers from taking hold. Although this crossbreed is very intelligent and will learn tricks rather quickly, it can be difficult to get them to do the tricks consistently due to the independence and stubbornness that was bred into them. Even early training and socialization may not be able to fully quench this dog’s drive to chase and even kill things that scurry, squeak, or flutter, so these dogs should not be left alone with smaller pets, and they require a fence or leash at all times when outdoors.
Despite its small stature, this hybrid is a very energetic animal and it requires a great deal of activity to keep it healthy and happy. Although Norjacks that heavily favor the Norfolk Terrier may be satisfied with an hours worth of activity per day, most will prefer at least another half hour beyond that. These dogs are often quick thinking as well, and varying their exercise routine will benefit both their mind and body. Additional activities that these dogs may enjoy can include agility training, earth dog trials, frisbee competitions, and even water sports. These dogs are often too active and yappy to make good apartment dwellers, although with consistent training and extra daily exercise they may be able to adjust.
Written by a Irish Setter lover Penny Sebring
Published: 11/10/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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