Kingstead Norfolk Terriers

ABOUT KINGSTEAD

Over the years we have had Labrador Retrievers, Greyhounds, a Golden Retriever, and a Chocolate Labrador-Newfoundland mix. Our dogs have been A.K.C. purebreds as well as rescues with dubious backgrounds. After our ten-year-old Golden Retriever died from cancer, we adopted our Labrador-Newfoundland from the S.P.C.A.. He was our son's sidekick, however, and as the days neared when they would be moving into their own home, we began searching for another dog.

Our wish list for a new puppy included: small in stature, spirit of a Golden, intelligence of a Labrador. After much research, we discovered the absolutely adorable Norfolk Terrier. We were concerned with the terrier tag and the high level of exuberance they are rumored to pack in their tiny bodies, but after discovering that Norfolks are a relatively healthy breed, are eager to please, and are highly intelligent, we followed our hearts.

Locating a breeder with an available pup was not a quick process as, we discovered, there are only a few hundred Norfolk Terrier puppies born within the United States annually. Patience paid off and we were ultimately rewarded with a little girl, Josephine, followed by Amy Louisa, Margaret May, and Laurence Truelove.

We are grateful at having been blessed with such affectionate and amusing little characters, so much so that we became determined to help preserve this wonderful breed.

Kingstead is exclusive to Norfolk Terriers

Kingstead is solely focused on the preservation of this relatively rare breed. While we advise those in search of a pet -any pet- to check out the local shelters, we will not go to the extreme and suggest it is the only option at the risk of allowing an entire breed to become extinct. If you are searching for an uncommon puppy, consider the following:

Less than three hundred Norfolk Terrier puppies are born in the United States each year.

It is improbable that you will find a Norfolk Terrier at a rescue organization; once a family member, always a family member.

There is only one way to acquire a purebred Norfolk Terrier and that is through a reputable breeder

Kingstead's Quality and Health Standards

All our dogs have AKC Champion bloodlines, both dam and sire are screened prior to breeding, and all puppies go home with health certifications.

Alfie Buttons and Family

Alfie Buttons is 5 months old today! He has been the light of our lives since joining our family in mid January. He’s full of personality - we love his playfulness, his jaunty walk, his confidence and curiosity. He loves to lick us and roll over on his back and have his tummy rubbed when he wakes up in the morning.

He’s been eager to please and quick with his training and now can pretty reliably sit, stay, lie down, retrieve, “drop it” and come. From the very beginning he took to his crate and has been comfortable in it.

He’s super friendly with other people and other dogs, which we regularly encounter on walks. He has been deferential to our much older other Norfolk and they are now getting along well, and playing and communicating with each other.

He’s very healthy and our vet is a genuine fan - she even asked for your information! He’s completely delightful. Thank you so much!

Jane and Roger and all the rest of the family

The Badger and His Humans

I’m not sure whether I can write about the Badger, our seven-month-old Norfolk Terrier from Kingstead, without tearing up. We couldn’t be more happy with our decision to get our pup from Kingstead. “Badger" has been everything we hoped for — and more. Norfolk Terriers have a big dog personality. They look adorable, but are not wussy little yappers.

The Badger is the beloved center of attention in our family. He is not only handsome and photogenic, but has a delightful, outgoing personality with people and other dogs that everyone admires.

Every encounter is a new source of fun. He has no fear of other dogs, big or small, and never cringes, bites or growls. After owning larger dogs in the past, I was concerned that he would yap, but he does not. He will greet a guest with a tail wag and a bark or two, but that’s it. He’s just happy to see a new face and make them smile.

The McGhees gave us all the information and support we needed from the start. There have been no problems with his health or care.

Badger was easily housebroken. He sleeps through the night in his crate in our bedroom and doesn’t make a peep until morning — since his third night home. He is a great family dog because he is so social and adaptable. You can take food out of his mouth and he wouldn’t growl.

We were also surprised how little he sheds and how carefree his coat is. We just trim his eyebrows and give him an occasional bath in the sink and brushing. He loves to dive into the towels on the floor and dry himself.

Our favorite thing to do with Badger is to hike. He stays with us off the lead and keeps up with our active family. We were delighted that he doesn’t run away, but stays right with us. He is tough little athlete on the trail. After a good walk, it’s nap time and he’s quiet and snuggly. Overall, I would just say that Norfolks are the perfect breed for people who want an active companion animal that can travel well. He loves the car and car rides. He has been a source of great joy in these uncertain times and we adore him. — Kate

GOING HOME GIFT BAG

Puppies are sent home with a Kingstead Norfolk Terriers gift bag. This bag makes a perfect carry-all for trips to the park or beach - why not brag that you have a Kingstead Norfolk Terrier.

COURTESY OF KINGSTEAD NORFOLK TERRIERS

Immunization and Health Certification

Care instructions specific to your puppy

AKC materials and registration information

Sherpa dog blanket (color varies)

Hol-ee Roller puppy toy (color varies)

Bottle of water (brand varies)

Waste bags

COURTESY OF CLAREMONT ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Brochures regarding pet care

Portable water/food dish

Slip leash (color varies)

Serving size measuring cup