How Norwich and Norfolk Terriers Run

By Marilynn Bubb

"Dog Makes the Jog" headlined the lead article in a recent Healthy Living section of the Arizona Republic, followed by "No bones about it, canine is mans best running friend." The article featured comments from Davia Gallup, author of Running with Mans Best Friend in 1986.

A highlight of the article for Norwich/Norfolk owners is the fact that humans don't have to own big, athletic dogs to enjoy running and walking with their pets. In fact, Gallup has recently retired her poodle/terrier, Willie, who was her running buddy for many years. "I've been through a lot of running friends," Gallup says, "but the dog is really consistent and always there. I love running with the dog."

Accompanying this article was a ranking of dog breeds according to their adaptation to human running and jogging. Norwiches and Norfolks are ranked in the Good list, maximum 25 miles per week. Most of the small terriers are in this distance group. (See article below titled "Terriers keep up" for the whole schedule of the terrier breeds). Would any of us outrun our Nors at this rate?

For Arizonans -- and Californians, Texans, all of us in the Sun Belt States and everyone else in the summer as well -- heat issues loom most important for the dog jogger. A tongue to the ground is evidence of at least heat exhaustion and impending heat-stroke. It is critical, the article says, to hydrate dogs at least every 20 minutes and allow play time if sprinklers or puddles are inviting. Do not overdo exercise in the heat!

Gallup advocates a sensible routine for both dogs and their humans. Minimally fit dogs and humans can run three times a week for 20 minutes at an easy pace. The previously sedentary should start with 5- to 10-minute walks.

Most dogs don't need much urging to run and author John Sanford suggests that what brought humans and canines together originally was their ability to run and hunt together.

Dogs gain everything from running that humans do -- weight control, muscle tone, endurance, cardiovascular strength and, perhaps, something spiritual as well. Pet authorities say disobedience and moodiness to the point of depression are common in under exercised pets.

Women, of course, are safer running with dogs -- they deter the bad guys and may attract good people, inviting friendly conversation that otherwise might go unsaid.

So slip on your Nikes, grab the leash and hit the trail. Even the most out of shape Nor (and human) will enjoy a brisk walk or jog.

Terriers keep up. . . .

A recent article in the Arizona Republic advocated running and jogging with dogs and provided a breakdown of the optimal weekly distances for different breeds of dogs. The following list is an excerpt for the terrier breeds:

SUPERIOR ABILITY (maximum 35 miles per week) -- giant schnauzer, Lakeland terrier, soft-coated wheaten terrier, standard schnauzer, Welsh terrier.

GOOD (maximum 25 miles per week) -- Australian terrier, Bedlington terrier, border terrier, cairn, fox terrier, kerry blue terrier, Manchester terrier, miniature schnauzer, Norfolk, Norwich, Scottish terrier, Sealyham, Silky terrier, Skye terrier, toy fox terrier, toy manchester terrier, West Highland white terrier.

FAIR (maximum 15 miles per week) -- Boston terrier, Dandy Dinmont terrier.

None of the terriers are in the poor range (below 15 miles per week).