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Norfolk Terrier grooming in St. Charles, MO

Everything a Norfolk Terrier owner in St. Charles needs to know about coat care — what it needs, how often, and why it matters.

Coat
Hard, wiry, weatherproof coat lying close to the body with drop ears and a mane
Shedding
Low when hand-stripped
Matting risk
Moderate – in the mane, beard, and ear folds
Recommended
Full groom every 6–8 weeks; hand-stripping every couple of months to keep the coat hard

Why grooming matters for a Norfolk Terrier

The Norfolk Terrier shares the hard, wiry, weatherproof coat of its close cousin the Norwich, distinguished by its neat drop ears. That harsh jacket is traditionally kept by hand-stripping, which removes dead hair and lets a new coat of proper texture and color grow in; clipping is fine for pet dogs but softens the coat and mutes its color over time.

The softer furnishings on the face, beard, and legs, along with the folded ears, are the spots that trap dirt and moisture and tangle most readily. Regular combing of the mane and beard plus attention to the ear folds keeps the coat healthy and the Norfolk's alert, foxy look sharp.

What we pay attention to

Wiry Jacket

Hand-stripping preserves the hard, weatherproof body coat this working terrier was bred to carry.

Drop Ears

Keep the folded ears and the hair around them clean, since the fold holds moisture and debris.

Beard

Comb the beard and face furnishings often to clear food and dirt before they mat.

Recommended services for your Norfolk Terrier

Norfolk Terrier grooming FAQs

Do Norfolk Terriers need their ears cleaned differently because they fold over?

The folded ears trap warmth and moisture more than erect ears, so it helps to check and gently wipe them at each groom. Keeping the surrounding hair tidy also improves airflow. Any redness, odor, or buildup is worth mentioning to your veterinarian.

How is the Norfolk coat kept in good condition?

The traditional method is hand-stripping every couple of months to keep the wiry jacket hard and weatherproof. Between strippings, regular brushing and a bath keep the coat clean and the furnishings tangle free. Pet owners who prefer clipping can maintain a tidy look, accepting that the texture will soften over time.

Book your Norfolk Terrier's groom

Breed-specific care in St. Charles, MO — bandana & bows always included.

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Grooming guides for other breeds

All breed grooming guides →

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