What is a NorthWest Farm Terrier?

The NorthWest Farm terrier (NWFT) is a medium sized dog of the ‘sporting terrier’ type. That is, a terrier which is generally too large to ‘go to ground’ in the same manner that the smaller, shorter legged ‘working terrier’ does. The NWFT will work varmints and game with enthusiasm and herd sheep and goats with encouragement and some training.

They are loving companions and truly enjoy ‘family life’. They are vigilant and watchful and will patrol their home grounds to alert their master in case of intruders. Many are water dogs and will retrieve birds and game as well as balls, Frisbee’s and other toys. When properly introduced they love cats, horses, etc.

As an outdoor-indoor dog, in the country or in the city, the NWFT is ideal. They are of a rugged nature with an undercoat beneath their durable outer coat. The outer coat is usually a broken-coat* or a fluff-rough* type with whiskers on the chin, leggings, brow and so forth. Occasionally a NWFT will have a smooth-coat without any whiskers at all.

About 8 % of the breed are smooth-coated. Normally, NWFT do not shed their coat profusely, a regular brushing every week or so will eliminate any loose hair or other debris. NWFT are intelligent and intuitive dogs. Though they are youthful and playful throughout their lives and quite active, they are very eager to please their people.

They do not yap or bark without reason and are not high strung. They are ‘calmable’ and obedient when spoken to. As with all dogs, they need to be trained and informed as to what is expected of them. They desire training in their duties, understanding the need to obey their people’s commands and what they must do to receive praise for their actions.

Within one or two years, when they are ‘mature’ and familiar with what is ‘going on’ in their family, they will understand ‘their jobs’ and do them well. [In nearly every instance where any dog is thought of as a ‘problem’, the simple reason is this—the owner did not Train the dog.] (* A ‘broken-coat’ is generally rather smooth on the body, forehead and back, etc., with ‘whiskers’ on the chin and brow, on the legs and body trim and the underside of the tail.)

(* A ‘fluff-rough coat’ is generally feathery whiskers over the entire body, not too long or shaggy, with waves and loose curls of pleasant texture to touch. The coat does not continue to grow beyond 3 or 4 inches in length, whiskers on chin and brow are prevalent.) (Both coat types often display a minor cape or mane around the neck and shoulder area, which becomes heavier in cold weather.)