Miniature Fox Terrier

The Miniature Fox Terrier is a small, fine-boned, lightweight working terrier developed in Australia to hunt and to clear vermin. Australians know it as the Mini Foxie.

History

The breed most likely began with crosses between small Fox Terriers and Toy Manchester Terriers, with some later crosses to the English Toy Terrier and the Whippet. Hunters wanted a smaller, faster Fox Terrier for rats and rabbits. Its roots are English, but it was developed in Australia.

By the late 19th century the type was clearly established, and the “little foxies” were proving themselves against rabbits, rats and snakes on Australian farms. The dogs soon became popular in towns as well, and by the 1920s they were a familiar sight across the country.

The Miniature Fox Terrier Club of Australia was formed in July 1986 and wrote a breed standard with members of the Royal NSW Canine Council; it was incorporated as the Mini Foxie Club of Australia in 1992. In the early 1990s a separate group in South Australia and Western Australia, which wanted recognition from the Australian National Kennel Council, organized as the Tenterfield Terrier Club of Australia. The two standards differ, and the Tenterfield Terrier and the Miniature Fox Terrier are now separate breeds.

The ANKC does not recognize the Miniature Fox Terrier; the Mini Foxie Club keeps its pedigree register. It is still little known outside Australia and New Zealand.

Appearance

This is a balanced, smoothly muscled little dog with a small, distinctive head. The ears can stand fully erect or fold at the tips. The feet are oval, a shape found in very few small breeds. The tail may be docked or left natural under the standard, and natural bobtails occur.

The coat is always short and fine. Only three color combinations are allowed: black and white, tan and white, and black, tan and white. The dog weighs 3.5 to 5.5 kg (8 to 12 lb) and stands 24 to 30 cm (9.5 to 12 in) at the withers.

The breed is closely related to the Toy Fox Terrier, which developed along similar lines in the United States.

Temperament

Bred mainly to hunt rats, mice and rabbits, the Miniature Fox Terrier is quick, agile and able to squeeze into tight spaces. It is tenacious at work and very loyal to its owner. According to the breed club it also suits town life, including homes with small children. It responds well to praise in training and does not need to be won over with treats.

It usually gets along with other animals and is confident around much larger dogs. Like most working terriers, though, it cannot tell a small pet such as a rat or a reptile from vermin, and it should not be left alone with one.

Care and health

The short coat is clean and easy to look after. The dog needs at least moderate exercise, and games or toys to keep its active mind busy. It is still in demand as a working terrier on farms across Australia.

Facts on this page were checked against Wikipedia and may have changed since.