Miniature Fox Terrier
Mini Foxy
The Miniature Fox Terrier is a small terrier that was used to eliminate pests such as rat and snakes on farms and homesteads. Today it retains its working role but is also kept as a companion. It is rarely seen outside of Australia and New Zealand.
Miniature Fox Terrier Standards
- none
- 9-12"
- 12 lbs
- small terrier
- triangular ears stand erect or fold at the tips
- tail is either docked or left natural
- coat is short and fine
- black and white
- tan and white
- tricolor
History of the Miniature Fox Terrier
It is believed that the Miniature Fox Terrier has been present on Australian farms since before the 1800s. Its primary ancestors were most likely smaller Smooth Fox Terriers, along with the Manchester and old-style Jack Russell Terriers.
When fanciers began seeking breed registration from the Australian National Kennel Council in the late 1900s, there was an outcry from many fanciers. They had no desire for their working terriers to receive a written standard from a kennel club. Meanwhile, breeders were unhappy with the name since they do not in fact look like Fox Terriers. A compromise of sorts was reached when the Tenterfield Terrier was "born". It was in effect a split of show dogs and working lines. Today the two have been breeding separately for over 20 years and are fully established as separate breeds.
Related Breeds: