How to Identify a Miniature Fox Terrier

The Miniature Fox Terrier was developed in Australia and has bred true for generations. Though it bears some similarity with the American Toy Fox Terrier, they’re only relation is that they were both derived from the regular Fox Terrier some 200 years ago. They are referred to as the Mini Foxie in Australia, having been combined with the Manchester Terrier, English Toy Terrier, Whippet and Italian Greyhound in Australia when it was a prison colony in the early 1800s. As a result of its constant breeding the Miniature Fox Terrier lacks many of the less likable traits of the typical terrier. It barks only when it feels its home or master is endangered. Though it can be very energetic when its playtime, this breed is capable of being a very sedate lapdog as well. Like all good terriers, the Mini Foxie is great at hunting and killing vermin such as rats, lizards and mice that it might come across around the house. Unfortunately, this breed cannot discern between pet rats, lizards, mice and unwanted pests. So be careful to keep other non-canine pets away from it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin by assessing the dog’s size, weight and any other prominent physical features. It should stand between nine and twelve inches high at the shoulder. The males will weigh up to 15 lbs., while the females tend to top out at 12 lbs. This is due to the greater height and muscle mass of the males. The body should be very thin and wiry, about as long as it is tall. Despite this, the dog will have a moderately deep chest reaching down to the level of the elbows. The legs should be immediately noticeable. They should be very long, thin and apparently delicate. While the front legs should be vertical when the dog is standing normally, the rear legs should be cocked backward at a diagonal. If you get the chance, look at the padding of the feet. The central pad of each foot should form a perfect oval. The tail should be short and slightly upward curved, totaling less than half the dog’s height.

2. Look at the dog’s fur. It should be skin tight and short, showing off the dog’s musculature and thin build. It should be short and stubbly, coming in only three possible color variations. They can be black and white, tan and white, or black, tan and white.

3. Conclude by looking at the dog’s head. It should be fitting to the dog’s name and closely resemble the bones structure and skull of a fox. Both the skull and jaw should be very narrow and of moderate length. The line running from the tip of the nose to the top of the skull should only have a slight dent at the brow. The ears should be very prominent. They should be abnormally long, thin and tall. Typically they are held upright, but can sometimes droop at the very tip.