Quick Facts

• Weight: 8 – 12 pounds
• Height: 9.5 – 12 inches

The Look of a Miniature Fox Terrier

Miniature Fox Terriers have small but sturdy frames covered in smooth white coats with black or brown patches. They have slightly rounded heads with strong, tapered muzzles. Their triangular ears point straight up, and their dark, intelligent eyes are full and round without bulging. They have slightly arched necks that slope down to deep, muscular chests and short backs. Their tails, sometimes docked, are carried high. Overall, the Miniature Fox Terrier carries itself with dignity and athleticism.

Traits

• Happy and easygoing
• Rugged
• Sensitive
• Curious
• Energetic
• Protective

Ideal Human Companion

• Athletic, sporty types
• Retirees
• Families
• City dwellers
• Farmers and ranchers

What They Are Like to Live With

Miniature Fox Terriers deliver all the gutsiness, energy and courage of the Fox Terrier, but in a smaller package. Bringing a warm, sunny spirit to any home, Miniature Fox Terriers are also an extremely handy pest-control device, ridding the house and yard from mice and rats.

Spunky, fun and upbeat, Miniature Fox Terriers are tireless and entertaining little pals. Easily trained and eager to please, they pick up the most complex commands without forgetting. They also crave attention and love.

If anything’s going on around the home, a Miniature Fox Terrier will probably be the first to know. Keenly attuned to their surroundings and amazingly curious, they are also fiercely protective of their families. Though not habitual barkers, they know how to make some noise when they sense a threat.

Things You Should Know

Miniature Fox Terriers have very acute hunting instincts: Keep them on a leash at all times to prevent them from chasing after birds, squirrels and other critters. If it can be arranged, they truly appreciate time to run free off the leash in a protected environment. If you live on a ranch or a farm with plenty of room to roam, let them loose.

A healthy Miniature Fox Terrier can live as long as 14 years. They have few genetic health issues. Miniature Fox Terriers are easy to groom, needing only the occasional brushing. They are not excessive shedders.

Miniature Fox Terrier History

Fox Terriers were developed in 19th-century England to hunt foxes. They come in two versions based on coat length: Smooth and Wire. In the 1800s, Australian breeders crossed the Smooth Fox Terrier with the Whippet, Italian Greyhound and other terriers to create the Miniature Fox Terrier. The result was a quicker, lighter version of the beloved Fox Terrier, not to mention a remarkable hunter of rats.