Miniature Fox Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison

Known as Mini Foxies or Toy Fox Terriers, these dogs hail from Australia, having been bred there since the 1800s already.

They are descendants of fox terrier types which were bred in England and then brought to Australia by early settlers.

It is believed the small Smooth Fox Terriers were crossed with Manchester Terriers and then the puppies further bred and crossed with other small breeds. The idea was to have a small, light, quick dog. The Miniature Fox Terrier is exactly like this, developed as a hunting dog.

There is limited information on the Black and Tan Terriers since it is extinct. Black and Tan terrier came out of the “Terrier Wars” between the British and the Welsh in the late 1800’s. With dog shows on the rise, a race began to develop terriers that “belonged” to the Welsh or the British. The Black and Tan Terrier started out as the “Old English Broken-Haired Black and Tan”. The outrages Welsh responded with their first dog show filled with Welsh only terriers. There were 90 dogs at this first show. During this time, the British could not get their act together in respect to starting a club. Even agreeing on the name was difficult for them. Unfortunately, the dogs from both countries were not truly a “breed” but rather first-generation crosses between a wide variety of terriers. These terriers included breeds such as the Lakeland Terrier, the Welsh Terrier, the Patterdale Terrier, Fell Terriers, Border Terrier, Scottish Borders and the Manchester Terrier. The winner of that first dog show was a terrier cross between a Smooth Fox Terrier and a Border Terrier.

In 1885 both the Welsh and the British Black and Tan Terrier were featured. However, the English could not get the club together, so they were dropped from the Kennel Club Listings and only the Welsh Terrier was offered. The Black and Tan Terrier became extinct before 1900.

With longevity on his side, the Miniature Fox Terrier can live to be between 10 and 14 years of age or live to be even older - up to 18 years of age.

He stands at between 24 – 30cm and weighs anything between 3 and 6kg. His coat is short but he sheds quite a bit so regular brushing will become necessary.

The coat is smooth and is mostly white and tan or white and black but it can be tri-colored too – white, black and tan.

The ears are semi-erect, semi floppy and he has a bright, expectant look about him. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving him a distinctive look, but now it tends to be undocked.

Temperament:

Your Miniature Fox Terrier is a bold little dog, and is protective and loyal towards his human family. He is lively and courageous and has lots of energy so he will be wanting lots of games indoors and out. He will love to go on a walk every day.

They make great family pets, getting on well with children and other pets in the home. They’re adaptable and can do well in the city or the countryside.

The Black and Tan Terrier was an active, alert dog. A ratter as most terriers are. With a sleek coat, tan markings and thumbing, he was a handsome dog. Looks very much like the other terriers of his size and color with a truncated tail. He had small erect ears and a snout that was moderately elongated.

Miniature Fox Terriers aren’t going to disappoint you one bit in terms of making an excellent pet.They make great family pets. They are loyal companions and they also make great watchdogs, being able to adapt to life in the city as well as the countryside.

They can yap quite loudly so you need to be careful of this if you live in a small property in the city.

This is such a jaunty little dog, full of fun and high spirits. You won’t know a dull moment with such a friendly, entertaining little pet. In exchange for all he offers you in terms of friendship, he also wants your love and attention.

Provide him with good food, a good deal of exercise, a dry, warm place to sleep and your ongoing attention and he is going to shower you with his love and loyalty.

He was an alert and active dog. He was a good guard dog, an excellent ratter and a great family dog. He was affectionate, warm and gentle of the most alert and active of dogs, as game as a pebble, an ideal watchman, an unexcelled ratter and all done up in a small package. No dog exceeds him in beauty of outline, and this is enhanced by his sleek coat, with its sheen that the costliest satin does not possess; set off by the rich Tan markings, dainty penciling and thumbing that would puzzle an artist to reproduce. Information is limited on this extinct breed.

Your Miniature Fox Terrier can live to be between 10 and 14 years of age when looked after well, but there are one or two common dog illness that can plague any dog, and Paella Luxation is one.

Patella luxation is fairly common with small dogs, occuring when the dog’s kneecap becomes dislocated from its thigh bone.Your dog will skip and hop along. Treatment for patella luxation can range from non-invasive treatments such as massage to surgery.

Dental health is important too, and seriously bad breath can be indicative of dental decay. Dental plaque can cause bad breath and lead to other health problems that aren’t directly related to teeth. The heart and kidneys can be put at risk. There are dental products such as canine toothbrush and toothpaste which can be used to clean your dog’s teeth. Don’t ever use human toothpaste as this can be toxic for your pet.

The Black and Tan Terrier suffered from similar ailments as all terriers. He dealt with patella luxation (kneepads floating), skin allergies and eye issues. Because the breed is extinct there is little if any research on the health issues they might have experience before distinction

Feed your terrier a quality commercially manufactured dog food twice a day. They are small dogs, but highly energetic so choose dog foods which are geared towards small, energetic dogs.

His age and his activity levels will also give you an idea as to what to feed him. Apart from dry kibble, give him simple, tasty, nutritious home-made food too.Every now and again, add in boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as potato, carrots and spinach. A little bit of raw meat occasionally can also do wonders.

Keep meals plain and simple like this to avoid stomach upsets.

Ensure your pet has constant access to fresh, cool water.

Brush him twice a week to keep the coat free of loose hair. Try and avoid bathing your pet as it causes dry skin and itchiness. Rather wipe him down with a rubber grooming mitt to keep him groomed.

Check his eyes and ears for infection. Check for fleas and ticks and any unusual lumps. Trim his nails too.

Take him to the vet when he appears to be ill and keep his vaccines up to date.

Feeding

As you would with any terrier of his size 1-2 cups day.

Health issues

The Black and Tan Terrier suffered from similar ailments as all terriers. He dealt with patella luxation (kneepads floating), skin allergies and eye issues.

Exercise and games

The Black and Tan Terrier is in fact a terrier. He was a ratter and he needed intelligent exercise to keep him happy and non-destructive. Activities like barn hunt, agility and fly ball are perfect for this breed. A walk a couple times a day with a time for games is what was needed, and he would love to play ball with kids. They were very cuddly dogs as well.