The Miniature Fox Terrier is somewhat rare in the United States compared to favorites like the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and French Bulldog. Still, they are becoming more popular each year due to their small size and friendly personality. If you have the opportunity to get one of these dogs but would like to know more about them first, read on!

Breed Overview

The Miniature Fox Terrier, or Mini Foxie, is a unique breed from Australia, where they were developed as a hunting breed and vermin router. This pup is fast, agile, and fearless, and their small size makes them well-suited for apartments and small homes. They’re also popular due to their low grooming requirements, as their short fur doesn’t shed much. They are different from but similar in appearance to (and often confused with) the Toy Fox Terrier from the United States.

Miniature Fox Terrier Characteristics

Miniature Fox Terrier Puppies

Miniature Fox Terrier puppies are playful and outgoing, which makes them great companions from the start. Allowing them to spend plenty of time with other people and pets will help socialize them and encourage them to be even friendlier, and visiting many different places will help them feel more comfortable in strange places as an adult.

While the Miniature Fox Terrier is common in Australia, they are not as popular in the United States, and it can be difficult to find a breeder in certain areas. Check with your local vets and animal shelters to see if they know of any local breeders that specialize in this dog. You can also search online to see if you can order one, but you should research any breeders carefully to ensure that they put the health of their puppies ahead of profits.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Miniature Fox Terrier

The Miniature Fox Terrier has a lively and affectionate temperament, making them excellent for almost any dog owner. They are always ready to participate in any activity and are quite protective despite their small size. They are adaptable to various living arrangements and are intelligent and capable of learning a wide variety of tricks and commands. They are also good puzzle solvers, so you will need to be extra cautious when you want to prevent them from doing something, like getting into the cupboards or out of the yard.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

The Miniature Fox Terrier is a great choice for any family. They are friendly and playful and often get along with children, especially those who are willing to spend time playing with them. They will want to take part in all of your family activities and will keep an alert and watchful eye over your home while you sleep. However, their high energy level will require plenty of exercise to keep them from becoming bored, which might lead to misbehaving, so ensure that you or another family member can spend plenty of time with them each day before you commit.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?🐶 😽

Despite being hunting dogs, they usually get along surprisingly well with other dogs, especially if they spend time with other animals when they are still puppies. They can even get along with cats in certain cases, but they have a strong prey instinct for rodents and may chase after smaller cats, rabbits, mice, etc.

Things to Know When Owning a Miniature Fox Terrier

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Your Miniature Fox Terrier will need high-quality dog food that has real meat like chicken, turkey, or beef as the first ingredient and that is appropriate for your pet’s age and health. It can be helpful to discuss your dog’s diet with your vet to get specific advice. Always follow portioning guidelines on the bag carefully to prevent overfeeding, which can lead to obesity, and keep plenty of fresh water available so your dog can stay hydrated. It’s also a good idea to limit treats to no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.

Exercise 🐕

Your Miniature Fox Terrier is an active breed despite their small size, so they will need a good amount of exercise. You will need to aim for at least 30–60 minutes of high-energy activity each day, which can include daily walks, play sessions, and opportunities for running and exploring in a safe environment.

Training 🎾

Incorporating training exercises into your Miniature Fox Terrier’s daily routine will help keep their mind active. They enjoy learning new tricks and commands, and it can be a fun way to spend time together and strengthen your bond. Start training while your dog is still a puppy, with short, scheduled sessions that you hold consistently, to get them into a routine that lasts into adulthood. Holding your training sessions after playtime can help keep them more focused, since they will have had a chance to burn off excess energy.

Grooming ✂️

Grooming your Miniature Fox Terrier is incredibly easy because their short coat only requires occasional brushing to remove loose fur and keep it shiny, along with an occasional bath with a high-quality shampoo. However, you will need to regularly trim the nails, check their ears for signs of wax and infection, and brush their teeth with a dog-safe toothpaste to help keep them clean.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Male vs. Female

The male Miniature Fox Terrier is usually larger than the female, but it can be hard to notice because the dogs are so small. The males also tend to be more outgoing, while the females tend to mature faster and be more independent.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Miniature Fox Terrier

1. Some Miniature Fox Terriers are born with a natural bobtail.

Dogs with a natural bobtail have the “T-box transcription factor T gene” mutation. Other dogs that have this mutation include the Australian Shepherd, the Brittany, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

2. The Miniature Fox Terrier is renowned for their long lifespan, which can extend well into their teens.

Smaller dogs often have longer lifespans, and the Miniature Fox Terrier is no exception. If you decide to own one, this is a long commitment. You will have a friend for close to two decades.

3. Miniature Fox Terriers were used for protecting human food supplies in the early days of the breed.

Big things come in small packages! This is why these feisty canines could scare off most people and creatures who tried to enter food storage areas.

Final Thoughts

The Miniature Fox Terrier can make a wonderful pet for almost any family, provided that you have enough time to set aside to help them get at least 30–60 minutes of exercise every day to keep them healthy and happy. This will also reduce the likelihood that they will get into mischief. They are easy to train and eager to learn, though, so you can teach them a wide variety of tricks, and their friendly personality makes them fun to have around.

Featured Image Credit: Lillycrow, Shutterstock