Dr. James Watuwa Last updated: 27th March 2023Miniature Fox Terrier
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Dr. James Watuwa Last updated: 27th March 2023The Miniature Fox terrier is a small-sized dog. They have smoothly muscled bodies with distinctive heads and erect ears that can sometimes be folded at the tip; they also possess articulate, oval-shaped feet, a rare feature among small dog breeds.
Miniature Fox Terrier Pictures
Quick Information
| Other Names | Mini Fox Terrier, Mini Foxi, Mini Foxie |
| Coat | Short, dense, smooth texture |
| Color | Black, white, brown, and tan |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Group | Terrier |
| Life expectancy | 12 – 18 years |
| Size | Small |
| Height | 9.5 – 12.0 inches |
| Weight | 8 to 12 lbs. |
| Litter Size | 2 – 5 puppies |
| Behavioral characteristics | Loyal, fearless, loving, and playful |
| Good with Children | Yes |
| Barking Tendency | Above average barkers |
| Climate Compatibility | Prefers warm weather |
| Apartment Compatibility | Good |
| Do they shed | Mini Foxies sheds a lot of hair |
| Are they Hypoallergenic | No |
| Trainability | Easy |
| How much do they cost | $400-$600 |
| Competitive Registration Qualification/Information | Mini Foxie Club of Australia, Dog Registry of America, American Canine Association |
| Country | Australia |
History and Origin
The origin of the miniature fox terrier breed traces to smaller Fox Terriers or Fox Terrier types and Toy Manchester Terrier crosses. They were sometimes crossed with the English Toy Terrier and Whippet. Even though the ancestry of this breed traces back to England, they were developed in Australia and are endemic to this country.
These dogs were proven worthy against rabbits, rats, and snakes on Australian farms. People took them on hunts routinely, and they were also sometimes used in search parties. Workers at Sydney’s North Head Quarantine Station used these dogs as well.
On the 20th of July 1986, the Miniature Fox Terrier Club of Australia (MFCA) was formed by several breeders, including Colin Grant, Gordon Grant, and Lou Aarons. Later, in 1992 it became known as the Mini Foxie Club of Australia.
The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) does not recognize this breed, and the MFCA holds the registry for this breed.
Temperament and Personality
Mini fox terriers are affectionate, active, adaptable, courageous, confident, and highly loyal to their owners. They are eager to learn, although they show defensive behavior towards strangers by barking at them. Keep in mind that mini foxies cannot differentiate between small pets like rodents or reptiles and vermin. Therefore, do not leave them alone with such pets, for they might end up harming those.
Their Aggression
They have the usual aggression as any other fox terriers. They get along well with children older than four years old, as well as other pets. However, be careful around small children as kids can mishandle them, and the dogs might end up hurting themselves or the kids.
Care
Exercise
The energy level of these dogs is high, and they need a high level of exercise; therefore, it is advised to take them for daily walks. If they do not receive enough physical stimulation, the mini foxies might become restless at night and bark excessively. Be sure to keep your dog entertained because if anxious or bored, it can show disobedient behavior and might chew, dig and become noisy.
Grooming
The grooming needs of mini foxies are minimal. Brush their teeth daily or at least twice to thrice weekly to prevent gum diseases and tartar accumulation. Keep their nails trimmed, and be sure not to cut too far as they carry blood vessels in their nail, which can cause bleeding.
Health Problems
These dogs are naturally healthy but can suffer from common health issues like bloating, congenital hypothyroidism with goiter, demodectic mange, eye problems, hip and elbow dysplasia, knee and legs problems, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, obesity, skin infections, and Von Willebrand’s disease.
Feeding
Whether it’s homemade or commercially manufactured, the diet of mini foxies should be highly nutritious. The amount of consumption should depend on their age, energy level, and size; for example, puppies up to six months old should be given three meals a day, and for adults, meals should be divided twice a day. Give them foods like eggs, meat, and whole vegetables rich in protein as well as vitamins and essential minerals.
Being overweight is common among these dogs; therefore, keep their calorie intake in check. While treats are essential during training, avoid giving them too much.
Training
Miniature fox terriers must be given regular training since they are puppies to avoid small dog syndrome. Training them is relatively easy and does not require extreme effort.
Socialization: To ensure well-balanced growth in your puppies’ behavior, begin their socialization as early as possible. They might develop fear or mistrust toward new things and people without proper socialization. As a result, it can lead to excessive alarm barking. Since they are naturally social, training them would be easier.
Obedience: Teaching them basic commands like ‘come’, ‘heel’, ‘sit’, and ‘stay’ is essential.
Leash: Being a terrier, these dogs have a strong hunting instinct. Their prey drive makes them chase smaller animals, which might cause them to run off somewhere dangerous. Therefore, always keep your mini foxies on a leash every time they are outdoors
Interesting Facts
- The miniature fox terrier is popular among celebrities, like swimmer Ian Thorpe, figure skater Sean Carlow, and Toby Allen, one of the members of the Australian pop group Human Nature.
FAQs
Ans: The main differences are their origin; while the toy fox terrier originated in the United States, the mini fox terrier originated in Australia.
