Miniature Fox Terrier

Also called Mini Foxie, Little Foxie

A bright, self-assured little terrier that is loving and loyal with its people.

Size	Toy
Weight	3.5 to 5.5 kg (8 to 12 lb)1
Height	24 to 30.5 cm (9 to 12 in)1
Coat	Short smooth coat
Origin	Australia, where it developed as a farm and household ratter.1

Rare breedShort profile

loyal and affectionate

easy-care little companion

Personality what they are like

A bright, self-assured little terrier that is loving and loyal with its people. It settles well into family life and still keeps a keen hunting streak.1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short smooth coat

A fine, close-lying, short and dense coat on a small, neat and athletic body.1

Coloursblack and whitetan and whiteblack, tan and white1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Miniature Fox Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A lively working terrier that enjoys regular walks and play; it is still used to control rodents on Australian farms.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, clean coat needs very little upkeep.1

Home where they are happiest

Fits easily into small homes or farms; keep small pets such as rats or reptiles safely apart, as it sees them as prey.1

Company who they like around

Accepts its place in the household well and is known as a good family companion, including with children.1

The story where it all began

The Mini Foxie grew out of crosses between small Fox Terriers and Toy Manchester Terriers in Australia, with later touches of English Toy Terrier and Whippet. By the late 1800s it was a familiar ratter on farms across the country, and a breed club formed in 1986 to preserve it.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It was so common on Australian farms in the early 1900s that hardly anyone thought to record its lines.1
2
Anthony Field of The Wiggles is among its well-known owners.1
3
New South Wales added the breed's names to its Companion Animals Act in 2005.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is called Miniature Fox Terrier because it was developed from smaller Fox Terriers to be a compact, speedy hunter of pests, and is colloquially known in Australia as the 'Mini Foxie' or 'Little Foxie'.1

Name ideas for your new friend

DingoScoutFoxyRustyTangoWattleBindiCricketSkippyBoomerJasperZiggy

A day in the life told by a Miniature Fox Terrier

I woke up and sniffed the air, no rats today, but maybe a lizard in the garden. I patrolled the fence line, then dug a small hole just for fun. My human threw a ball and I chased it like it was the most important thing in the world. After lunch, I curled up on a sunny patch and watched the birds. In the evening, we went for a walk and I met a friendly kelpie. Now I'm snoozing on the couch, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures. Life is good.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

ANKC: Not recognised by the Australian National Kennel Council.1
Mini Foxie Club of Australia Inc.: Independent club that keeps the breed's pedigree registry; the Miniature Fox Terrier Club of Australia was formed in July 1986.1
NSW Companion Animals Act: The names Miniature Fox Terrier and Mini Foxie were added to the breeds listed under the Act in 2005.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Miniature Fox Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your Miniature Fox Terrier at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. This routine suits their small stomachs and keeps their energy steady.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Miniature Fox Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced dog food that meets your vet's recommendations is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these can be very harmful to dogs.1 3 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I bathe a Miniature Fox Terrier?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty. Their short, clean coat needs very little upkeep, so a bath every three months is usually fine.1 4 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Miniature Fox Terrier need brushing?

Brush your Miniature Fox Terrier once a week to keep their short, smooth coat neat and remove loose hair. This is easy and helps keep their coat healthy.1 4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Miniature Fox Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim your dog's nails every 21 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Miniature Fox Terrier need?

This lively terrier needs daily walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy regular activity and still have a keen hunting streak, so keep them entertained.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Miniature Fox Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth daily with a pet-safe toothpaste, and check their ears every two weeks without pushing anything into the ear canal. This helps prevent dental and ear problems.4 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Miniature Fox Terrier live?

Miniature Fox Terriers are a healthy breed with a good lifespan. For specific numbers, ask your vet, as it varies with individual care and genetics.

Is a Miniature Fox Terrier good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are known as good family companions and settle well with children. However, keep small pets like rats or reptiles safely apart, as they see them as prey.1

Can a Miniature Fox Terrier be left alone?

They accept their place in the household well and can be left for reasonable periods, but they thrive on companionship. For specific guidance on alone time, ask a good breeder or your vet.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.