what they are likeMiniature Fox Terrier temperament
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
how to spot oneMiniature Fox Terrier coat and colours
short smooth coat
A fine, close-lying, short and dense coat on a small, neat and athletic body.1
Comes inblack and whitetan and whiteblack, tan and white1
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
how busy a day looksMiniature Fox Terrier exercise needs
A lively working terrier that enjoys regular walks and play; it is still used to control rodents on Australian farms.1
where they are happiestMiniature Fox Terrier at home
Fits easily into small homes or farms; keep small pets such as rats or reptiles safely apart, as it sees them as prey.1
who they like aroundMiniature Fox Terrier with people and other pets
Accepts its place in the household well and is known as a good family companion, including with children.1
the hands-on bitsMiniature Fox Terrier grooming and care
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.12
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.13
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.14
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.14
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
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
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
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.
per year, in your countryWhat a Miniature Fox Terrier costs
Running costs for a Miniature Fox Terrier, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Miniature Fox Terrier legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Miniature Fox Terrier in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
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
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
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
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.
where it all beganMiniature Fox Terrier history
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
Toy Fox Terrier
Tenterfield Terrier
Rat Terrier
English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)