Miniature Fox Terrier

The Alert, Agile, and Affectionate Aussie Icon

The Miniature Fox Terrier, affectionately known as the “Mini Foxie,” is a lively, alert, and deeply affectionate Australian breed.

Compact in size but bursting with personality, the Mini Foxie is known for its sharp intelligence, agility, and loyal nature.

Originally bred as a farm and hunting dog, today they are cherished companions who thrive in active homes and adore being part of family life.

Breed Origins

The Miniature Fox Terrier is a proudly Australian-developed breed, dating back to the early 1900s. They were bred from small Smooth Fox Terriers, Toy Manchester Terriers, and English Toy Terriers to create a compact, lightning-fast vermin hunter suitable for Aussie farms and households.

Over time, their loyal nature and easy-care coat made them just as popular in suburban homes as on rural properties.

Appearance & Physical Traits

Mini Foxies are small, athletic, and well-balanced with a sleek, streamlined body.

Key Traits:

Size: 24–30 cm, 3.5–5.5 kg
Build: Lean and muscular with long, fine legs
Coat: Smooth, short, glossy, low-shedding
Colours: Predominantly white with tan, black, or tricolour markings
Expression: Bright, alert, and full of curiosity

Though small, they are surprisingly strong and built for speed and agility.

Temperament & Personality

Mini Foxies are fearless, affectionate, and incredibly loyal.

They bond strongly with their families and love being involved in daily activities.

Typical personality traits include:

Bright and intelligent
Highly alert (excellent watchdogs)
Playful and energetic
Courageous with a big-dog attitude
Gentle and affectionate with their people

They thrive with owners who enjoy interacting, playing, and keeping them mentally stimulated.

Training & Socialisation

Miniature Fox Terriers are quick learners thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please — but they can be independent, requiring consistent training.

Training Tips:

Use reward-based, positive reinforcement
Keep training sessions short and fun
Begin socialisation early to prevent shyness or overprotectiveness
Provide puzzle toys or scent games to challenge their bright minds

They excel in agility, obedience, trick training, and nosework activities.

Exercise & Activity Needs

Despite their small size, Mini Foxies are active and energetic.

They need 30–60 minutes of exercise daily, plus plenty of mental stimulation.

Best Activities:

Walks and supervised off-lead play
Fetch and chase games
Agility or trick training
Interactive toys

They adapt well to apartments as long as they receive enough exercise and companionship.

Grooming & Maintenance

The Mini Foxie is low-maintenance, making them a great choice for busy families.

Grooming Needs:

Brushing: Once a week to remove loose hair
Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks or when needed
Nail Trimming: Every 3–4 weeks
Dental Care: Brush several times a week
Ear Cleaning: Weekly check and clean

Their smooth coat sheds lightly and is very easy to maintain.

Health & Lifespan

Miniature Fox Terriers are generally robust and healthy, with a long lifespan of 12–16 years.

Potential health concerns include:

Patellar luxation
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Dental issues
Skin allergies

Regular vet checks and a balanced diet help maintain long-term health.

Diet & Nutrition

Mini Foxies benefit from a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet suited to small breeds.

Adults: Two small meals daily
Puppies: Three to four small meals
Food Type: High-protein kibble or fresh food designed for small dogs
Watch Weight: Avoid overfeeding — their small size makes weight gain noticeable

Fresh water should be available at all times.

Is a Miniature Fox Terrier Right for You?

Best suited for:

Active individuals or families
Apartment or suburban living
Owners wanting a small, intelligent dog
Seniors seeking a loving, loyal companion

Not ideal for:

Homes with very rough, young children
Owners who prefer low-energy dogs
Families away from home for long hours