Miniature Fox Terrier
Also known as Mini Foxie · Little Foxie
Australia, Terriers
- Size
- Toy
- Height
- 24–31 cm
- Weight
- 3.5–5.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13–16 yrs
- Quick
- Loyal
- Bright
- Tenacious
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Miniature Fox Terrier is a small, fine-boned Australian terrier with a short coat, an alert face and neat oval feet. Coats are white with black, tan, or black and tan. It is well known at home, where it has long been a farm ratter and a popular pet, but it is rare outside Australia and New Zealand.
Size
- Size
- Toy
- Height at shoulder
- 24–31 cm
- Adult weight
- 3.5–5.5 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Most reach adult size by around 12 months.
Lifespan
13–16 years
Most Miniature Fox Terriers live 13–16 years. Like other toy dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 9, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
Mini Foxies are quick, bright and loyal, and usually sociable with people. They have a strong terrier hunting instinct, so small pets such as rats or reptiles are not safe around them.
- Quick
- Loyal
- Bright
- Tenacious
Food
For a typical 4.5 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 350 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 180 ml–270 ml
- a day, from all sources
- Small dogs burn energy quickly — two or three measured meals a day suit most adults, and toy breeds shouldn't go long without food.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
90–120 min a dayThey need at least moderate daily exercise plus games and toys to keep their minds busy. Many enjoy agility or ball play.
Grooming & shedding
The short, smooth coat is very easy to care for; a quick weekly brush and regular nail trims are enough.
Health
Reward-based training works well, and these terriers respond to praise and play. Keep them supervised around small animals. It is closely related to, but separate from, the ANKC-registered Tenterfield Terrier.
The breed can be prone to
- Patellar luxation (common in small terriers)
- Dental disease
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Patella examination
Not every Miniature Fox Terrier is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
The type developed in Australia during the 1800s from small Fox Terriers crossed with Toy Manchester Terriers, and later with English Toy Terriers and Whippets. It became an indispensable farm ratter and, by the 1920s, a familiar pet in towns. A breed club formed in 1986 to protect the lines; a split in the early 1990s produced the separate Tenterfield Terrier.
- Country of origin
- Australia
- Type
- Terriers
- Recognition
- Registered by the Mini Foxie Club of Australia and listed under the NSW Companion Animals Act; not recognised by the ANKC, FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Miniature Fox Terrier right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
- Smaller homes, as long as daily exercise needs are met
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
Cost to keep
Lower than average- Smaller food bills and medicine doses
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 13–16 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Miniature Fox Terrier FAQ
How big does a Miniature Fox Terrier get?
Adult Miniature Fox Terriers typically stand about 24–31 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 3.5–5.5 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Miniature Fox Terriers live?
Typically 13–16 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Miniature Fox Terrier need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Miniature Fox Terrier need?
An occasional brush is plenty. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Miniature Fox Terriers easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Miniature Fox Terriers shed?
A little. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Miniature Fox Terriers good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Miniature Fox Terrier live in a flat?
Usually, yes — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Miniature Fox Terriers have?
The breed can be prone to patellar luxation (common in small terriers), dental disease. Not every Miniature Fox Terrier is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.