
Mini Foxie puppies are adorable and playful companions, but they require special care to thrive.
They need a balanced diet that includes high-quality puppy food and a mix of protein sources such as chicken and fish.
In addition to a nutritious diet, regular exercise is crucial for their physical and mental development.
A daily walk of at least 30 minutes is recommended, with plenty of playtime in between to keep them entertained.
Health and Care
Health and care for mini foxie puppies requires attention to their small size and delicate features. They are prone to hypoglycemia, which means their owners need to feed them frequently to prevent low blood sugar.
Their small jaws and teeth can make eating and chewing difficult, so a soft, easily digestible diet is essential. Mini foxie puppies need to be fed 3-4 times a day, and owners should also provide a source of milk or milk replacer if needed.
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor their health and detect any potential issues early on.
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General Health

The Mini Fox Terrier is a robust breed with a strong constitution, thanks to responsible breeding practices that screen for genetic problems.
Breeders take their responsibility seriously, ensuring that no unwanted genetic traits are passed on to the next generation.
This terrier can live up to fourteen years when properly cared for, a testament to its overall health and resilience.
On average, the breed lives between 14 to 16 years, a remarkable lifespan for a small dog.
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Food & Diet Requirements
To keep your Mini Foxie Doxie healthy and happy, feed them a good-quality dog food designed for small dogs. This breed thrives on high-protein food that helps build lean muscle mass.
You can choose between wet and dry food, as these pups aren't usually picky eaters. They'll likely gobble up their dinner without any fuss.
Treats are a great way to train your Mini Foxie Doxie, but be sure to account for them when calculating your dog's rations. A small breed like this can easily put on weight with just a little extra food.
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Temperament and Intelligence
Mini Foxie puppies are incredibly intelligent and independent, often preferring to solve problems on their own rather than enlisting their owner's help.
They can be quite stubborn, making handling tough for inexperienced dog owners, and may even growl or nip at young children who tease them, so they should always be supervised during playtime.
These dogs are loving and affectionate with their families, but can become protective around strangers, vocally defending their owners if they think they need guarding.
Socialization and training are essential to manage this trait without it going out of control, and to ensure they don't become vulnerable to theft due to their friendly nature.
Mini Foxie puppies have a strong prey drive thanks to their Terrier lineage, so they shouldn't be allowed to chase other animals even while playing.
They need multiple daily walks and/or the opportunity to play and run at the park regularly if living in an apartment, and should never be left outside alone, even in their own yard.
Breed Maintenance
Their coats can be a combination of short and smooth, medium with a wiry texture, long-haired, or any combination of the above.
Weekly brushing is a must to prevent tangles and matting, especially for long-haired Mini Foxies. You can also get them clipped in the summer to keep them cool.
You'll need to brush their teeth a couple of times a week and trim their nails as necessary. Checking their ears and teeth at the same time as grooming is a good habit to get into.
The Mini Foxy Russell sheds moderately and will need weekly brushing with a medium bristle or pin brush to reduce loose and dead hair. You should also check their ears for any build-up while brushing.
Their sensitive skin means they don't need frequent bathing, but you can use pet wipes to clean their coat instead. Regular vacuuming is necessary to keep dog hair from building up on the floors.
Their nails might need to be trimmed occasionally, and their ears should be checked for dirt buildup periodically. They don’t typically need to be bathed unless they get into mud or garbage while spending time outdoors.
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Training and Behavior
Training is essential for Mini Foxie puppies, as they can quickly become unruly without learning obedience.
Their stubbornness and curiosity mean boundaries are a necessity within the home and in public settings. These boundaries can be taught through obedience training, which should start as soon as the puppy is brought home.
Obedience training can be done at home or in a classroom setting, and a combination of both methods can be employed until the owner is comfortable doing the training themselves at home.
Training
Training is key to having a well-behaved Mini Foxie Doxie or Mini Foxy Russell. Without it, they can quickly become unruly.
Their stubbornness and curiosity mean boundaries are a necessity within the home and while in public settings. This can be taught through obedience training, which should start as soon as they're brought home.
Obedience training can be done at home or in a classroom setting for socialization. A combination of both methods can be employed until the owner is comfortable doing the training themselves at home.
You'll want to keep training sessions engaging and fun to keep your pup's interest. Mixing up the environment and activities can help prevent boredom and keep them focused.
High Prey Drive
Mini Foxie Doxies have a high prey drive, which means they're naturally inclined to chase small animals like rodents and other wildlife.
This is because both parent breeds of the Mini Foxie Doxie were originally designed to hunt rodents.
They're highly likely to want to chase the local wildlife, and once they've seen and started to run after something, their recall will be forgotten in the thrill of the chase.
This is why it's safest to walk them on a leash when you're not in an enclosed space, to prevent them from running off after something.
Family and Socialization
Mini Foxie puppies can make great family pets, but it's essential to consider their needs and personalities. They're happy to interact with older family members, but their small size means they're at risk of getting hurt if play with younger kids turns rough.
Allowing kids to pick these pups up is also not recommended because it can cause serious damage to their small bones. They do need a long walk and playtime first, though.
Mini Foxy Russells can thrive in a single adult or couple's household environment too, but they do need to be well-trained and properly exercised daily. They're playful, but they don't put up with teasing, so it's crucial to teach kids how to properly interact with them.
If you're considering a Mini Foxie Doxie or Mini Foxy Russell, it's vital to socialize them with other dogs and pets from an early age. This will help them get along well with other pets, but it's not a guarantee. They can be territorial and have a high prey drive, which means they might not be suitable for households with small pets like rodents, rabbits, or timid cats.
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Are Dogs Good for Families?
Dogs can make excellent family pets if they're well trained and get proper exercise daily. They're playful, but they don't tolerate teasing.
Some breeds, like the Mini Foxy Russell, are better suited for families with older kids who are laidback. They may not be the best fit for households with young children.
Dogs don't need to live with kids to be happy, they'll thrive in a single adult or couple's household environment too.
Family-Friendly Dogs
When choosing a family-friendly dog, it's essential to consider their size and energy level. Mini Foxie Doxies are great for families with slightly older kids, but their small size makes them vulnerable to rough play.
They love to interact and play with family members of all ages, but it's crucial to supervise interactions between kids and dogs to prevent accidents.
Their small bones can be seriously damaged if they're dropped or handled roughly, so it's best to avoid letting kids pick them up.
Family and Socialization
Mini Foxy Russells can make excellent family pets if they're well trained and properly exercised daily.
They're playful, but they don't put up with teasing, so it's essential to teach kids how to interact with them properly.
Older kids who are laidback tend to get along well with Mini Foxy Russells, while younger children may require more supervision.
However, Mini Foxy Russells don't necessarily need to live with kids to be happy - they'll thrive in a single adult or couple's household environment too.

To ensure harmony with other pets, it's crucial to manage interactions carefully, especially with smaller animals like rodents, rabbits, and timid cats.
Mini Foxy Russells have a high prey drive, which can lead them to chase these pets, causing stress to both the dog and the other animal.
Designated areas of the house can help keep pets separate and reduce stress.
Bold cats that stand their ground can adapt to life with a Mini Foxy Russell, but it's still essential to supervise interactions.
If introduced properly, Mini Foxy Russells can get along with other dogs, especially if socialized as puppies.
However, if they don't start socializing with outside dogs early on, they may grow to be aggressive to strange dogs.
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Finding and Owning
If you're considering bringing a Mini Foxie Doxie into your family, you'll want to think carefully about the time and energy they require. Mini Foxie Doxies might be small, but they're certainly not low-maintenance pets.

To find a Mini Foxie Doxie, you have several options. You could consider rescuing a dog from your local shelter or rescue organisation, or you could reach out to a reputable breeder. If you do decide to get a Mini Foxie Doxie from a breeder, make sure to do your research and find a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.
Here are some resources to help you get started:
- Mini Foxie Club of Australia: http://www.minifoxie.org/
- Fox Terrier Club NSW Inc: https://www.facebook.com/Fox-Terrier-Club-NSW-Inc-173212869399974/
- Miniature Fox Terrier - Mini Foxies: https://www.facebook.com/minifoxies/
- Pet Rescue: https://www.petrescue.com.au
If you do decide to bring a Mini Foxie Doxie home, be prepared for a lively companion who will keep you on your toes. With their intelligence, loyalty, and stubborn streak, they'll require plenty of exercise, training, and attention to keep them happy and healthy.
Similarly Sized Breeds
If you're considering the Mini Foxy Russell as a pet, you might be curious about other breeds of similar size. The Affen Tzu is 100% similar in size to the Mini Foxy Russell, making it a great alternative.
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The Norfolk Terrier and Norwich Terrier are also similar in size, with 97% and 96% similarity respectively. This means they share many of the same characteristics and needs.
If you're looking for a breed that's a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle, the Yorkipoo is a great option, with 95% similarity in size to the Mini Foxy Russell. The Jatzu is also a similar size, with 95% similarity.
Here are some breeds that are similar in size to the Mini Foxy Russell:
Things to Know
Mini Foxy Russells need a good investment of time and energy from their owners. They require weekly brushing to reduce shedding, which can be a moderate amount.
Their coats are not hypoallergenic, so be prepared for some dog hair around the house. You can use a medium bristle or pin brush for this task.
Regular ear cleaning is also important to prevent build-up and potential infections. Use a veterinarian-approved solution or pet wipes for this.

Bathing them too frequently can irritate their sensitive skin, so it's best to stick to pet wipes for cleaning. They're not prone to drooling, which is a plus.
However, if you notice a foul odor, check their ears and skin for any issues. They're generally low-maintenance in this regard, but it's still important to stay on top of things.
Mini Foxy Russells can be prone to common canine health problems, so it's a good idea to secure pet health insurance to avoid high veterinary care costs.
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Things to Know When Owning a Doxie
Doxies are small but mighty dogs that need a lot of time and energy from their owners. They're not a low-maintenance pet, so be prepared to invest in their care.
Mini Foxie Doxies are incredibly intelligent and independent, which means they love to solve problems on their own. They might even dig an escape route under your fence if they're determined to explore.
These dogs are loving and affectionate with their families, but they can become protective around strangers. They'll vocally defend you if they think you need guarding, even if it's not the case.
To manage this trait, socialization and training are essential. They may be small dogs, but they can be effective at protecting you and your home.
Doxies love to play, so they'll enjoy having a wide selection of toys to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do mini Foxies get?
Miniature Fox Terriers typically reach a height of 24-30cm and weigh between 3.5-5.5kg. This compact size makes them a great companion for city living or small homes.
Are mini Foxies cuddly?
Yes, mini Foxies are known to be loving and cuddly companions. They thrive on human interaction and enjoy snuggling up for quiet time.
Do mini Foxies shed a lot?
Yes, Mini Foxies shed a lot of hair. Regular grooming is necessary to manage their shedding.
Are mini Foxies good with kids?
Miniature Fox Terriers are excellent pets for families with kids, as they are energetic, intelligent, and loving companions. With proper care and stimulation, they make great additions to households with children of all ages.
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