Also known as the Mini Foxie, the Miniature Fox Terrier is a loyal and playful breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the Miniature Fox Terrier can be traced back to early 19th century Australia. Enthusiasts believe that these dogs were created by crossing such breeds as the Fox Terrier, Manchester Terrier, English Toy Terrier, and the Whippet, though this has never been proven scientifically or otherwise.
Throughout its history, the Miniature Fox Terrier has been most commonly used to rid barns, ships, and businesses of small vermin such as rats and mice, proving its superior ability to work endlessly while providing gentle companionship.
Today, while the Miniature Fox Terrier has attained an underground popularity, the breed is overshadowed by the similar Toy Fox Terrier, and remains rather rare outside of its native Australia.
Personality Traits
Best known for its playful and spunky nature, the Miniature Fox Terrier is full of character. These dogs thrive on strong and dependable relationships with humans, and love attention and playing the role of lap dog on occasion. This breed is very bright and generally easy to train. As a pet, the Miniature Fox Terrier is obedient, very loyal, loving, and affectionate. The Miniature Fox Terrier adapts well to full-time indoor and apartment living, yet still enjoys spending time outdoors, playing games such as fetch and frisbee, and taking long and leisurely walks.
Train-ability
Due to its need for human relationships and eagerness to please and impress its owner, the Miniature Fox Terrier generally responds well to basic training and commands. This bright breed has the ability to learn to perform most any task its trainer is willing to take the time to teach.
Establishing immediate dominance, trust, and respect is key to successfully training the Miniature Fox Terrier. These dogs require a confident, patient, and caring handler with a stern yet gentle approach to repetitive exercises and tasks.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning a Miniature Fox Terrier, such as its no hassle, low maintenance coat. These active and curious dogs are always on the go, and often quite amusing and entertaining to watch while at play. This breed is very bright, easy to train, very loyal, and capable of learning to perform many impressive tricks and tasks. When properly socialized from a young age, the Miniature Fox Terrier gets along well with small children and other pets, known for making friends quickly with other animals. The Miniature Fox Terrier is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate, making an excellent family pet and companion alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a Miniature Fox Terrier. Like many companion breeds, these dogs are known to suffer from separation anxiety. Individuals wishing to purchase this breed who travel frequently, have full time work, or are away from the home on a daily basis are advised to begin researching another breed. During an attack of separation anxiety, the Miniature Fox Terrier will act out of nervous destruction and may destroy property, chew, dig, bark, whine, and ignore basic training such as housebreaking.
The Miniature Fox Terrier has a strong instinct to hunt and will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, these small dogs are surprisingly quick, and may pose a threat to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. The Miniature Fox Terrier must be leashed or properly secured at all times when outdoors.
For reasons unknown, the Miniature Fox Terrier loves to dig, and is quite good at doing so. It is not unusual for this breed to dig a hole under a fence within the matter of only a few minutes. The Miniature Fox Terrier must be properly secured or supervised while outdoors.
As previously mentioned, the Miniature Fox Terrier remains rather rare outside of its native Australia and can prove quite difficult to obtain. Individuals seeking to purchase this breed often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.
Common Health Concerns
While the Miniature Fox Terrier is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, patellar luxation – dislocation of the knee, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, congenital heart defects, entropian – folding inward of the eye lid, ectropian – folding outward of the eye lid, and various dental problems.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a Miniature Fox Terrier? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.heydogs.com/m/miniature-fox-terrier.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/miniature_fox_terrier
