Mini Foxie Doxie
The Mini Foxie Doxie is a cross between the Mini Fox Terrier and the Dachshund. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Mini Foxie Doxie. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Mini Fox Terrier
The Miniature Fox Terrier, affectionately known as the Mini Foxie, is a diminutive yet remarkably athletic Australian breed that typically stands between 9.5 and 12 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 8 and 12 pounds. This breed possesses a distinctly elegant appearance with a well-proportioned body that is slightly longer than it is tall, showcasing remarkable agility and impressive speed for its compact size. The Mini Foxie has a refined, noble head with a moderately pointed muzzle and large, expressive dark eyes that convey intelligence, alertness, and an eager readiness for action. Their erect ears are a defining characteristic of the breed, though they may stand completely upright or fold slightly at the tips, adding to their charming and perpetually attentive expression. The coat of the Miniature Fox Terrier is short, smooth, and close-lying against the body, requiring only minimal grooming while providing adequate protection from the elements during outdoor activities. The breed standard recognizes three permitted color combinations: black and white, tan and white, and tricolor featuring black, white, and tan markings distributed attractively across the body. The coat typically displays a predominantly white base with colored markings concentrated on the head and sometimes extending along the back and sides. Their distinctive oval-shaped feet are a unique breed characteristic that immediately sets them apart from similar terrier breeds and other small dogs. The Mini Foxie's physical structure clearly reflects its heritage as a working terrier bred for speed and endurance, combining the sleek elegance inherited from Italian Greyhound and Whippet crosses with the sturdy, compact terrier build necessary for hunting small vermin in challenging terrain. Their deep, well-developed chest allows for excellent lung capacity during active pursuit, while their well-muscled hindquarters provide explosive speed and remarkable ability to quickly change direction when chasing prey. The tail may be naturally short, naturally bobbed, or docked according to traditional practice, though many regions now favor the natural tail. Overall, the Miniature Fox Terrier presents as a refined, alert, and athletically built small dog that successfully embodies both aesthetic beauty and practical functional capability.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament While the Miniature Fox Terrier is generally friendly and outgoing with family members, they can display a somewhat reserved or cautious demeanor with strangers until properly introduced. Early socialization is essential to ensure they develop into well-rounded adults who are comfortable in various situations. These dogs can be scrappy with other dogs, particularly those of the same sex, and their terrier heritage can lead to a somewhat independent or stubborn streak during training. However, their desire to please their owners combined with their intelligence makes them responsive to consistent, positive reinforcement training methods that incorporate play and rewards.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Dental health requires particular attention in the Mini Foxie, as small breeds are frequently prone to dental disease, tartar buildup, and tooth loss if regular dental care is not maintained. Von Willebrand's disease, a blood clotting disorder, has been identified in some lines of the breed, making it advisable to request health testing from breeders. Allergies, both environmental and food-related, may affect some individuals, manifesting as skin irritation, itching, or digestive upset. Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, can occasionally occur and is typically manageable with daily medication. Responsible breeders who are members of breed clubs actively screen their breeding stock to minimize the transmission of these hereditary conditions to future generations.
Dachshund
The Dachshund is an instantly recognizable breed characterized by its distinctively elongated body, short legs, and bold personality that has earned it devoted admirers worldwide. This German breed comes in two sizes: standard Dachshunds typically weigh between 16 and 32 pounds, while miniature Dachshunds weigh 11 pounds or less when fully mature. Despite their small stature, standing only 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder for standards and 5 to 6 inches for miniatures, these dogs possess a surprisingly muscular and sturdy build that reflects their heritage as determined hunters of underground prey. The breed's unique silhouette features a long, low-slung body with a deep, keel-shaped chest that provides ample lung capacity for sustained underground work. The head is elongated and tapers uniformly toward the nose, with a slightly arched skull and a strong, scissors bite. Their medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes project an intelligent and energetic expression, while their long, rounded ears hang close to the cheeks, framing the face attractively. The Dachshund's front legs are short, powerful, and slightly curved to facilitate digging, while the hindquarters are muscular and well-angulated to provide driving power. Dachshunds come in three distinct coat varieties, each with its own grooming requirements and slightly different personality nuances. The smooth-coated variety features short, dense, shiny hair that lies close to the body. The longhaired variety displays a slightly wavy, glistening coat with longer feathering on the ears, chest, underside, and legs. The wirehaired variety has a short, rough, thick outer coat with a finer undercoat, along with a distinctive beard and bushy eyebrows. Coat colors are remarkably diverse, including solid red ranging from cream to deep mahogany, black and tan, chocolate and tan, wild boar, and various patterns including dapple, brindle, sable, and piebald. The tail is carried as a continuation of the spine without excessive curvature.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Dachshunds are notably vocal dogs who will readily alert their families to visitors, unusual sounds, or anything they deem noteworthy, making them excellent watchdogs despite their size. This alertness can sometimes translate to excessive barking if not properly managed through training. The breed's temperament can vary somewhat depending on coat type, with longhaired Dachshunds generally considered the calmest and most affectionate, smooth-coated individuals falling somewhere in the middle, and wirehaired Dachshunds displaying more terrier-like boldness and energy. All varieties share a love of burrowing and will enthusiastically tunnel under blankets, pillows, or anything else that allows them to satisfy this instinctive behavior.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Beyond spinal issues, Dachshunds are prone to obesity due to their love of food and their owners' tendency to overfeed these adorable beggars. Excess weight dramatically increases the strain on their vulnerable backs and contributes to other health problems including diabetes and heart disease. Patellar luxation, dental disease, and progressive retinal atrophy are additional concerns seen in the breed. Epilepsy has been documented in some Dachshund lines, as have cardiac conditions including mitral valve disease. Regular veterinary examinations, appropriate exercise that doesn't stress the spine, dental care, and weight management are essential components of keeping a Dachshund healthy throughout its life.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Mini Foxie Doxie may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Mini Fox Terrier and Dachshund to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.