Mini Fox Beagle (Beagle & Fox Terrier Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts
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| Height: | 12–14 inches |
| Weight: | 19–23 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Colors: | White, brown, black, tan |
| Suitable for: | Apartments, families, hunting |
| Temperament: | Alert, devoted, protective |
The Mini Fox Beagle is a cross between the Toy Fox Terrier and the Beagle. These two dogs combine to make a small to a medium-sized pup that is adorable and friendly. Mini Fox Beagles often resemble more of the Beagle than the Terrier, with a personality that is an unmistakable mix of them both.
These little dogs prefer to be around people. They adapt well to many different living situations. Because of their size, they do well as apartment dogs. They have strong bodies and short legs. Their expression can make them seem like little humans because it so clearly speaks to how they feel.
Mini Fox Beagle Puppies
Mini Fox Beagles are a mix of two lovable pups that are quite popular and therefore have many breeders competing for viability. The combination of the two is relatively common.
Mini Fox Terriers are an affordable dog in terms of the overall cost. When searching for a Mini Fox Beagle, ensure the breed of both parents by asking to see their registration papers. Any reputable breeder will be willing to show you these and the parent dogs. Only showing you the parents doesn’t mean that they are the parents of your chosen pup, though, so insist on the papers.
Breeders who take pride in their business and reputation will also take the time to show you around their facility. Wherever they raise their pups, it should be clean and spacious enough for the dogs to live comfortably.
For a dog like a Mini Fox Terrier, you might find one in a shelter. Adopting them at a shelter comes with a lower price and allows you to give a dog a family.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Mini Fox Beagle
1. The Beagle has gone through many periods of popularity.
The Beagle is thought to have come from the Romans, arriving in England with William the Conqueror. They quickly grew in popularity over several hundred years as a hunting dog for foxes.
During the 1700s, the Beagle was outranked by the faster and somewhat larger Foxhound. These became the preferred hunting dog for the English, and the Beagles became relegated to farmland. They continued to hunt there but were mostly used for rabbits and smaller game.
In the late 1800s, Willet Randall began breeding and working with Beagles. He ended up developing the Patch Beagle. These pups became incredibly popular and were at their peak throughout the 1940s and 50s. They were used for all kinds of hunting and tracking because they could run so quickly and were quite persistent.
Beagles have been featured in countless movies and series. Some of the most notable include “Shiloh,” “Cats and Dogs,” “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Inspector Gadget,” “John Wick,” and “Tomorrowland.” They are considered one of America’s canine sweethearts and remain ever-popular.
2. Australians had a hand in breeding the Toy Fox Terrier.
The Toy Fox Terrier is quite a mix of other breeds. Their ancestors include the Fox Terriers, English Toy Terriers, Toy Manchester Terriers, and the Whippet.
It all began in England. Even with a plethora of other hunting dogs, there was yet to be a pup developed that was an enduring hunter with plenty of speed but was small enough to hunt small animals. They began working with all of these breeds to develop such a little dog. The Fox Terrier that we know today wasn’t achieved until settlers began to take their dogs with them to Australia. They were bred out again and used for hunting rats, snakes, and non-native rabbits.
These pups made their way to America, where they were bred with Chihuahuas and Italian Greyhounds to achieve the tiny Toy Fox Terrier that we have today.
3. The Mini Fox Beagle is prone to separation anxiety.
Mini Fox Beagles are a mix of two sociable canines. They need to be around people as much as possible and therefore require someone who frequently spends time at home. They also do well with larger families because it means that more people are around.
If these pups are left alone for too long, they struggle with separation anxiety. Even though they are little, this can result in destructive behavior. It also leads to decreased immunity and an increase in certain health risks.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Mini Fox Beagle 🧠
The Mini Fox Beagle inherits traits from both their parents, but some typically favor one over the other. It is relatively easy to guess what the temperament will be of one of these pups because the Toy Fox Terrier and the Beagle share many traits.
These little dogs are typically fearless and curious. They love to explore almost as much as they like to sit on the couch and cuddle for hours on end. They generally have the loyal and devoted nature that Beagles do, but they are also quite alert and perky, like the smaller Fox Terriers.
These pups are companion dogs. They prefer to be in the home than kept outside, and they will not thrive in a consistently lonely outdoor environment. Mini Fox Beagles are generally quite easy to train, but they can be selectively deaf. That means that they prefer to follow their noses or ears more than commands from you when it suits them.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡
These dogs make good dogs for families because they like to be around people and generally have a patient personality. They should be watched carefully when they interact with young kids. Both the kids and the dogs should be taught how to socialize with each other.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽
Mini Fox Beagles can get along with other pets if they are socialized properly. They have a high prey drive, so they need to be taught how to behave appropriately around small dogs and cats, even if they are the same size.
Things to Know When Owning a Mini Fox Beagle
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
These pups are quite small and so is their appetite. They only eat 1–2 cups of food each day. They are quite energetic, so they need a diet fortified with healthy sources of carbohydrates and plenty of crude protein. Look for foods with fish and fish oils and antioxidants essential for a healthy coat and skin.
Exercise 🐕
Mini Fox Beagles are a medium-energy dog. They have short legs, though, so it doesn’t take too much on your part to wear them out.
Each day, they should be taken for multiple walks. They do not entertain themselves well and should not be expected to exercise themselves when left out in the yard alone for too long. Try engaging them in activity for around 60 minutes every day to keep them in good shape and temperament.
Training 🦮
The Mini Fox Beagle is intelligent, which helps quite a bit in training sessions. Since they form such a strong bond with their family, they tend to be quite eager to please. This attitude makes them receptive to training.
One of the most important parts of their training is to give them positive feedback. They need to know that they are doing a good job and satisfying you. Socialize them from an early age to ensure that they get along with other breeds. Since these pups are selectively deaf, they need leash training. They should always be on a leash when they are outside unless you are extremely confident that they will listen to you consistently.
Grooming ✂️
Mini Fox Beagles have a short coat. They only need minimal brushing to keep them healthy and happy. Comb them at least once a week to minimize shedding and keep up the gloss on their coats.
Brush their teeth a couple of times a week to avoid tartar buildup. Keep their ears clean as well, wiping them out to prevent ear infections. Their nails should be trimmed at least once a month because they are not active enough to keep them naturally short.
Health and Conditions ❤️
As younger dogs, these pups are generally quite healthy. Unfortunately, as they age, there are health concerns that you and your vet should watch out for.
- Cherry eye
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Beagle dwarfism
- Glaucoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Legg-Calve Perthes disease
Male vs. Female
There are no recognizable differences between males and females in this breed.
Final Thoughts
A Mini Fox Beagle is the perfect-sized dog for a family. They typically get along well with other animals and with a little training, can make the perfect pet. Brave and curious, the small dogs are ready for action whenever you are. They are also happy simply cuddling with you for hours.
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Featured image: Lukreo, Shutterstock
