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Mini Fox Pinscher (Miniature Pinscher & Mini Fox Terrier Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Mini Fox Pinscher mixed breed dog

Height: 9-11 inches
Weight: 6-10 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Colors: Brown, red, black, white, fawn
Suitable for: Companion dogs
Temperament: Protective, bold, loyal, affectionate

The Mini Fox Pinscher is a mix of the Miniature Pinscher and the Mini Fox Terrier. They can also be called the Mini Fox Pin, Mini Pinscher Terrier, or the Mini Finscher. They are tiny dogs because they are bred with two miniature breeds. Expect to get a great deal of dog in this little package, though.

As most small breed dogs, they have a longer life expectancy and live up to 15 years. They are typically quite healthy throughout their life as well. They appear to be a little sprite, with pointed ears and long legs attached to a lithe, thin body. They have short coats that come in a variety of colors and patterns.

The AKC has not yet recognized them because it is a newer hybrid, and the AKC generally only recognizes purebred dogs.

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Mini Fox Pinscher Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Although the parent breeds of the Miniature Fox Terrier are popular, finding this mixed dog is where the water gets a little muddy. They have never become common in the U.S. You can expect a waiting list if you would like to adopt one. If they are the pup of your dreams, be willing to travel quite a long way and wait for a while to adopt one.

When you welcome a Mini Fox Pinscher into your family, be ready to have a loyal dog by your side. They’re protective of their family and will create strong bonds with their human companions. They’re generally healthy dogs, but it’s always important to have regular vet check-ups to prevent common dog diseases.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Mini Fox Pinscher

1. The Miniature Pinscher is sometimes called the “King of the Toys.”

The Miniature Pinscher, or the Min Pin, is as regal as they are small. In Germany, where they were first bred, the name “Pinscher” means “terrier” or “biter” in German. They are descendants of many larger dogs crossed with many smaller dogs to achieve the size and overall stature that they have today.

These dogs were bred to be hunters of vermin almost as small as they are. To catch rats, mice, and other creatures, they needed to be able to scamper under and around things like their prey. They have Standard German Pinschers, Dachshunds, Italian Greyhounds, and quite a few other noble dogs in their bloodline.

The Min Pin was originally popular in Scandinavian countries and Germany. They arrived in America in the early 20th century and quickly grew in popularity here as well. The AKC recognized them in 1925.

2. The Toy and Mini Fox Terriers used to be quite popular.

The Toy Fox Terrier has always been more prevalent than the Mini Fox Terrier. They have experienced quite a few swings in popularity in America. They were initially developed in the early 1900s as hunting dogs for small vermin. They are a newer breed than quite a few purebred dogs, but their prey drive and hunting instinct are as strong as any other.

The Mini Fox Terrier is known for their quick wit, being an intelligent and adorable dog. They are agile and small in size, making them more manageable than some more substantial breeds. Because of all these factors, they quickly gained popularity among the general public.

The AKC only recognized them in 2003 because it took quite some time for the breed to stabilize. They make great pets and show dogs. Even still, they have seen a substantial decline in overall popularity. Some assume that it is because many people don’t use them for hunting anymore.

3. The Mini Fox Pinscher is thought to have originated in the 1900s.

If the Mini Fox Terrier is such a relatively young purebred, the Mini Fox Pinscher is considered a relatively old hybrid. Since the early 1900s, they have been bred shortly after the Mini Fox Terrier was originally brought to the dog scene. They were bred together when both breeds were known and famous in the U.S.

The Mini Fox Pinscher is quite established and has a high prey drive because both their parents are such driven hunters. The AKC has not yet recognized them. They still vary in temperament and appearance because they have never had standards enforced by any club or kennel.

Parent Breeds of Mini Fox Pinscher
Image Credit: Jumpstory

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Mini Fox Pinscher 🧠

The Mini Fox Pinscher is an energetic dog. It is small, often weighing less than 10 pounds, even as an adult. They have a big personality and suffer from small dog syndrome. A sign of this is that they are vocal and protective pups.

These dogs are smart but also notoriously stubborn. They are challenging to train and can be hard for new dog owners because they are a handful. However, they are alert, so if you can get them obedience training, they make wonderful watchdogs.

These pups do not like strangers, whether they are humans or animals. They need socialization to accustom them to proper social behavior. They tend to be quite protective, and without the right training, they might bite or growl roughly at anyone new.

This social behavior is in contrast to the way they act with their people. Anyone they define as “theirs” receives endless love and attention. They want to be around them all the time and enjoy constant cuddling.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

These dogs are suitable for families, but they also need to be watched and trained carefully. They love their family members with every ounce in their small bodies. They don’t always have the most patience, though. When they are around little kids, they might nip or struggle with rough behavior.

Since they are so small, there is a chance that kids can also inflict some damage to the dogs. Be careful when they are around each other until they understand how to treat others with respect and care.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Mini Fox Pinscher does not get along with other pets well unless they have been socialized from a young age. They need extra attention when it comes to other animals.

If they grow accustomed to other animals consistently in the house, they won’t have prolonged problems. However, if they meet new animals, they are protective and jealous pups. Be careful around new dogs, especially since they can feel threatened and act out.

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Things to Know When Owning a Mini Fox Pinscher

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Although it can be difficult to track down one of these dogs, once you have adopted one, they are much easier to care for and feed. Due to their size, they do not need much food at all. They only require about half a cup of food each day.

These pups naturally appear quite skinny, although they do gain weight quickly if they are overfed. Take them for their annual vet appointments to make sure that they maintain the weight they need.

Exercise 🐕

The Mini Fox Pinscher has a great deal of energy brimming out of their little bodies. Since they are so small, though, they don’t need as much time or distance to get the wiggles out. They only need about 20 minutes of consistent activity each day. It means that they make excellent apartment pets because they can get almost enough exercise just bouncing around the home.

It is still best to take them on walks. To give you a gauge, try to take them out for an average of 6 miles each week.

Training 🦮

Training is difficult for these dogs. They are renowned for their stubbornness. If they want something or do not want something, they express it loudly. They have no fear, being bold and vigorous dogs.

Early socialization is one of the essential parts of training these dogs. Many of their common behavioral issues derive from their poor social behavior. They might need additional obedience training from a school to attain the best behavior.

Grooming ✂️

Both parental breeds of the Mini Fox Pinscher have shorter coats, so they do not have the possibility of developing a longer one and are easily maintained. They shed moderately, so it is still helpful to brush them at least once a week with a slicker brush or a de-shedder.

Beyond brushing them, they benefit from monthly stripping. Even though the pups do not shed too much, they are not hypoallergenic. They need a bath around once a month, with a shampoo made specifically for dogs. These don’t strip as many oils from their skin.

They need their ears cleaned around once a week with a damp cloth. They need their eyes cleaned out weekly to keep it free from damaging crust around their eyes. Since these pups only require a minimal amount of physical activity on the part of the owner, they need their nails clipped more often than other larger dogs would, up to twice a month.

Clean their teeth daily to keep them away from the dentist. These little dogs are somewhat prone to dental issues.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The Mini Fox Pinscher typically has a clean bill of health for many of their years. They are known to be a robust dog that doesn’t tend to suffer from many diseases. Watch their weight to keep them as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

Minor Conditions
  • Allergies
  • Cataracts
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Corneal dystrophy
  • Mitral valve disease
Serious Conditions
  • Patellar luxation
  • Von Willebrand’s disease
  • Lens luxation
  • Legg-Calve Perthes disease

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Male vs Female

There are yet no recognizable differences between the males and females of this breed. They stay around the same small size and weight, and their personalities vary along the same spectrum. It is important to spay or neuter your dog in order to reduce the risk of certain cancers and prevent undesirable behaviors related to mating.

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Conclusion

Mini Fox Pinschers are a great choice for dog owners looking for a small breed. They have a feisty personality that is typical of smaller dogs.

These pups are full of love and affection. They are vocal and will let you know if you displease them.

If you want a dog for a family with small children, these pups might not be the best choice for you. However, if you are looking for a friend as a single or as a family with older kids, they have enough love to go around.

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Featured Image Credit: PxHere

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