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Pet Insurance for Miniature Fox Terrier

Find out all about the Miniature Fox Terrier, and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 27th, 2023       

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Price range

$500 –$1,000

Height

24cm - 30cm

Weight

3.6kg - 6kg

Personality

Active, friendly, intelligent

Coat length

Short, smooth

Exercise needs

High

Kid-friendly?

Can be

Life expectancy

13 - 15 years

Miniature Fox Terrier

Overview

Originally full-size Fox Terriers were bred in England in the 18th Century to be used to flush out foxes during fox hunts. They were brought to Australia in the late 1800s by the early settlers. These settlers then bred these Fox Terriers even smaller, so they could hunt rabbits and rodents. Some Fox Terriers were crossed with other small breeds such as the English Toy Terrier and the Italian Greyhound to produce today's Miniature Fox Terrier, often called Mini Foxies. They are closely related to the American Toy Fox Terrier, which has a similar breeding history in America to the Australian version of this breed.

Miniature Fox Terriers are smooth-coated and have a short sleek coat that requires very little maintenance. They come in a range of colours including black, white, brown and tan, although they are predominantly white with coloured markings. They are known for their spirited, alert and lively nature and affectionate personalities. To be classified as a Miniature Fox Terrier they can weigh up to 6kg with a height range of 24cm to 30cm. They are highly adaptable little dogs that have become a great favourite as family pets worldwide. They are intelligent but can be stubborn, and require consistent training. However, they have a high abandonment rate at animal shelters due to their frequent barking, and they can be very yappy dogs who are highly territorial and jealous of other pets.

Common diseases and conditions of Miniature Fox Terriers

  • Legg-Perthes Disease: Mini Fox Terriers may be prone to Legg-Perthes disease, affecting the hip joint. 
  • Myasthenia Gravis: This is a neuromuscular disease that often affects the muscles around the eyes and face.
  • Skin Allergies: Mini Foxies are prone to develop skin allergies triggered by grass seeds or other environmental factors.

Breed-specific issues: 

The high energy level of any Mini Foxie means the breed requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. They may have a strong prey drive, so should never be left alone with smaller pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs. They enjoy chasing cats, and can become noisy, yappy dogs if not given sufficient mental stimulation and early socialisation and training.  

How much does pet insurance cost for a Miniature Fox Terrier?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include: 

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
  • Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

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Common questions about Miniature Fox Terriers

Do Miniature Fox Terriers make good family pets, and are they good with small children?

Miniature Fox Terriers can be excellent family pets if socialised from an early age. They are known for their lively and friendly nature, making them a good choice for families with children. However, they are very lively and tend to bark a lot, so they may not be suitable for families with babies or very young children.  

Are Miniature Fox Terriers good for apartment living?

Miniature Fox Terriers can adapt well to apartment living, provided they receive sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. They are small in size and can thrive in smaller living spaces, but daily walks and playtime are essential to keep them content and stop them becoming nuisance yappy dogs which annoy neighbours. 

Are Miniature Fox Terriers easy to groom?

Miniature Fox Terriers have a low-maintenance, smooth and short coat which requires minimal grooming. They do not shed a lot of hair. Regular brushing and occasional baths are usually sufficient to keep them clean and comfortable. 

Are Miniature Fox Terriers prone to obesity?

Like many small breeds, Miniature Fox Terriers can be prone to obesity if overfed or lacking exercise. Proper portion control, regular exercise, and a balanced diet are crucial to maintaining their ideal weight and overall health. 

 

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Miniature Fox Terrier

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