Miniature Dachshund vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison

Miniature Dachshund vs Fox Terrier - Breed ComparisonFox Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Miniature Dachshund is originated from Germany. Fox Terrier may grow 21 cm / 9 inches higher than Miniature Dachshund. Both Fox Terrier and Miniature Dachshund are having almost same weight. Both Fox Terrier and Miniature Dachshund has almost same life span. Both Fox Terrier and Miniature Dachshund has almost same litter size. Both Fox Terrier and Miniature Dachshund requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Hound dog
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United Kingdom
Germany
Height Male:
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
13 - 18 cm
5 - 8 inches
Height Female:
32 - 36 cm
12 - 15 inches
13 - 18 cm
5 - 8 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 9 kg
17 - 20 pounds
3 - 5 kg
6 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 8 kg
15 - 18 pounds
3 - 5 kg
6 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
14 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
3 - 5
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Wire hair fox terrier Wirehaired terrier Fox terrier Wire
Badger Dog, Wiener Dog, Sausage Dog, Mini Sausage
Colors Available:
predominant white base with brown markings of the face and ears, and usually a black saddle or large splotch of color; there may be other black or brown markings on the body.
cream, chocolate etc, black, Red, black and tan
Coat:
rough, Broken
Long or short
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

fox terrierThe Wirehaired Fox Terrier and the Smooth Fox Terrier were for over 100 years the same breed of dog. Now it is believed that they are two separate breeds with two separate ancestry. It is an English creation with Dachshunds, Fox Hound, English Hounds, and Beagle in their background. It is also believed that the Wales, Durham and Derbyshire extinct rough-coated black and tan working terrier. The white terrier breeds that exist today are related to the Fox Terrier. In addition, it is recognized that terrier breeds of today such as the Jack Russel, the Rat Terrier, and the Miniature Fox Terrier are descendants of the Fox Terrier.

They are one of the oldest of the terrier breeds dating back to the 17tth century in the British Isles. They were primarily farm dogs guarding against the fox and vermin. Like any terrier they go to ground – digging, growling, barking and lunging at the den until the animal comes out and the farmer killed it. The breed was made popular in England through their living with royalty. The Nots Kennel had a lot to do with this as well. King Edward VII’ Wire Fox Terrier came from the Notts Kennel. The Best Champion of Crufts in 1911 was a Wire Fox Terrier, and Queen Victoria had one as well. The Wire Fox Terrier finally became a family dog in the 1930’s. During this time there were feature movies and comic strips that feature a Wire Fox Terrier, such as The Thin Man and The Adventures of Tintin.

The late 1900’s saw the population moving off the farms, out of the country and into the cities. This caused a decline in the popularity of the breed. Keeping terriers born to hunt in the city proved a challenge in the beginning. Their popularity is influenced as well by the breeds success in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York – second only to the Crufts Dog Show in England. Adding to their early success at Crufts, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier breed has won more Westminster Best in Show than any other with 14. Only five dogs have won at Westminster more than once and one of those is a Wirehaired Fox Terrier. A Smooth Fox Terrier won it three times.

miniature dachshundThe Dachshund breed is ancient and was developed in Germany sometime around the 16th century.

It was in 1870 that Dachshunds first came to the United States to be used for hunting. During the 19th century, German hunters wanted smaller dachshunds.

The Dachshund was crossed with toy terriers. The coat comes in three coats – smooth-, long-haired and wire-haired. There is just one size of Miniature Dachshund in the UK and the United States.

Description

fox terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wirehaired Fox terrier is a sturdy dog with features quite similar to the Smooth Fox Terrier. It is symmetrical with a short back, round, dark eyes, a body that is shorter and ears that are v-shaped. He is medium sized with a flat skull that narrows as it approaches the nose. The nose is black, and the muzzle also tapers to it. The breed has a high, docked tail outside the United Kingdom. The tail is natural in the United Kingdom. They don’t have a broad or narrow chest, but it is deep. Laid back shoulders and a short back are signs of good breeding. Their legs are strong, and their feet have tough, cushioned pads.

miniature dachshund puppy - descriptionComing in a range of colors such as red, black, black and tan, cream, chocolate etc, the coat of the Miniature Dachshund can be long or short. Both male and females stand at between 13 – 18cm and weigh between 3 and 5kg.

These dogs are characterized by the long back and very short legs with floppy ears and a long tail. The face is always bright and alert.

Temperament:

The Miniature Dachshund is a small dog and can happily adapt to life in the city as well as in the countryside. This is because with their exercise needs, they don’t require a huge garden but can in fact, exercise indoors.

They’ve always been bred to hunt and are independent and feisty. They’re also intelligent and will do well with training and socialization.

They are also devoted to their families and are known to bark when strangers come near their family. They’ve got a lot of energy and just love being involved with games or going on a walk. Consider him when going on a walk though as his little legs have to take many more steps as compared to your one step.

They can be stubborn, but are friendly, lovable little pets, they aren’t suited for homes with toddlers unless the children have been taught to be exceedingly gentle and kind with animals, especially small, fragile ones like this. They can so easily get hurt.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

fox terrier dog - characteristicsThe Wirehaired Fox Terrier is good with children but if teased and frustrated he could bite. Children should know how to play with them and not to tease them.

Special talents

He is great at performing tricks, tracking, agility, watch dog, competitive hunting or field trials.

Adaptability

The Wirehaired Fox Terrier is quite adaptable and can live anywhere. He is not a big dog but remember he is very high energy.

Learning ability

The breed is very smart but being independent thinkers, they can be difficult to train at times. Consistency and patience are needed when training the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. They get bored easily and if training sessions are not fun you will lose them. This is a breed that loves people but need constant supervision and companionship.

miniature dachshund dog - characteristicsThe Miniature Dachshund has lots of qualities which make him such a splendid pet. He is intelligent, brave, bold and loyal with his human family.

He is fun-loving and energetic and thrives on lots of games and walks. He is versatile in nature and also loves to take things easy indoors with his family.

These little dogs form strong bonds with their family and don’t like to be left on their own. When you have one of these as a pet you’re allowing a whole lot of joy into your home.

Health Problems

fox terrier puppies - health problemsThis is basically a healthy breed, but there are some potential issues that could arise:

  1. Cataracts
  2. Causes a cloudiness and can cause blindness
  3. Luxating Patellas
  4. “Floating Kneecaps” – dislocated kneecaps. Causes lameness and arthritis
  5. Legg-Calve-Perthes Syndrome
  6. Causes a very serious muscle loss in the dog’s legs
  7. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
  8. Causes lameness and arthritis
  9. Epilepsy
  10. Causes seizures
  11. Shoulder Dislocation
  12. Causes pain and arthritis
  13. Mast Cell Tumors
  14. Cancer – could be fatal
  15. Post Nasal Drip
  16. Just annoying
  17. Deafness

This is possible in white terriers

miniature dachshund puppies - health problemsBe very careful with the Miniature Dachshund because of their long backs. You don't want to be allowing him to be jumping off chairs etc as their backs are prone to injury. To solve the problem you can buy special stairs and ramps for small dogs.

They can live to be between 12 and 14 years of age when looked after well.

A disease that is fairly common in the Miniature Dachshund is Intervertebral Disc Disease, a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column bulge or burst into the spinal cord space, pressing on the nerves and causing nerve damage and worse, paralysis.

Symptoms of the disease include among others

  • whimpering or whining in agony
  • pain in rear legs as well as weakness
  • unwillingness to jump and reduction in activity levels
  • hunched back
  • loss of bladder- and bowel control

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

fox terrier dogs - caringGive them two meals maybe three per day. Total food per day divided into the number of meals is 1/8-1/4 cup day.

Feeding the adult

Once again feed one-two meals per day and don’t overfeed. Total of ½ cup day

Games and Exercises

Being a terrier, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier needs a lot of exercise. He is energetic and playful. He loves to play ball, take interesting walks, and play in fenced areas. He needs to be in either a fenced area or on a leash as he will chase any small animal that he sees moving. But if you leave him unsupervised in a fenced area, don’t forget he is a terrier. He is likely to dig under or climb over a fence that isn’t entirely secure.

He loves earth dog trials, agility, tracking, hunting, flyball, and running. He hardly ever walks. He can play ball chasing for hours if you let him. Exercise is bonding for you and your Wirehaired Fox Terrier.

miniature dachshund dogs - caringDachshunds can put on weight quickly and you want to avoid this at all costs as extra weight can put strain on the back.

If you feed your Mini Dachshund commercially manufactured dog food, choose the best quality ones, high in vitamins and minerals and avoid some of the cheaper ones that use unwholesome fillers, colorants, sugar and lots of salt, all of which can be toxic for your pet.

Of course home-made food is always best, but not any foods either. It is best with any dog to keep their foods simple and consistent so as to avoid stomach problems. Chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as potatoes carrots and spinach will do wonders for him. Make sure that there is a constant supply of fresh, cool water for him.

Grooming:

A good brush of the coat twice a week will do fine for your Miniature Dachshund. Remember to check him over for fleas and ticks when you brush him and to feel for any unusual lumps. Keep the nails trimmed.

Check both eyes and ears for infection. There are ways to keep the inside of long eared dog breeds clean and dry, but if you’re unsure there are always professional groomers who will do the job for you, and clean their teeth at the same time. You can brush your dogs teeth 2 or 3 times a week to avoid plaque build up, gum infection and tooth loss.

Comparison with other breeds

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  5. Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  8. Fox Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Fox Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Fox Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  28. Miniature Dachshund vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Miniature Dachshund vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Miniature Dachshund vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Miniature Dachshund vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Miniature Dachshund vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Miniature Dachshund vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Miniature Dachshund vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Miniature Dachshund vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Miniature Dachshund vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Miniature Dachshund vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Miniature Dachshund vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Miniature Dachshund vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Miniature Dachshund vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Miniature Dachshund vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Miniature Dachshund vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Miniature Dachshund vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Miniature Dachshund vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Dachshund vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Miniature Dachshund vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Miniature Dachshund vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Miniature Dachshund vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Miniature Dachshund vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Miniature Dachshund vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison